Vancouver's most fashionable (read, 'expensive') shopping area is Robson Street, which features every high-end shop you can imagine. Among the stand-outs are: Stephane de Raucourt (1067 Robson St), Club Monaco (1034-1042 Robson St), HMV (1160 Robson St) and La Vie en Rose (1009 Robson St).

The Chapters store (2505 Granville Stt) is a book-lover's paradise, with loads of reading nooks and easy chairs for browsing through and contemplating purchases.

If you're looking for contemporary art, Diane Farris Gallery (tel: 604 737 2629, email: art@dianefarrisgallery.com, dianefarrisgallery.com) offers one of the best selections in North America.

Pacific Centre in the heart of downtown, (www.pacificcentre.com), boasts more than 165 stores including Holt Renfrew, The Gap, Gap Kids, Mexx, Jacob, Eddie Bauer, Banana Republic and Aritzia.

South Granville showcases elegant shops like Meinhardt Fine Foods (3002 Granville St), Industrial Revolution (2306 Granville St), the unmatched Tearoom T; recognised as the premier custom blender to exclusive hotels and fine dining (1568 West Broadway), the remarkable retro-chic Restoration Hardware (2555 Granville St), and a host of fine art galleries.

Granville Island: In addition to the teeming fresh food market itself, two other highlights are The Net Loft, a big, blue warehouse-style building full of artisans, crafts people and native Indian jewellers, (1663 Duranleau St) and La Baguette & L'Echalôte Bakery (1680 Johnston St).