Shopping in Victoria is fabulous! Whether you are just window shopping or on a major shopping spree, in Victoria you can browse quaint shops, local markets and major shopping malls to find your heart’s desire. Victoria offers everything from antiques to the wares of local artisans and the designs of the hippest trendsetters. The city’s layout encourages strolling and exploring the many side streets at an easy pace.

From the Inner Harbour, wander up Government Street to find the perfect gift or souvenir. Victoria’s British heritage is apparent in the store windows along Government Street, which display woolens and bone china from England, tartans from Scotland and Irish lace. Stop to sample handmade chocolates or the perfect cup of tea or coffee. Native art, jewellery, fashion, Christmas and souvenir shops also abound along the bustling sidewalks and interesting byways.

Four blocks along Government Street, turn right into Trounce Alley, one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets. European fashions and gift shops await. Across the street from Trounce Alley, find Bastion Square; once the site of Victoria’s Court House, Law Chambers, a brothel and several hangings, Bastion Square is now alive with shops and restaurants. In the summer, take in the Bastion Square Festival of the Arts; a bustling market, vendors and local artisans sell their hand made arts and crafts.

Just beyond Bastion Square, turn left off Government Street onto Johnson. Wander among heritage buildings restored to maintain an old-town ambience and visit Market Square. With over 40 merchants, Market Square offers one of the best selections of specialty shops.

Enter Canada’s oldest Chinatown through the Gate of Harmonious Interest, at the corner of Fisgard and Government Streets. Shop for art, curios, home furnishings and Asian wares. Walk down Fan Tan Alley, North America’s narrowest street, between Fisgard and Pandora Streets. Once notorious for its many opium dens and gambling houses, Fan Tan Alley is now lined with shops and restaurants.

Only in Victoria will you find a street devoted to antiques and collectibles. Fort Street, a one-way street leading out of downtown Victoria, is known as Antique Row. Shop after shop lure the antique collector away from the downtown core and into a world of rare china, silver, toys, furniture and other treasures.

Victoria’s shopping experience also extends beyond famous Government Street storefronts and the downtown core. Off the beaten path and just minutes from downtown, shoppers will find several major suburban shopping centers with hundreds of stores to browse.

Please see the Tourism Victoria member businesses for Shopping in Victoria. For a complete listing of all Tourism Victoria businesses, please visit our Business Directory.