The first stop on your itinerary: Vancouver travel stores

You’ve booked the tickets and the time off work but the real planning is just beginning. Make sure you have everything you’ll need — whether you’re headed to the Great Wall of China, the Great Lakes or the great outdoors. These five stores should be the first stop on your travel itinerary.

The first stop on your itinerary: Vancouver travel stores
Alison Cairns By

Wanderlust

1
1929 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7

The folks at Wanderlust, Canada’s biggest travel store and conveniently located on West 4th Avenue in Kits, have thought of everything that could make your next trip just that much easier. Power adapters so you’ll never be without your ever-needed devices in places like Europe or Africa; travel-sized games to ease boredom on those long flights; even quick-dry underwear for those unexpected river-crossings or downpours. Their huge selection of books, maps and luggage will also set you on your way.

Travel Bug

2
2865 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G6

With a great selection of anti-theft bags and wallets, passport holders and document organizers, locks and even radio frequency identification blockers to prevent people swiping your credit card information, Travel Bug wants to keep you safe while you venture to parts unknown. They also carry tons of books and maps as well as other practical accessories, clothing, toiletries and gifts, perfect for your travel-obsessed loved one. Knowledgeable and passionate staff are happy to give advice and even share their own travel stories.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op

3
130 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P3

Become a member of this cooperative, and you’ll join the legions of Canadians who can’t get enough of MEC’s endless supply of tools and equipment you didn’t even know you needed. With everything for your outdoor adventures from portable showers to saws that fold up to fit in the palm of your hand to no-spill camping wine glasses to GPS systems, it’s no wonder MEC die-hards are often referred to as “gear heads.” But hey, you never know when this stuff will come in handy.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Tilley

4
1750 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1

They may be known for their practical, broad rimmed canvas hats typical of canoeists and tourists of a certain age, but the Vancouver Tilley store also carries an impressive selection of travel gear for your next adventure — whether urban or wild. From airplane accessories like silicone cosmetic bottles, eye shades, ear plugs and neck pillows to a very handy portable laundry pack and mini toiletry sheets for hand, hair and body washing, Tilley knows you need light-weight, easily stored solutions for travel.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Valhalla Pure Outfitters

5
88 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P2

Before heading into the backcountry, make sure you stop in at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, experts in equipping adventurers with the safety and convenience items they’ll need to survive in the great, wide wilderness. Waterproof stuffsacks in every colour and size you can imagine are ideal luggage for canoe and kayaking trips; quick-dry towels and miniature lights will also come in handy. Compasses, maps, GPS systems, watches — whatever you need to feel and keep safe in the backcountry, you’ll find at this BC-based outfitter.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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