Speciality & Gift Shops • Natural History Museums
Gift & Specialty Shops in Vancouver Island
THE 10 BEST Vancouver Island Gift & Specialty Shops
Gift & Specialty Shops in Vancouver Island
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops • Visitor Centers
Speciality & Gift Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Speciality & Gift Shops • Visitor Centers
Speciality & Gift Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops
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What travelers are saying
- Levi K1 contributionVery cool experience! Myself and my 7 year old really enjoyed it. Learned some new things and they even have real fossils you can purchase in the gift shop!Written February 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- c bDrumheller, Canada426 contributionsnever go by without a visit as the artist change often. all types of art with artists in residence. really liked the textile art done by a master. a little bit of every type of art painters, mixed media, potters and art that i have no name for but enjoy much.Written July 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lisa R1 contributionMy 6-year-old son and I had a fascinating and highly informative tour of the Shawnigan Lake Museum with Lori Trealor, the Executive Director. She showed us old photos and models of the Kinsol Trestle and local artifacts from around the Shawnigan Lake area. Some of the local artifacts included a butter churner, hotel switchboard, typewriter, organ, boat motors, equipment for cutting trees (axes, chainsaws, etc.) grocery store items and farming equipment. There is so much to see! At the end of our tour, we were treated to some films in the little movie theatre about waterskiing and fishing. Lori really made the museum artifacts come alive during our visit. We had a new perspective on the Shawnigan Lake area and felt inspired to visit the Kinsol Trestle after our visit to the museum. All in all, we would highly recommend visiting this museum! It is a real treasure.Written June 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- helenw00San Francisco, CA82 contributionsThis gallery is so cool, and I can't recommend it enough. They have a great collection of wood carvings, paintings, prints, photos and other First Nations art. We learned the story of the origin of the gallery. The owner saw the First Nations' artists getting ripped off by other galleries who charged large commissions. So, he decided to create a First Nations supportive gallery and took out a loan to create his own gallery. The artists set their own rules here. Additionally, the owner will sit there doing his own carvings. Support this great local, independent business with great morals and pick up some cool art!Written November 5, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tracy5 contributionsI think this store might be haunted, which made my visit extra special! Within apporox 30 minutes, on three occasions in three separate sections (but all on the lower floor) books popped off the shelf and landed at my feet. It's difficult to explain, but they didn't simply slide off, they popped off, as though pushed, and without my having touched them. One landed between another person and me, and we both looked at each other confused. I eventually saw a forth book pop off the shelf and a staff member stopped to pick it up and I told her what I had seen. She said I wasn't the first person to tell them that, and that staff regularly saw this occur when the store was closed.
I'm not sure if I believe in ghosts, but I found the possibility of one helping with my reading selection really added to my experience at this wonderful store! I can't wait until I can return to see if it happens again!Written November 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Alan YEdmonton, Canada81 contributionsIf you're in the Bowser area, this is definitely shop to visit.
Just to be clear, this is a gift shop, not a sea food market (we made that mistake originally, that's how we ended up there, LOL).
Above mistake aside, this shop is very cool. It features all local artists so you know you're supporting the local economy. The items in the store range from higher end wall prints to various art pieces for desks, walls, where ever you want. They even had some nice spices/salts from a local farmer that were fantastic.
If you're looking for a gift shop that has higher end type art pieces, definitely check this place out.
PS: Bowser stores generally close fairly early (by 5PM) so please keep that in mind.Written September 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AnnaNorth Vancouver, Canada39 contributionsI adore this bookstore. It’s almost like a visual museum from the inside. Older and eclectic books available! My 14 yo daughter could have stayed for hours!!!Written May 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RetteyVictoria, Canada265 contributionsLots of great themed chocolate for St.Paddys day and Easter. Original old building. Established in the 1800's!! Beautiful stained glass and original wood and tile. Gorgeous chocolate and nice service.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Salma56Burleigh Heads, Australia235 contributionsWhat a wonderful community service, for both locals and visitors. Kirsty, an outstanding ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and Cowichan Region, was warm, welcoming and so very informative in supporting us. She quickly evaluated our interests and presented us with a great Cowichan Winter Welcome pack. This is a great initiative and we learned that it also assists staff to have them assembled in readiness. Some discount vouchers in the pack were also a surprise.
We look forward to supporting local businesses by visiting again on December 2 for the Sip, Shop Local afternoon. Again, wonderful service and delightful ambience. Easy access for those with mobility considerations.Written November 24, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - misterbruce52Victoria5 contributionsThe BEST EVER Customer Service! Very friendly, helpful, informative and very good at what they do! I got a hat which I Did Not purchase there and I needed it stretched and formed a bit. I got it from Florida. Hard to find. NO PROBLEM! They did the work quickly with no problem. Very Friendly and informative. She listened to what I wanted and did the job perfectly! Thank you to the young lady who did the work on my "Marshall Hat" (Like the one on "Justified" that Timothy Oliphant wears.)Written November 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Heather Looy5 contributionsIf you want to see good art by local artists (local meaning Vancouver Island) this is an excellent gallery. It's accessible, carrying a range of items to appeal to people of all ages and all budgets.Written October 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rlmptlLloydminster, Canada1,155 contributionsWE stopped in here to find out about things to do in the area. There is a great place right accross from them called Scarlett something that sells fresh frozen seafood and we stocked up it was so delicious. WE went for walks by the ocean and shopped for some groceries. Its very quiet in the north part of the island compared to the south which we liked and alot cooler too with practically no crowds on the highwayWritten June 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sonja63Central Coast15 contributionsThis is such a little gem of a gift shop. The owner was very friendly and helpful. I bought a few things while visiting from Australia, and will definitely return on my next overseas visit.Written October 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ali_travels2Stevenage, UK432 contributionsA great place to stop for ice cream and a coffee on the road. They also sell fudge, popcorn, candied nuts and just above everything else sweet you can think of! The ice cream was a personal highlight and the portions are absolutely enormous!!!Written August 18, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Linda M6 contributionsOut for a stroll from our apartment. It was my birthday and 50th wedding anniversary. Walked through the shopping arcade in the Empress Hotel....My husband wanted to buy me a piece of jewellery to celebrate our anniversary. We stopped outside Stones with our noses pressed against the windows. Spotted a beautiful ring. The lovely Brandon came out to see if he could help with anything. 10 minutes later I walked out of the shop wearing that lovely. Once I asked Brandon to convert it to British pounds that sealed the deal. Back home in Scotland now. I love it and getting lots of admiration. Thank you Brandon.Written December 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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