Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New York and LA dominate, but expect to also be tempted by the vegan bags from
Montréal. Superfriendly service.
Look out for end-of-season sales where dramatic savings can make that new outfit
seem like the bargain of the year.
BLOCK
CLOTHING
(
www.theblock.ca
;
350 W Cordova St; 11am-6pm Mon-Thu & Sat, to 7pm Fri, noon-5pm Sun;
4)
Colonizing this Gastown strip long before it was fashionable, this browse-worthy
men's and women's boutique still offers plenty of reasons for a visit. Check out the
ever-changing array of clothes and shoes by designers such as Nudie and Bloch Lon-
don, and save time to peruse the ultracool jewelry, much of it crafted by local artisans.
Block also stocks an array of high-art footwear that triggers shoe fetishism in even
the most conservative of shoppers.
HILL'S NATIVE ART
ARTS & CRAFTS
(
www.hills.ca
;
165 Water St; 9am-9pm; Waterfront)
Launched in 1946 as a small trad-
ing post on Vancouver Island, Hill's flagship store has many First Nations carvings,
prints, ceremonial masks and cozy Cowichan sweaters, plus traditional music and
books of historical interest. Artists are often found at work in the 3rd-floor gallery. This
is a great spot to pick up some authentic aboriginal artworks for savoring at home.
There are many souvenir stores on Water St with First Nations goods but this is the
one if you want to find something special.
PEKING LOUNGE
HOMEWARES
(
www.pekinglounge.com
;
83 E Pender St; 11am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 5pm Sun; 14)
Presented
like artworks in a cool, lounge-like contemporary setting, the Chinese repro antiques at
this alluring modern boutique are difficult to resist. But if you don't have the luggage
space for a floor-to-ceiling chest or flare-topped armoire, peruse the highly ornamental
accessories instead: that decorative opium pipe would look great on your bookcase
back home.
Check out the lovely silk and linen cushions at the back of the store as well. Now is
the time to call your airline for a luggage restriction upgrade.
CANNABIS CULTURE HEADQUARTERS
ACCESSORIES
