Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tea cozy printed with a Pierre Trudeau likeness - ask the friendly staff for more recom-
mendations.
There's also a great array of accessories, including quirky purses and shoulder bags
beloved of the local pale and interesting set. All is designed and made in BC - there's
an even tinier store in Victoria on Vancouver Island if you're traveling further afield.
BIRD ON A WIRE CREATIONS
ARTS & CRAFTS
(
www.birdonawirecreations.com
;
2535 Main St; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun; 3)
Eminently browsable and highly tempting, there's a surprisingly diverse array of taste-
ful handmade goodies at this cute and ever-friendly store. Your credit cards will start to
sweat as you move among the printed purses, flower petal soaps, artsy T-shirts and
grinning monster kids' toys (that adults always want, too). But it's not just for show:
there are regular craft classes here too.
You can learn how to brush up your knitting skills (at classes as well as Friday
night's hipster knitting group) or see regular artist talks and presentations. And if
you're wondering where the store is on Main: just look out for the permanently yarn-
bombed tree right outside.
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP
OUTDOOR GEAR
(
www.mec.ca
;
130 W Broadway; 9)
Grown hikers weep at the amazing selection of cloth-
ing, kayaks, sleeping bags and clever camping gadgets at this cavernous outdoors store:
MEC has been encouraging fully fledged outdoor enthusiasts for years. You'll have to
be a member to buy, but that's easy to arrange for just $5. Equipment - canoes, kayaks,
camping gear etc - can be rented here.
There's also a good selection of regional and international maps and guidebooks,
plus a climbing wall to test your new gear. And when it comes to Swiss Army Knives:
this is the place for that triple-blade-ice-pick-toaster combo. Check the notice board at
the front of the store: it's a great place to see what the local hiking/biking brigade are
up to.
NEPTOON RECORDS
MUSIC
(
www.neptoon.com
;
3561 Main St; 11am-6:30pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun; 3)
Vancouver's
oldest independent record store is still a major lure for music fans, with its
High Fidel-
