Vancouver’s Artisans and Makers: How BC’s Craft Industries Stand Out
When Ontarians think of the West Coast, they often picture soaring cedars, misty mountains, and salty ocean air. But tucked between the natural beauty lies another defining feature of life in Vancouver: a thriving craft culture. From hand-thrown ceramics to ethically made fashion, the city’s artisans reflect the Pacific spirit—creative, conscious, and quietly confident. For travellers looking to shop local and support Canadian makers, Vancouver offers a chance to bring home more than a souvenir. You’re bringing home a story.
West Coast Values, Made by Hand
There’s something about the laid-back, environmentally-minded lifestyle in British Columbia that seems to attract creators. Maybe it’s the slower pace, or maybe it’s the access to natural materials. Whatever it is, the result is a craft scene that’s less about mass production and more about meaning. Vancouver’s artisans often prioritize sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, slow fashion, and small-batch production—values that resonate with Ontarians seeking more thoughtful ways to shop.
Take The Cross, for example, a home goods studio that blends West Coast design with Scandinavian minimalism. The company also loves to highlight Canadian brands in store. Or Flax Home, a female-founded linen company making beautiful, breathable bedding designed right in Vancouver. These aren’t big-box brands—they’re local businesses creating high-quality goods with purpose.
Made in Vancouver: Where to Shop and Discover
Looking for places to browse Vancouver’s craft scene? Start at Granville Island. While known for its Public Market, the island is also home to dozens of working artist studios. Watch glassblowers shape molten art at New-Small & Sterling Studio Glass, or step inside Dalbergia Wood + Fine Objects, where reclaimed wood becomes heirloom-quality pieces. You’ll find leatherworkers, painters, jewellers, and textile artists—many of whom you can speak with while they work.
Over in Mount Pleasant, the Nesters Market Building is home to rotating pop-ups and permanent local shops. And on Commercial Drive, you’ll find Second Nature Home Boutique, a go-to for Canadian-made cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, and gifts that do good.
For those who appreciate fashion, One of a Few in Gastown curates small-run clothing and accessories from local designers, while Litchfield stocks well-designed goods from across Canada and Japan, blending heritage and functionality.
Indigenous Art and the Stories It Tells
You can’t talk about crafts in BC without acknowledging the deep roots of Indigenous artistry. From Haida carvings to Salish weaving, these are not trends—they are traditions. And in Vancouver, they are treated with the reverence they deserve.
Visit the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art to see contemporary and historic Indigenous work up close. Bill Reid, a master goldsmith and sculptor of Haida descent, helped bring Northwest Coast art to global attention. His influence continues through new artists working in cedar, argillite, silver, and wool.
For handmade pieces you can take home, the Lattimer Gallery offers a curated selection of carvings, jewellery, and prints made by Indigenous artists. Every item comes with a biography of the maker, connecting you directly to the story behind the work.
Craft Breweries, Roasters, and Makers You Can Taste
Vancouver’s artisan culture doesn’t stop at clothing and décor—it also lives in what you sip and savour. Small-batch production is the norm here, with many local brands earning national (and international) acclaim.
Start with coffee. Moja, Pallet, Timbertrain, and JJ Bean are all local roasters delivering rich, ethically sourced beans. Grab a bag to bring back east, or stop in for a pour-over and some West Coast people-watching.
Craft beer more your thing? Brassneck, 33 Acres, and Main Street Brewing are all within walking distance of downtown, offering seasonal beers in community-focused taprooms. Whether you prefer sours or IPAs, these small-batch brewers take pride in keeping things local and low-key.
Looking for a uniquely Canadian gift? Ayoub’s Dried Fruits & Nuts offers spice blends, roasted nuts, and snack mixes that make for perfect travel treats. And if chocolate’s your love language, don’t skip Camino or Zimt—two ethical, Canadian-owned chocolate companies creating organic, fair-trade bars that taste like dessert and activism all at once.
A City That Makes You Feel Something
In Vancouver, the handmade still matters. From fashion to food, furniture to fragrance, the city’s makers are defining what it means to buy local in a global world. For Ontarians planning a visit, this offers something deeper than a vacation itinerary. It’s an invitation to explore a creative culture rooted in respect—for land, materials, and each other.
So skip the chain store, pass on the mass-produced souvenir, and discover the people and stories that give this place its soul. You’ll leave with something you can feel.
