High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op
With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart
Photo courtesy Pursuit of Happy Hips DVD
Don’t let the words downward facing dog and scorpion pose frighten you: they’re yoga terms. Lululemon turned athletic apparel into trendy everyday attire, while Halfmoon worked together with students and teachers to produce high-quality mats. Sweat with the best at Bikram’s Yoga College or Westcoast Hot Yoga. The Pursuit of Happy Hips DVD ($24.99) features over four hours of poses, was filmed locally and is available at Lululemon. Namaste.—Jennifer Patterson
This Canada-inspired hoodie is a hot-ticket item from Lululemon
In just one decade, the local Lululemon has expanded from a single shop in Kitsilano to countless stores around the world. It claims to sell “yoga-inspired athletic apparel,” but women of all shapes and sizes know what it really sells: yoga pants that make butts look great. Founded by Chip Wilson of Westbeach Snowboard fame, the company also produces hoodies, gear bags, yoga mats and other apparel designed to make the wearer look and feel good while working out. A new line of Cheer Gear (pictured) sports the national colours of Sweden, Germany, the US and Canada.—Sheri Radford
Gorgeous spirit wraps are a stylish souvenir
Local gal Chloë Angus inspires fashionistas of any age with her innovative clothing collection, flattering to women of all shapes and sizes. Her unique spirit wraps (pictured) incorporate beautiful imagery by Haida artist Clarence Mills. Pick up your piece of fashionable art at Frances Hill’s or Fine Finds, and visit www.chloeangus.com to see the many ways to wear it.—Jennifer Patterson
Locals love Roots for its soft fabrics and classic style
Keep warm and show some national pride in a hoodie (pictured) from the Canada Collection or a sweater from the new International Collection, featuring countries such as China, Finland and France, all by Roots. This heritage brand has channeled northern lifestyle since 1973 and made a name for itself thanks to classic designs and leather bags. It’s definitely souvenir-worthy.—Jennifer Patterson
Stylish bags from Palmer and Sons are a great souvenir
Vancouver-based father-and-son duo Palmer and Sons pride themselves on designing and creating hand-crafted, high-quality leather products. Each item—including suitcases, bags (Leather Gladstone No 10 M, pictured), cuffs and belts—is made using traditional methods and vintage tools and isn’t constructed until the time of purchase, a rarity in this era of rapid production. Offered in different sizes, these limited-issue designs are available in a variety of classic-coloured leathers, making each one a timeless piece and a perfect accessory for both travel and everyday use.—Jennifer Patterson
Kitschy umbrellas, like this one from The Umbrella Shop, make the days seem less dreary in Vancouver
Like they say, when it rains, it pours—and in Vancouver, it’s usually for a few days at a time. The Umbrella Shop, a local mainstay since 1935, stocks quality bumbershoots (one boasts our city’s skyline, pictured) in a range of prints so charming, you’ll want to brave the deluge. Find other cheery rain gear, including rubber boots, brollies and waterproof outerwear, at Gumdrops.—Kristina Urquhart
The iconic Hudson's Bay Co. point blanket is a great Canadian souvenir
Canada is only 143 years old, so it’s remarkable that we’re home to the world’s oldest continuously operating trading company: the Hudson’s Bay Company (The Bay). Founded in 1670, HBC originally worked the fur trade, and in 1780 the Hudson’s Bay point blanket (pictured, right) became one of HBC’s in-demand
This souvenir axe is painted with the traditional HBC colours
staples. Easily recognized thanks to its now-iconic pattern of blue, yellow, red and green stripes, it can be spotted in homes not only in Canada but also around the world. At the downtown store find paddles, scarves, vintage-style hockey jerseys and one-of-a-kind coats by Canadian fashion designers, along with made-to-order canoes, all from the new 120-piece collection. The axe (pictured, left) that was once a necessity has become a collector’s item, complete with its own carrying case. And it doesn’t get more Canadiana than maple syrup, available in a delicious solid or liquid form.—Jennifer Patterson
Your insider guide to Vancouver by Douglas Coupland
Douglas Coupland is a proud Canadian and an even prouder Vancouverite. The author of Souvenir of Canada, Generation X and countless other novels and non-fiction tomes has revised and expanded his love letter to Vancouver, called City of Glass (Douglas & McIntyre, $24.95). Read it to discover how Vancouver is similar to The Simpsons, where “the nakedest place in Canada” is, why the Grouse Grind is better than a singles bar and other insider knowledge. At local bookstores.—Sheri Radford
Get suited up for all kinds of weather in Arc'teryx gear
One of the downsides of living in a rainforest is the predictable wet—and at times snowy—weather, but don’t let this small roadblock stop you from getting your nature fix. North Vancouver success story Arc’teryx sets the standard for outdoor gear, including high-tech jackets (pictured) and snuggle-worthy fleece zip-ups. Available at Coast Mountain Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Comor Sports. So keep yourself warm and dry as you carve through the powdery snow, paddle a kayak through the crystal-clear water and breathe in that fresh West Coast air.—Jennifer Patterson
