Little Mountain to Waterfront Shopping Ride in Vancouver
City Tour, 10 KM or 6 Miles
Overview
Vancouver boasts lots of shopping hot spots for tourists and locals alike. For the more discerning shopper, some of the most unique and local boutiques are found in Gastown and along the stretch of South Main, otherwise known as SoMa and Little Mountain. Main Street is also THE PLACE for vintage lovers, with more second hand stores than anywhere else in the city.
Lock up your bike at the stops along the way and explore the shops along the way. Stores listed are just some of our favourites, but there's something for everyone.
Starting at in picturesque Queen Elizabeth Park, head north from Little Mountain to Gastown and experience the best in clothing, shoes and specialty shop Vancouver has to offer!
Route Advisory: Main Street includes sharrows, but sees a lot of vehicle traffic. We recommend riding along Ontario St (a designated bikeway), and pop over to Main at the identified streets.
Map & Logistics
Click map image to download PDF
PAPER MAP
VOICE NAVIGATION APP
Download the RideWithGPS app to experience this route with voice navigation.
Bikes
- Bayshore - $30+ daily for cruiser, mountain, hybrid, tandem, kids, trail-a-bike or trailer. Locks extra
- Cycle City - $30/5 hours for stylish 7-speed city bike (Norco City Glide)
- English Bay - $30+ daily for cruiser, mountain, folding, tandem and kids. Helmets and locks included.
- EzeeRiders - $24+ daily for cruiser, mountain, road, electric, tandem, kids, trailer.
- Reckless - $30+ daily for hybrid, comfort, road, trail-a-bike, trailer and baby seat. Includes helmet, lock, basket and map.
- Spokes - $25+ daily for cruiser, city, mountain, road, tandem, kids, trail-a-bike, trailer, child seat
Transit Connections
Translink (System Map)- 100% buses equipped with bike racks and bikes allowed at most hours of the day on train and commuter rail. $2.75+ per adult fare.
- Start of route - King Edward station on the Canada line
- End of route - Waterfront station on the Canada, Expo or Millennium lines
What to bring?
A love of shopping and to quote the O'Jays, "money, money, money, money...MONEY!"
Highlights
LEGEND:
- Bargain - $
- Affordable - $$
- Pricey - $$$
A. ReFind 4609 Main Street | www.refindhomefurnishings.com | (778) 855-0969
A trip down Main Street would not be complete without a stop in local antique shops. ReFind is great for finding funky, unique pieces, with a heavy focus on retro styles. M-Tu 12-5pm / W-Su 12-7pm
B. Arts off Main 216 East 28th Avenue | www.artsoffmain.ca | (604) 876-2785
If you're on the hunt for some unique art, then make a stop at this local artist-run gallery. Find some truly "Vancouver" pieces, and help support the local art scene. $-$$$ W-Su 11:30-5:30
C. Red Cat Records 4332 Main Street | www.redcat.ca | (604) 708-9422
Are you a vinyl junkie? Look no further than Red Cat Records. A staple in Little Mountain, the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and the selection is amazing. We never walk away empty handed! M-Th 11am-7pm / F-Sa 11am-8pm / Su 11am-6pm
D. Front & Company 3772 Main Street | www.frontandcompany.ca | (604) 879-8431
If you love thrift and vintage shopping, the a stop at Front and Company must be included in your Vancouver shopping trip. A long-time favourite for local fashionistas, known for some of the best second hand shopping in town. $-$$ 11am-6:30pm
E. Barefoot Contessa 3715 Main Street | www.thebarefootcontessa.com | (604) 879-1137
One of my favourite local shops, Barefoot Contessa is full of pretty, frilly frocks for girly girls everywhere. They even include a small section for little girls! $$ M-Th 10am-6pm / F-Sa 10am-7pm / Su 11am-6pm
F. Umeboshi Footwear Inc 3638 Main Street | www.umeboshishoes.com | (604) 909-8225
Shoes, glorious shoes! Umeboshi has been a mainstay for handcrafted, quality goods for nearly two decades. Worth a gander for the shoe fanatic in you! $$$ M-Th 11am-6pm / F 11am-7pm / Sa 11am-6pm / Su 12-5:30pm
G. Granville Island Toy Company 298 Main Street | www.toycompany.ca | (604) 875-0065
