THE 10 BEST Vancouver Shopping Malls (Updated 2024) - Tripadvisor
Shopping Malls in Vancouver

THE 10 BEST Vancouver Shopping Malls

Shopping Malls in Vancouver

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18 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • Stewarts Vacation
    1,037 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice centre to window shop with mostly upmarket retail stores. The Food Court was a highlight - a wide selection of foods available, at reasonable prices and with quick service. There were ample tables and chairs for seating.
    Written December 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fouregas
    United States5,299 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On Skytrain Canada Line, Oakridge 41st Ave. So for tourists who don't drive this is easy access from downtown area.

    Not as big as Metrotown but closer to downtown there's enough shops and eateries in an indoor setting to keep one occupy for at least few hours.
    Written May 24, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • on_the_go_98765
    Tucson18,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Since our first visit here 2 years ago, not much (if anything) has changed. Although it wasn't all that crowded (Canada first opens its borders to Americans on Aug. 9th), with visitors/shoppers, everything seemed really packed tight, like sardines in a tin.

    I think we would have done some serious shopping if we could have waded through the excessive quantity of merchandise. Sometimes less is really best.
    Written August 29, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • on_the_go_98765
    Tucson18,350 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Here it is, August 2021, the first wave of tourists (from America) have jumped the hurdles, done the tests, etc. to gain entry to Canada. We really did not expect as many business entities to have fully recovered as there actually are; this is a (recovery) work in progress.

    From our perspective, the good bones of this center are here: that being the cascading waterfall fountain in the small courtyard (facing Coal Harbor) and the Food Court choices (all hungry for business).

    The shop spaces look to be in the midst of giving things another go (lots of activity setting up new businesses on the ground floor). There's no sugar-coating the effect Covid has had on local economies (world-wide).

    Head down Robson for high-end shopping (Nordstrom's). It won't be found here.
    Written August 31, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PookyCake
    Victoria, Canada13,896 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    On the one hand, I like to think I know a fair amount about this city; on the other hand, I’m constantly shown new things that highlight my veil of ignorance. Vancouver’s City Square shopping centre is an example of the latter. Despite being open since 1989, I’ve only just been “woke” to this place’s existence. That’s quite shocking given that I’ve frequented the general area of City Square for many a year. I suppose I could argue that City Square – up to now – has just been one of those places I’ve seen but not really seen. Confused, yet? ;)

    Anyway, my partner and I were walking down the street after successfully patronizing Goldilocks Bakeshop. We wanted to visit a Dollar store to pick up a few small sundry items. Google directed us to one on West 12th Avenue – about a 20 or so minute walk from the Bakeshop. Thus, we began our leisurely stroll and eventually came upon our destination, which was located inside City Square. “What’s this?” thought ol’ PookyCake, “City Square? Why have I not heard of this place before?” So, we entered the shopping complex and completed our Dollarama adventure (great success!).

    While the shops and services offered at City Square aren’t particularly noteworthy, the atmosphere and architecture of place and space totally drew me in. Designed with “European village flair,” City Square masterfully combines the classic and modern into a beautiful gestalt. In bringing two heritage buildings together – the “Model School” (1905) and “Normal School” (1908) – under a single space, the architect was able to develop something new from old while concomitantly “saving” the two classic edifices. The large glass atrium, which frames the entire complex, adds a modern touch without detracting from the heritage within.

    For those interested in the “now,” City Square is a mixed-use building; that is to say, it houses shops, services, private offices and a food court. Businesses of note include: A&W, Bubble Waffle Café, Kim Son Vietnamese, Salad Farm, Starbucks, Subway, Teya Grill, Axiom Salon & Spa, Dollarama, Kin’s Farm Market, Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, Hot Yoga 101, Blanche Macdonald School (over-hyped), and Scotiabank. I will note that I appreciate the slight lean towards Asian food offerings at the food court vs. your typical large MNC options.

