Your Downtown Victoria, BC, Shopping Guide
Your guide to Victoria’s best downtown shopping.
A 7-minute read
Updated January 21st, 2026
Whether you’re a casual window browser or a seasoned shopaholic, in Victoria you can find antiques, locally-crafted artisan wares, boutique designs and gifts for all your friends and family back home. Here’s your guide to Victoria’s best downtown shopping.
One-stop shops
Visit one of Victoria’s vibrant shopping centres or malls and get everything on your list under one roof. In the heart of downtown, visit The Bay Centre, taking up a whole city block between Government Street and Douglas Street. This multi-level indoor mall was originally the Eaton Centre and now houses a mix of Canada's iconic brands as well as local gems such as Victoria Market Collective. Slightly outside of the downtown core, you can also shop at Mayfair Shopping Centre (a 12-minute drive from the Inner Harbour) or Uptown (a 15-minute drive from the Inner Harbour), both of which are located on major city arteries and feature lots of great clothing stores, and are also easily accessible by public transit. Parking is a breeze at both of these malls!
For all your outdoor adventure needs, stop at Grove Outdoors on Johnson Street. Located downtown, this outdoor resale store and carries high-quality and affordable outdoor gear. Buying your outdoor gear secondhand keeps waste from entering landfills and helps keep our region green and our seas free of debris for future generations.
Local Tip: If you simply forgot to bring something from home, inquire about renting equipment from the shop.
Boutique & beers
Start on Lower Johnson Street (LoJo), a short ten-minute walk from the Victoria Visitor Centre, and make your way up toward Government Street. Here, you’ll be charmed by colourful, early nineteenth-century buildings which house unique and creative boutique shops. Explore the shops at Market Square and swing into Whistle Buoy Brewing for a pint, whose creative approach to brewing means that no two visits are ever the same.
Jewellery
Visit Artina’s Jewellery just a three-minute walk down Government Street from the Visitor Centre, who boast the world’s largest selection of handcrafted Canadian-made jewellery, including the work of over 100 Canadian designers. Many of their pieces are created by West Coast First Nations jewelers.
It's easy to lose track of time with so many great shops to explore, but SWATCH has got your wrist... er... back! Located in the heart of government street, just across the street from Artina's, this Swiss watchmaker sells more than just watches, but rather a means of self-expression and style. Be sure to find time for a visit to check out their extensive collection of eye-catching watches.
Specialty shops
In downtown Victoria, you’ll find a ton of specialty shops who simply focus on doing one thing -and doing it well. For the do-it-yourselfers, be sure to checkout Button & Needlework Boutique, across from the Bay Centre, for an outstanding selection of yarns, ribbons, needlework, and buttons from around the world. Visit Cherry Bomb Toys, on Yates Street, for a blast from the past, whose huge collection of vintage and collectible toys is perfect for children big and small.
Russell Books, Canada's largest independent bookstore, on Fort Street is a book-lover’s dream. With over one-million books Russell Books, including an entire level devoted to rare and vintage books, you're sure to find your next read, and the one after that! Add a touch of elegance to your home with tablecloth, runner, or placemats from The Irish Linen Stores, another Fort Street gem. For over 100 years, The Irish Linen Store has served Greater Victoria with a wide range of linens direct from Ireland and Europe's best producers.
Local tip: Cherry Bomb Toys is also home to the National Toy Museum of Canada.
Souvenir & gift shopping
Start at the Visitor Centre in the Inner Harbour and make your way along Government Street for the city’s finest souvenir and gift shopping. Visit Spirit of Victoria or Oceanside Gifts on the Lower Causeway at the Inner Harbour (just below the Victoria Visitor Centre) for a wide selection of gifts. With everything from postcards and placemats, to hats, t-shirts, and carvings, you're sure to find something just right to remember your trip to Victoria for years to come. For those looking to travel a little further afield, follow the David Foster Pathway along the Inner Harbour to Fisherman's Wharf, about a 20-minute walk, and visit 4 Winds Nest Artisans Boutique, which has a fantastic selection of locally-made goodies, trinkets, and crafts for your home collection.
Tea & chocolate
A match made in heaven, we know. Given Victoria’s rich British history, it seems fitting that we love our tea – and we do! With several options for experiencing afternoon and high tea, there are also many places that you can shop for tea while you’re in town. While you're here sure to visit Murchie's Tea & Coffee, a favourite local haunt for tea, coffee and baked goods. Murchie's is proudly Canadian and has been serving British Columbians for over 130 years. Find Murchie's on Government Street, just up the road from the Victoria Visitor Centre. No time for tea? Visit Silk Road Tea in Chinatown for a blend of traditional and contemporary tea. Led by Canada's Queen of Tea, Silk Road imports the world's finest teas, and shares their passion for tea and tea culture. Explore their tasting bar, and find the perfect tea that's right for your home tea set.
Speaking of chocolate, Victoria is also home to several dedicated chocolate shops. Including the National Historic Site, Rogers' Chocolates on Government Street. While you're there, make sure to pick up a few Victoria Cremes, Rogers' delicious ode to its home town. If you’re in the mood for ice cream, stop in at Chocolats Favoris, who take the dipped cone to the next level - think chocolate dipped and loaded with cookie crumbs, cherries, or... well you name it!
Public Markets
Victoria’s colourful public markets bring vibrancy to the city with a wonderful array of locally produced goods and entertainment. For those looking for an outdoor market experience, be sure to visit the Moss Street Market in Fairfield or the Esquimalt Farmers market, which bustle with vendors, live music, and food stalls.
Visit our shopping page for a full directory of shopping centres and stores in and around Victoria.
According to research conducted by our team with data from Stats Canada, Greater Victoria holds the title of “Resale Capital of Canada” as a result of holding the largest number of registered resale businesses per capita in the country. To plan your next shopping spree, here’s a guide to exploring Victoria’s great antique, consignment, thrift and vintage shops.
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