What to Buy in Vancouver: Authentic Local Finds

Visiting the city and wondering what to buy in Vancouver? Whether you’re into locally made gifts or West Coast snacks, there’s plenty to choose from that doesn’t feel like junky souvenir fare.

But with customs rules always changing, how do you know what’s worth the suitcase space—and what might get confiscated at the border?

Here’s a mix of souvenirs and snacks I’ve brought back over the years without issue (and a few tips on what to skip). Let’s get into it.

What to Buy in Vancouver

Vancouver’s shopping scene is the kind that sneaks up on you—especially if you love small-batch treats and handmade pieces with a story.

A lot of what you’ll find is locally made, easy to carry, and airport-security friendly. I’ve had friends and family bring most of these home to Europe or the States with zero hassle.

Here’s a quick look at the best items to buy in Vancouver (I’ll break each one down below):

• Smoked Salmon
• Indigenous Art and Jewelry
• Vancouver Candles and Scents
• Locally Designed Outdoor Gear
• Canadian Maple Syrup Treats
• West Coast Ceramics
• BC Wines and Craft Spirits
• Handmade Chocolate from Vancouver
• Books by Vancouver Authors

Smoked Salmon

Before Vancouver became Vancouver, smoked salmon was already a staple for coastal First Nations. It’s still one of the most iconic edible souvenirs.

You can opt for a fillet, double-smoked chunks, or my fave, candied salmon. Trust me, it’s absolutely delicious.

Pick some up at Granville Island or local seafood shops. It travels well if vacuum-sealed and keeps in your bag for the flight.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A wild sockeye fillet from Longliner Seafoods at Granville Island.

Whale Watching Tours

Coming to Vancouver? You’ve got a 95% chance of seeing whales

Show Me More

Indigenous Art and Jewelry

Indigenous design isn’t just decoration here—it’s deeply rooted in place. You’ll see it in wood carvings, silver cuffs, and striking prints from bands up and down the coast.

These pieces carry cultural weight, and supporting Indigenous-owned shops means you’re buying something respectful rather than mass-produced knockoffs.

Hill’s Native Art, the Lattimer Gallery, and Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery are the best bets to find a local indigenous treasure.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A pendant or print from Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.

Vancouver Candles and Scents

There’s something grounding about a candle that smells like Pacific rain or cedar forest. Vancouver’s small-batch candle makers really lean into that vibe.

Vancouver Candle Co., just off of Commercial Drive, is a great spot for meticulously handcrafted candles and diffusers that’ll fit in even the smallest suitcase.

One sniff and I’m back on a foggy walk near the seawall. The packaging is usually minimal and perfect for gifting.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A mini sampler from Vancouver Candle Co.

Locally Designed Outdoor Gear

If Vancouver had a dress code, it’d be waterproof, outdoorsy, and active. Locally designed gear reflects that perfectly. 4th Avenue in Kitsilano is a great spot to find local retailers.

Companies like Arc’teryx, Lululemon, and Reigning Champ have become global leaders in atleisure wear, and here, you can grab it right at the source.

These aren’t just tourist buys—they’re well-made and actually useful, whether you’re hiking in BC, hitting the gym, or walking to the office in drizzle.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A waterproof daypack from Herschel Supply Co.

Canadian Maple Syrup Treats

You’ve had maple syrup. But Vancouver shops do it better—infused, whipped, turned into butter, candy, or mixed with bacon.

Truthfully, most of it comes from 4,000+ km away, so it’s not exactly local. But most visitors to Canada can’t resist leaving without a small bottle.

When visiting family in Europe, I once packed four jars of maple cream and wished I’d brought five. Most items are TSA-friendly too.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A jar of maple cream from Maple’s Sugar Shack in Granville Island.

West Coast Ceramics

If it looks like it was glazed by ocean mist, chances are it’s from a local studio. These aren’t just mugs—they’re tiny reminders of rainy Vancouver mornings.

My favourite spot is the Circle Craft Co-op, located in the heart of Granville Island.