    In summation, I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit City Square; however, if you happen to be in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out – even if just for the unique architecture and story. In terms of shopping experience, I think this place is more of a “locals” mall in that it’s primarily patronized by people who live or work within the vicinity.
    Written November 30, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mabinho
    Seville, Spain1,535 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Marine drive is a commuter hub in busy residential area, light rail and buses connect here. Not a huge mall, but a bit of everything - huge Asian supermarket, large well stocked liquor store, Irish pub, Thai and Chinese restaurants, cinema and various clothes shops. Handy if you're staying in the area.
    Written September 30, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aikaterini S
    Edmonton, Canada3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's just a government building for passport and passport pics. Beautiful but no stores. There were very nice helpful security guard who gave simple directions.
    Written November 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris D
    New Westminster, Canada3,145 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    This complex boasts 1.5 million square feet, but the vast majority of this is office space. I calculated some fifty stores, of which the majority appear to be services to look after the many workers in this large office complex. Went through here one Saturday, appeared to be closed. If you have come to town to do some serious shopping, you might do better at Pacific Centre, Oakridge, or Metrotown.
    Great food court, 'though.
    Written October 14, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tony l
    Vancouver, Canada3,713 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Also know as RBC Tower , is convenient located down town financial district , completion in 1973 , not a big shopping mall , adjacent to luxury Hyatt hotel , lot of office , retail stores plus two underground floor , not a large food court but lot of interesting dishes around the globe , also easy access to and from Burrard Sky Train station and 10 mins walk to waterfront , great location for meeting friends for business or pleasure .
    Written August 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris D
    New Westminster, Canada3,145 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My first impression, as I walked into the parking lot, was "what a dump". But, like an iceberg, I began to realize there was more to this mall than the drab facade.
    Once inside, it is clean, active, and surprisingly busy. However, as someone who knows a bit about commercial real estate, I was surprised how dated this place looked. If the producers of the movie "Grease" wanted to do a sequel, they might consider this for some scenes. Seriously!
    I suggest this is too big for a neighbourhood/local mall, but too small to be considered an area mall, like Oakridge, say. It has four clothing stores, a food store, drug store, liquor store, and many services, including a tailor. They have lots of parking and clean washrooms.
    I hadn't originally considered this a tourist destination, but after spending a while here, and reviewing my photos, I realize ALL generations could well enjoy the decor that is so dated it must be seen.
    Written June 18, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PookyCake
    Victoria, Canada13,896 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Denman Place Mall has been a fixture of Vancouver’s dynamic West End since 1969. It’s witnessed much change over the last 50 years, but has somehow managed to endure. This fact is all the more significant when you realize that Denman Place Mall is not your typical shopping mall; that is to say, it’s not designed to be like a Metrotown or Pacific Centre, nor was it ever meant to be. When JA Reid envisioned Denman Place, he saw it as being “a city within a city.” In short, its raison d’etre has always been to serve the neighbourhood of which it is a part. Therefore, you’ll probably never see a store like Banana Republic here – it just doesn’t fit this segment of the West End. Instead, Denman Place is populated with shops like No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada Post, Liquor Store, Mini Foto and a Dental Centre. All of these shops, and others, serve a functional purpose. In this respect, Denman Place Mall is identical to another Vancouver icon – Kingsgate Mall – because they are very much “neighbourhood malls.” Tourists aren’t too likely to visit.

    I’ve visited Denman Place Mall a number of times over the years, mostly just walking through, because I often stayed at the Coast Plaza Hotel (RIP, 1989 – 2017) for business. Viewing the mall through the lens of being an “attraction,” I’d have to say it’s pretty mediocre. As I said earlier, the majority of the shops and services are geared more towards residents of the neighbourhood than they are tourists or transients. Though, to be clear, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing; quite the contrary because it allows Denman Place Mall to fill an important niche and otherwise survive at a time when most malls are struggling.

    So, the big question: If I were touring Vancouver, would I go out of my way to come here? The short answer is no; however, if you’re a foodie (as I am), you might be willing to make an exception. Denman Place Mall is host to ¾ Full café, which is a charming Taiwanese establishment serving up an attractive selection of baked goods, sweet treats and savoury items. Their signature naidong roll and Japanese Cheesecake are sweet highlights while their pork belly is as delicious as it looks! See, there are always exceptions to be had . . . ;)
    Written April 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TeamWard
    Nottingham, UK5,179 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Golden Age Collectables is a quality comic book store, New comics, old comics and ask for even old copies from the friendly and knowledgeable staff, this is what a comic-book shop should be, well worth a visit, other stuff to peruse.
    Written July 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kimberlini N
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Anila was very helpful. I found some great, classic pieces there.
    The store has an excellent assortment of clothing, all of it very stylish.
    Written February 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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