Looking forward to waiting in long border lineups, battling your way through big box stores, and swimming through throngs of wild eyed, deal hungry shoppers? Nah. We aren’t either.
Luckily, there is a place where none of that exists.
In Gastown there’s an honest to goodness neighbourhood with real people behind counters selling things that were made thoughtfully, and by hand, in small batches. Go slowly here. There is no rush, no bustle. There’s something for everyone and this Friday, lots of nice things go on sale.
Browse impeccably curated shops for uncommon and well made gifts, enjoy some of the best culinary fare in the city, and end the day with a cocktail – or two. Civilized, wouldn’t you say?
Black Friday gets underway November 29th as shops open their doors for the day. If you’re looking for local goods, the latest trends, vintage treasures and more, view our stories section on @MyGastown on Instagram for the latest
Black Friday Deals in Gastown.
Gastown Shopping (and Dining), street by street.
West Cordova
If you love clothes – shop here. With a good assortment for men, women, and neutral styles, West Cordova has a lot packed into two short blocks. Women’s clothing shops include: Artemesia, One of A Few, ARC Apparel, Nettle’s Tale. Men’s shops include: Motherland, Frank & Oak. Mixed style shops include: Nouvelle Nouvelle, Dutil Denim.
For a quick bite of home cooking, head to Brioche, Bambo Cafe, or The Greedy Pig.
Out & About stocks cool gifts from Korea, Japan, and China. Trust us – you won’t find this stuff anywhere else in town.
Old Faithful is the neighbourhoods purveyor of tasteful decor and utensils for the home and your kitchen.
East Cordova/Columbia St.
One of the best kept secrets in Gastown, the East Cordova area hosts some of the neighbourhoods most eclectic shops and restaurants.
Shop for clothing at Haven, Wallace Mercantile, Bia Boro Gastown, and Mia Melon. Get a deal on a handsome custom made suit at Baynes + Baker. La Mezcaleria is Vancouver’s de facto mezcal joint (mezcal is a Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave), and they also serve damn fine Mexican food. If you need a break from shopping, go play ping pong at The Back & Forth Bar.
Cambie St
Like Gastown, Cambie Street has its own blend of magic. Visit Deadly Couture for fetish wear, Ollie Quinn for eyewear, and The Good Spirit for metaphysical fare (you can get a tarot card reading here). Parade Organics makes soft and cute baby clothes and accessories, with some delightful seasonal outfits for your little one. Have a pint and a burger at The Cambie or a soy chai latte at Revolver.
Powell St
Short but sweet.
Arguably the best card and quirky gift shop in the city, Kimprints has been in Gastown forever. They sell awesome letterpress cards for all occasions and sentiments, made by hand in Oregon, California, and here at home in Vancouver. Great stocking stuffers can be had here. Visit 51 Powell to find rare objet d’arts for the artistically/aesthetically inclined.
Lululemon’s Lab is on Powell – the place where experiments happen giving life to the brands newest and wildest ideas.
Visit the only brick & mortar Stussy shop in the west of Canada to actually try on clothes and see if they fit.
Celebrate your shopping wins at Rodney’s Oyster House with a few dozen fresh oysters.
Alexander St
Who doesn’t need a haircut or a beard trim on Black Friday? Hit up Fortknight Barbers for A+ service from one of the neighbourhoods best barbershops. Birds & Beets is a perfect place for homemade breakfast and sandwiches.
Carrall St
Rains Denmark crafts well made rainwear cast in simple colours. Angel Vancouver has been in Gastown for over three decades and is the only authorized dealer around that sells the eclectic Desigual clothing line from Barcelona.
Le Labo is Estee Lauders bespoke parfumery. A must visit for olfactory buffs.
Enjoy a well drawn pint of Guinness at The Irish Heather or a hearty lunch at The Blarney Stone. Carrall is home to Gastown’s only Greek restaurant – aptly named The Greek Gastown. Six Acres is a great place for craft beer.
Cross through Cordova for Community Thrift & Vintage, house made sourdough bread at Nelson The Seagull, and the best affogatto in Vancouver at Di Beppe.
Abbott St
Sometimes overlooked, Abbott Street has a few real gems to speak of. Italian owned hat crafters Cappelleria Bertacchi fashions chapeaus according to century old techniques from Tuscany. Lemongrass House Canada makes their entire line of holistic spa and skin care products using all natural essential oils and ingredients sourced from Thailand. Tees.ca is the neighbourhoods foremost shop for t-shirts printed with designs by local artists, along with graphics that you probably won’t find anywhere else. For the top shop in the city to find Supreme clothing and accessories, go to Plus Shop. Nika Designs is responsible for exceptional shoe and leather repairs, and the tiny little shop sells leather jackets and bags imported from Europe. Places to eat & drink at include The Lamplighter, Jules Bistro, and The Praugery.
Visit Bruce Eyewear for super funky frames and excellent customer service.
Water St
Just go there and shop! Plenty to see and do on good old Water Street.
Le Magasin
Housed in the city’s first official mall (c. 1912) – Le Magasin (332 Water Street) is a fun place to get lost in. Ground level houses Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery – an Indigenous art gallery representing stunning works created by leading artists from the Pacific Northwest, Plains, Inuit, and Maori traditions. This is the city’s top source for high end native jewelry. There’s a big sale on at Roma Fashions – 50% off almost everything. Descend into the basement for skateware and decks at Menu, northern BC honey at Crown Bee, streetwear consignment at #NFS, and travel deals at Mexi-Can Holidays.