The artists featured here rotate often, but everything is handmade, Vancouver-crafted, and surprisingly affordable for the quality.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A mug or bowl from Circle Craft Co-op in Granville Market.

BC Wines and Craft Spirits

BC wines punch way above their weight, especially reds and rosés from the Okanagan. If you can’t make it up for a Kelowna wine tour, you can always bring a bottle home.

The region has over 180+ wineries and is known for producing high-quality, cool-climate, aromatic whites, elegant red wines like Pinot Noir and Merlot, and Ice Wine, perfect for dessert.

You’ll also find award-winning gin, vodka, and craft beer. You probably won’t see these in duty-free, so get them at a local liquor store instead.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A bottle of Empress 1908 Gin—it’s purple and botanical.

Handmade Chocolate from Vancouver

This one caught me by surprise. Vancouver’s bean-to-bar scene is tiny but mighty, with flavours you’d never think of.

I’m still thinking about the smoked salt dark bar from Beta5, voted one of North America’s top 10 chocolatiers. These bars travel well and don’t melt quickly either.

You can also select up to 24 options from the bespoke collection to create your own custom box. Trust me, they’re simply heavenly.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A bar from East Van Roasters or Beta5 Chocolates.

Books by Vancouver Authors

I love grabbing a local book before a flight. Vancouver authors tend to be sharp, funny, and very much shaped by the rain.

You’ll find everything from quirky fiction to gritty memoirs, usually in shops that smell like cedar and old dust jackets.

Pulp Fiction is my choice for the city’s top independent bookstore. The Paper Hound is another great option, while Kidsbooks is great for families.

⭐ Don’t leave without: A title by Douglas Coupland or Eden Robinson.

What Can and Can’t Be Brought Back?

If you’re flying out of Vancouver, customs rules depend on where you’re going. Here’s what most travellers need to know:

United States

✅ OK to bring:

• Vacuum-sealed smoked salmon
• Packaged maple products
• Chocolate, cookies, teas, and seasonings
• Wine and spirits (up to 1 litre duty-free)

⛔ Avoid bringing:

• Fresh fruits or vegetables
• Anything homemade without a label
• Dairy or meat not commercially packaged

Tip: Declare everything, even if it’s just snacks. U.S. customs officers are more chill when you’re honest.

United Kingdom

✅ You can usually bring:

• Packaged food like sweets, salmon, syrup
• Alcohol up to 1 liter spirits or 4 liters wine
• Non-perishable gifts and crafts

⛔ No-go items:

• Fresh meat or dairy (including cheese)
• Anything unsealed or unpackaged

Tip: Always keep original labels visible. They check.

Grouse Mountain + Capilano Suspension Bridge

See Vancouver’s top two attractions with one ticket (transport included)

Show Me More

Australia & New Zealand

✅ These countries are strict but fair. You can bring:

• Commercially sealed chocolate, sweets, and teas
• Seaweed snacks (declared)
• Ceramics and non-food souvenirs

⛔ Not allowed:

• Fresh salmon or meat (even vacuum-packed)
• Any dairy products
• Wooden items without treatment or inspection certificates

Tip: Seaweed is fine if declared, but if it looks too “natural,” it might get tossed.

What to Buy in Vancouver FAQ

Can I bring smoked salmon from Vancouver to the U.S.?

Yes, as long as it’s vacuum-sealed and commercially packaged. Declare it when entering the U.S.

What’s a good edible souvenir to buy in Vancouver?

Smoked salmon, maple cream, chocolate from local brands, or seaweed spice blends all pack easily and taste great.

Are Vancouver ceramics safe to bring in luggage?

Yes, if packed securely in clothing or bubble wrap. I’ve brought mugs and plates home in my carry-on and never had an issue.

Can I bring BC wine or gin back to my country?

In most cases, yes—just watch for volume limits (usually around 1 litre). Always declare it and check your country’s alcohol import limits.

Is it better to buy souvenirs downtown or at the airport?

Downtown has a better selection and fairer prices. The airport is convenient but limited. Granville Island and Gastown have the best variety.