Shopping in North Vancouver

Pre-made plates, bowls, mugs, and money boxes await the colourful kiss of paint brushes, stamps, and sponges inside this whimsical toy store

A locally owned Vancouver clothing enterprise, Lotusvive outfits men and women with form-hugging yet cozy apparel with an eye toward promoting eco-friendly products. The colourful lineup of yoga-inspired pants, tees, jackets, and accessories comfortably hugs torsos and limbs whether they're straining through a muscle-toning backbend or casually resting during movie marathons. Threads of sustainably sourced fabric form workout outfits of muted cool colours and sunny pastels, as well as raincoats, shorts, gym bags, and tanks, creating stylish, sensible wardrobes.

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.

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.

Scrap Arts, a paper crafts boutique, hosts a wide range of classes and themed craft parties for children and adults surrounded by shelves lined with vintage and retro stamps, papers, and embellishments. From decorating Altoid tins to crafting memento boxes to creating mixed media mirror collages, students at Scrap Arts kindle their creative fires while transforming everyday objects into eye-catching keepsakes. The store also carries card-making kits to celebrate all occasions, such as anniversaries, weddings, and the swallowing of your last baby tooth.