Your little ones will be in heaven in this Vancouver institution. With something for kids of all ages. Granville Island Toy Company carries some of the best games and toys around. It's also Santa's favourite store when picking up toys for our kids! $-$$ M-Th 10am-6pm / F 10am-9pm / Sa-Su10am-6pm
H. Bird on Wire Creations 2535 Main St | birdonawirecreations.com | (604) 874-7415
Bird on a Wire has been supporting local artists and empowering creative communities since 2010. They sell art and handcrafted gifts, decor, jewelry and much more! $$ M-Sa 10am-6pm / Su 12-5pm
I. Much & Little 2541 Main Street | www.muchandlittle.com | (604) 709-9034
Looking for a one stop location for local Vancouver Fashion and Accessories? Look no further than Much and Little. Including handcrafted items from global fair trade artisans, this little gem is a must. $$ M-Sa 11am-6pm / Su 12-5pm
J. 8th + Main 2403 Main Street | www.8main.org | (604) 559-5927
Located at the start of all the great shopping on Main Street, 8th & Main focuses on unique apparel and accessories for both men and women while keeping a down to earth vibe. $$ M-Sa 10am-9pm / Su10am-7pm
K. Nicole Bridger Designs 14 Water Street | www.nicolebridger.com | 604-730-1129
Vancouver is home to some amazing creative and talented designers. One such is Nicole Bridger, eco-fashion designer and fell grad of Melissa's 2003 class from Ryerson University. Her beautiful designs show of a woman's femininity, and no closet is complete without one Nicole Bridger piece! $$-$$$ M-F 11am-7pm / Sa 10am-6pm / Su 11am-6 pm
L. John Fluevog Shoes Gastown 65 Water Street | www.fluevog.com | (604) 688-6228
No Gastown shopping trip is complete without a stop in the flagship John Fluevog location. The designs may not be for all, but here you can find truly some of the most unique shoes around! $$$ M-W 10am-7pm / Th-F 10am-8pm / Sa 10am-7pm / Su 12-6pm
M. Rowan Sky 334 West Cordova Street | www.rowansky.com | (604) 568-2075
Truly a hidden gem, Rowan Sky carries a wide variety of amazing shoes for men and women. Well worth a stop - just try not to fall in love with every pair! $$ M-Sa 11am-7pm / Su 12-6pm
Extras
1. Meet on Main 4288 Main Street | www.meetonmain.com | (604) 877-1292
As vegetarians, we're always looking for great places for a casual bite. Meet on Main offers vegan and gluten free cuisine, but with a casual vibe. Unpretentious food and a easy going place to chow down. $-$$ M-Th 11am-11pm / F-Sa 11-12am / Su 11am-10pm
2. Rocky Mountain Flatbread 4186 Main Street | www.rockymountainflatbread.ca | (604) 566-9779
Looking for a kid-friendly place for lunch? Rocky Mountain Flatbread caters to families, offering play space for the kids, and pizza for little hands. $-$$ M-Th 11am-9pm / F 11am-10pm / Sa 10am-10pm / Su 10am-9pm
3. Chocolaterie de la Nouvelle France 198 East 21st Avenue | www.chocolaterienouvellefrance.ca | (604) 566-1065
Great hidden gem! Artisan Chocolate Shop featuring: French Chocolates & Confections, Hot & Chilled Chocolate Drinks, Waffles & Gelato, Gifts & Favors. Try the authentic hot chocolate for the most divine cocoa ever! $ W-M 11am-6pm (closed Tu)
4. 49TH PARALLEL COFFEE & LUCKY’S DONUTS 2902 Main Street | www.49thparallelroasters.com | (604) 420-4900
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters & Lucky's Donuts
Shopping is hard work! Refuel with some Caffeine at Forty Ninth Parallel, and while you're add it, grab a tasty artisan doughnut from Lucky Doughnuts, available inside! $ M-Sa 7am-10pm / Su 7:30am-9pm
5. The Foundation 2301 Main Street | www.zomato.com | (604) 708-0881
Tasty vegetarian food mixed with loud hip hop and young hipsters. Sounds rough, but the food is so good, and kids are most definitely welcome! Get the nachos! $ Sa-W 12pm-1am / Th-F 12pm-2am
6. Milano Espresso Lounge 36 Powell Street | www.milanocoffee.ca | (604) 558-0999
We love coffee here on the West Coast. Milano never disappoints, with italian roasting processes and award winning espresso. M-F 7am-9pm / Sa-Su 8am-9pm
7. Tacofino Gastown 5 West Cordova Street | tacofino.com | (604) 899-7907
Originally from the island, Tacofino feature Californian Baja-style nosh. Made with fresh ingredients, it is quickly becoming a favourite in Vancouver. $-$$ Su-W 11am-10pm / Th-Sa 11-12am
