Shopping in Duncan

Owner Nancy Mudford opened Spa Boutique—originally an online-only store—in the Kitsilano neighborhood after the success and local support surrounding the virtual business. Lavender walls and whimsical light fixtures surround more than 80 of the top skincare, haircare, makeup, and nail products from around the globe, including Jane Iredale, Yon-Ka, and Éminence Organic Skin Care. The staff is on hand to soothe piqued complexions or rusted sheet metal with 30- or 45-minute facials customized to specific needs, such as a Guinot Vitamin C anti-aging facial or the hydrating Yon-Ka skin quencher facial.

Thirty years ago, Marilyn Diligenti spent her spare time scouring the fashion exchange in search of high-end threads, which she then sold to friends out of her home. Her keen eye for timeless, flattering ensembles earned her a devoted following, and she soon expanded from her living room to a storefront in Caulfield Village.

Now, Ms. Diligenti applies the same keen eye to scout out elegant apparel for women and girls by designers such as Michael Kors, Betty Barclay, Twin-Set, and Save the Queen. She helps each customer hone in on styles that not only align with trends, but complement her figure, lifestyle, and fashion sense. To help achieve that goal, her staff of fashion experts can plan personal-shopping sessions to recalibrate a lackluster wardrobe, and the store’s in-house tailor can custom-fit garments.

A dragon perches on a rock and bares its fangs, desperately wanting to take flight. But it remains chained to the ground. For this snarling beast lacks one important thing: colour. That’s where Paula Harvie comes in. As owner of Club Colour, she opens her studio to 40 people at a time to add pigment to more than 100 available ceramic pieces, from the dragon to cupcake trinket boxes and coffee mugs. Whether using stencils and patterns or following the lead of their sugar-stimulated day dreams, patrons can apply artistic designs to the ceramics using the studio’s stock of non-toxic acrylic and glaze paints. Handy staff members then glaze and fire the projects in a kiln to make them dishwasher and microwave safe. Club Colour also runs electric pottery wheel lessons for those who want to build their creation from scratch.

First published in 1959, British Columbia Magazine gives readers an in-depth look at the eponymous region through stunning photography and travel journalism. The magazine's subjects range from outdoor exploration to wildlife to the region's history as narrated by intrepid spirit bears. Pieces included in the most recent issue of the quarterly publication cover topics such as the cuisine of Sooke, Cariboo country horse wrangling, and a showcase of 26 ideas for British Columbia getaways.

The craftspeople at Bastion Gallery Fast Frames encase art pieces, memorabilia, and photographs in custom-designed frame, mat, and glass combinations. They perform all framing services in-house to ensure quality work with a quick turnaround time. The gallery's team also manages an art gallery exhibiting vibrant abstracts, acrylic landscapes, and crisp photography, perfect for adorning the bare walls of a Batcave.