Victoria BC Tourism

Lesson 4: Galleries/Live Theatre/Shopping

Shopping - Victoria

Please open the map of Downtown Victoria and the Victoria District Map

Downtown Victoria is noted for its quaint shops offering antiques, imported goods from the British Isles and China, First Nations art and merchandise, designer fashions and works of local artisans. Many of the shops are tucked away in alleys or hidden courtyards so it can be an adventure poking in and out of stores. One area not to miss is Old Town, which runs north from the Inner Harbour. It is filled with heritage buildings and lots of interesting shopping

Here are some of the better-known shopping spots in downtown Victoria:

Government Street
Starting at the Inner Harbour, many of the shops offer imported goods from Britain, such as bone china, tartans, woolens and lace. Shoppers will also find a wide array of native art, clothing and jewelry. In addition to shops, there are many restaurants, services, theatres and nightclubs.

Trounce Alley
Located approximately four blocks from the Inner Harbour and along Government Street, this is a visit to "little Europe". Shops feature imported designer fashions and giftware.

Bastion Square
Situation across the street from Trounce Alley is this bustling market. Once the site of the Courthouse, the buildings have beautifully restored into restaurants and shops. Many of the stores sell arts and crafts made by local artisans. The popular Bastion Square Festival of the Arts is held every year.

Market Square
Further along Government Street, turn left at Johnson and nestled among restored heritage building is this delightful 3-storey shopping center. There are over 40 shops, restaurants and services surrounding a courtyard where special events are held.

Chinatown
At the corner of Government and Fisgard streets is the Gate of Harmonious Interest, which is the entrance to Canada's oldest Chinatown. Stores here feature Asian merchandise, as well as artwork, home furnishings and giftware from other countries. One place to see is Fan Tan Alley because it is the narrowest street in North America.

Antique Row
Fort Street, just off of Government Street is nicknamed Antique Row. There are many shops filled with collectibles, antique furniture, jewelry, and memorabilia. Many of the antiques are of British origin.

Eaton Center
Located on Government Street only a few blocks up from the Inner Harbour, this is the only mall located in the downtown core. It covers 2 city blocks and has 4 floors of stores to capture everybody's interest. This mall can also be accessed at the corner of Douglas and View streets.

Further away from the downtown core, there are more shopping areas and malls:

Mayfair Shopping Centre
This is Victoria's largest indoor mall and can be easily reached by car or bus due to its location on two main streets. It is bounded by Douglas St (Hwy 1) to the west and Blanshard St (Hwy 17) to the east with Tolmie Ave to the north and Finlayson to the south. The anchor stores include The Bay and Toys 'R Us plus 135 other shops, services and businesses.

Hillside Shopping Centre
Located at the corner of Hillside and Shelbourne which are two main thoroughfares, it is easily accessible by car or transit. This indoor mall contains over 100 shops and services. The anchor stores are Sears and Zellers Department Stores and Home Hardware.

Town & Country Shopping Centre
Situated on Douglas Street, which is one of the main streets leading to the downtown core, this mall is easy to find from downtown or the ferry. The anchor store is Walmart and it has several smaller stores and services.

Tillicum Mall
Located at the corner of Burnside Road East and Tillicum road, this recently renovated mall has over 40 stores and services. The anchor stores are London Drugs, Zellers, Safeway, Winners and Silver City Theatres.

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