Kiss & Makeup is a one-stop shop for makeup and other beauty goodies
Head over the bridge to Park Royal and check out chic boutique Kiss & Makeup. This beauty-lovers’ paradise is filled with covetable skincare products, accessories and makeup, including items from the much-lauded Malin+Goetz, delicious fragrances by Fresh and must-have clutches by Andrea Brueckner.—Jennifer Patterson
This supple leather sack from Roots is perfect for travelling
Make a stylish statement as you tour the city with a super-soft leather knapsack from Roots. It may seem like a throwback to school days gone by, but there’s nothing out-of-date about this vintage-inspired bag. It’s perfect for toting purchases and keeping hands free for coffee or for the latest issues of Where Vancouver and Where Whistler. With the eye-catching Canadian flag adorning the back, this classic souvenir will no doubt be snapped up quickly, just in time for the 2010 Winter Games.—Jennifer Patterson
Bundle up for a day on the slopes with this cool Oakley jacket
The 2006 silver medallist in Torino for women’s half-pipe was Colorado-native Gretchen Bleiler. In between her preparations for the 2010 Winter Games, Bleiler has been keeping busy by designing a signature line for sportswear giant Oakley. In addition to funky jackets, she’s designed eyewear, hats, sweaters, bags and tees. Grab this trend-setting gear at the Oakley O Store.—Jennifer Patterson
Treat yourself to a spa treatment, after a long day on the slopes. Photo by Robert Leon, courtesy Four Seasons
1 The hydrating facials at Vida Spa are perfect after a day on the slopes.
2 The Spa (pictured) uses peppermint to celebrate winter in its Four Seasons Treatment.
3 Full-day spa packages—aptly named mini vacations—are available at Avello Spa and Health Club.—Jennifer Patterson
Brow goodies by Benefit
Check out the Benefit Brow Bar at Holt Renfrew or newly opened Murale and have aestheticians—all rigorously trained by Benefit—tame those caterpillars-to-be. Following a fuss-free waxing, learn about the range of eyebrow-related products (pictured) that’ll keep you looking your best day after day.—Jennifer Patterson
Rogers' Chocolates is a popular local brand
It’s no secret West Coasters take pride in shopping local. To get a better sense of what makes us Canucks tick, take a tour of these beloved Canadian shops.
1 Roots. No one has captured the Canadian spirit quite like this old-school company, specializing in warm outerwear and buttery-soft leather bags.
2 Lululemon. This province-wide favourite turned yoga wear into trendy, everyday apparel. Perfect for cold weather are the oh-so-cozy hooded sweatshirts, available for men and women in a variety of colours and patterns.
3 Aritzia. This hipster boutique is a one-stop-shop for anything and everything fashionable. Sister shop TNA carries casual apparel.
4 Rogers’ Chocolates (pictured at right). It started in Victoria in the late 1800s and is popular with locals and visitors alike. An official licensee for the 2010 Olympic Games, it has the sweetest souvenir out there—literally.—Jennifer Patterson
This pretty Birks bracelet is worn by designer and skier Jennifer Heil
Jennifer Heil, former Olympic gold medallist for freestyle skiing, has added another impressive feat to her resume: the first-ever brand ambassador for Birks. Working closely with this iconic Canadian company to create a line of jewellery, Heil also flawlessly captures the Olympic spirit as she herself prepares for the 2010 Winter Games. She’s seen here wearing the Vancouver 2010 charm bracelet.—Jennifer Patterson
Red: A Haida Manga by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
Forget the latest Tom Clancy or Danielle Steel novel: spend your next airline flight poring over the pages of Red: A Haida Manga by local First Nations artist/storyteller Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Douglas & McIntyre, $28.95). This genre-defying book, filled with 108 pages of vibrant, hand-painted illustrations, tells a classic Haida oral narrative in the graphic-novel format. It’ll keep you riveted right to the very last page. Available at local bookstores. —Sheri Radford
Whistler is chock full of ski equipment stores, and some are open in the summer, too. Photo by Randy Lincks, courtesy Tourism British Columbia
Before hitting the slopes, grab boots, boards, bindings and skis at these year-round specialty shops.
1 Award-winning Wild Willies.
2 Whistler Village Sports.
3 Excess Ski & Sport.
—Jennifer Patterson
This unassuming greeting card features a fun, sarcastic message inside
Share holiday greetings with a delightfully cheeky card from Hug & Kiss Designs. This local line of fun—yet obscene—cards bring the cheer and the laughter with deceptively innocent outsides but sassy seasonal sentiments inside, such as What did you get me? and You materialistic bastard. Purchase birthday cards as well, at Paboom, Shop Cocoon or online at www.hugandkissdesigns.com.—Jennifer Patterson
