Shopping

Savvy shopping

Our guests find shopping in Northern B.C. can lead to fabulous finds. For community-specific souvenirs, explore the downtown centres. One-of-a-kind local craft items are also found in shops across the region. Even in the most remote reaches of the region, including Haida Gwai, there are comprehensive shopping services available, including grocery stores and specialty gift boutiques.

Cow Bay on Prince Rupert's oceanfront, a 10-minute walk from downtown, is a quaint historic area and home to boutiques and gift shops. The area’s motif is black and white, with lampposts and dumpsters reflecting the theme. More than 30 trendy shops are located in Cow Bay, including galleries featuring fine West Coast artwork.

Several of the First Nations communities operate gift stores where visitors can choose from the finest made leather goods, masks, moccasins or other handiwork. Here, traditions begun thousands of years ago are still practiced, and honoured.

Smithers, tucked away in the beautiful Hudson mountains, resembles a European alpine village, Cozy gift and book stores may be found in the small downtown area, along with lovely coffee shops and restaurants.

One of the most sought-after jewels in Northern B.C. is its beautiful jade, found in the northern wilderness. In the beautiful Cassiar Mountains, stop in Jade City, B.C. for cutting demonstrations, as well as a great selection of the beautiful gemstone. B.C. jade is also available in many jewelry stores across Northern B.C.

One of the most revered Canadian retail giants has always been The Hudson’s Bay Company, and in Prince George you will find the modern day version of that institution in the Parkwood Mall. Along with the usual finds in a department store, check out the great selection of souvenirs.

Pine Centre Mall, located near the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 16, has plenty of restaurants, a grocery store, as well as a good selection of clothing and gift stores. Downtown Prince George also has attractive shopping. Third Avenue, also known as Specialty Avenue, is lined with several home furnishings boutiques. A couple blocks north on Third Avenue, and shoppers can visit one of the city’s oldest establishments, The Northern. Established in 1919, this venerable store has supplied Prince George people with everything from furniture to fishing licenses and much more.

Fort St. John, in the province’s northeast section, is known as The Energetic City, due to its close proximity to the oil and gas fields. Over the years, Fort St. John has evolved into a major centre for the north, serving as an important retail and service for people living in the region. The downtown area is home to several gift shops and the city’s mall features many familiar store names.