The coolest shops in our favourite cities
WEST COAST:
Vancouver
By Kate MacLennan
Provide
A gorgeous loft space located in Crosstown, this global boutique imports everything from designer espresso makers to pretty tops. Stunning, organic-shaped ceramics, and housewares such as lamps, vases, tablewares and cushions round out the home selection. Fashion-wise, it’s all about James Perse’s high-end tees and Vancouverite Shereen De Rousseau’s beautiful cross-platform jewellery. 529 Beatty St., Vancouver, 604-632-0095, providehome.com.
Social at Le Magasin
A heritage building brought back to life now houses this deliciously vintage eatery. For breakfast, try house-cured bacon or a spinach and feta omelette, all with white-linen service and peek-a-boo views of the water and mountains. Midday, hit the adjacent deli for takeout charcuterie piled high on focaccia with potato chips – all made in-house.
332 Water St., Vancouver, 604-669-4488, socialatlemagasin.com.
Jonathan + Olivia
This chic boutique caters to the fashionable folk strolling the streets outside its trendy South Main Street address. Labels include Acne Jeans, Surface to Air, Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant. The store was the first in town to snag Chloe Sevigny’s whimsical debut collection for Opening Ceremony. Resident French bulldog Estelle often sits outside the changeroom to offer her approval on your picks. 2570 Main St., Vancouver, 604-637-6224, jonathanandolivia.com.
Kiss & Makeup
Set aside serious time to peruse the shelves at this North Shore beauty stop. Its extensive range of Canadian and international labels run the gamut from Bumble and Bumble, Cargo and Ren to Sue Devitt, Fresh and Lippmann Collection (don’t miss the one-use lilac-scented polish-remover packets, perfect for travel). Local favourites include Principessa and Linacare. A well-edited assortment of accessories and apparel, too. 2H 925 Main St., The Village at Park Royal, West Vancouver, 604-922-6292, kissandmakeup.ca.
Edmonton
By Janine Weber
Bella Maas Boutique
Suburbanites rejoice! Finally, high-end fashion is available around the corner. Find the hottest denim from Rock & Republic, Tag and Hudson, jackets from Canadian label Soïa and Kyo, and dressier picks from Nicole Miller. Maternity, kidswear and menswear round it out nicely. Book a private shopping party for the ultimate experience. 370-5 Giroux Rd., St. Albert, 780-470-7467; #148 Euro Village, 11 Athabascan ave., Sherwood Park, 780-417-3562, bellamaas.com.
Vivid Concepts Lighting + Design
Whether you’re starting on a new home or giving your current place a facelift, get the light right. This full-service showroom represents design-savvy brands like Leucos, deMajo and Ilfari. 11807B 105 Ave., 780-488-0797, vividconcepts.ca.
The Cocoa Room
If candy-bar chocolate just doesn’t suit your sophisticated palate, step into The Cocoa Room by Kerstin’s Chocolates and get a taste of the good stuff. This is the gathering place for local chocophiles. Monthly tastings and chocolate-making workshops complement the retail selection, where you can choose from rare imported brands or hand-made chocolates created on-site from single-bean aromatic chocolate grown in the best plantations in the world. 10139 112 St., 780-990-0011, kerstinschocolates.com.
Bikram Yoga Edmonton The newest, hottest (pun intended) yoga studio is open downtown. Bikram Yoga’s second location feels more like an oasis than a gym, though they do promise you’ll sweat those toxins out. This environmentally friendly space offers dozens of classes to suit your schedule and the retail space offers amazing Canadian products like Cura Wear fashions and Breathe yoga mats, plus supplements and coconut water for rehydrating after class. 10619 124th St., Edmonton, 780-732-0808, bikramyogaedmonton.com.
Calgary
By Karen Ashbee
The Chef’s Table
Located in the Kensington Riverside Inn, The Chef’s Table is the latest addition to Calgary’s upscale dining scene. Here, chef Theo Yeaman, noted for his clean, modernist cooking, does a delicious take on local foods. Favourites include roast wapiti elk hind, braised Alberta short rib ravioli and house-smoked organic salmon. 1126 Memorial Dr. N.W., Calgary, 403-228-4442.
Life Spa Take care of both body and soul at this “express spa,” which recently opened in cahoots with the Edgemont World Health Sport Club. Many of the treatments are designed specifically for post-workout. Book an hour with your trainer, then treat yourself to the Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage. 7222 Edgemont Blvd. NW., Calgary, 403-257-4772, lifespagroup.com.
Kensington Riverside Inn This recently renovated hotel is the ideal jumping off spot for exploring Calgary. With just 19 guest rooms, including three suites, the inn feels like a private retreat close to the shops in Kensington and downtown. Indulge in four-poster beds, Frette linens, flat-screen TVs and heated towel bars. It’s contemporary and comfortable. 1126 Memorial Dr. N.W., Calgary, 403-228-4442, kensingtonriversideinn.com.
Bite Groceteria
The latest shop to open on Calgary’s popular 9th Avenue in Inglewood is dedicated to all things gourmet. Co-owner Julie Denhamer does a brisk trade in Quebec’s Rougie whole duck, as well as smoked duck breast, local producer Driveview Farm’s lamb, Spinosi pasta and fig logs. Just added to the store is Spanish chef Ferran Adria’s line of bowls, serving trays and cutlery. 1212A 9th Ave. S.E., Calgary, 403-263-3966.
PRARIES
Saskatoon
By D. Grant Black
Up Sheep Creek
This kind of recycling doesn’t get carried to the curb. Late 19th-century, Western-themed furniture, made from reclaimed wood in Ireland, Thailand and the U.S., started life as cupboards, floor planks and church pews. Now they live again as cabinets, wine racks, coffee tables and kitchen islands. Montreal’s Via furniture – custom-made chairs and sofas covered with Saskatchewan rancher-provided cowhides – fills out the rest of this unique shop. 102-3120 8th St. E., Saskatoon, 306-955-8774, sheepcreek.net.
Jammeez
Lori Kerpan started Jammeez as a home-party sideline. Last summer, she opened her seasonal location at nearby Emma Lake. Now there’s a Saskatoon store with her selection of pajamas, robes and spa wraps from lines like Frankie & Johnny and Hatley, plus the store’s own brand. Also a great stop for handbags, cosmetic cases, totes and jewellery – or to attend an after-hours Jammeez party. 112-3501 8th St. E., Saskatoon, 306-477-2703, jammeez.ca.
Regina
By D. Grant Black
BalOrient Footwear
This is the resurrection of a successful Polish shoe-manufacturing and retail business that Natasha Hope’s great-grandfather started in 1920 – and ran until 1939. Twenty-something Hope inherited the fine footwear gene. Find brands such as Kenneth Cole, Colcci, Naughty Monkey, Sam Edelman, Steve Madden and many more. 2553 Quance St. E., Regina, 306-352-4833, balorient.com.
Solar Era
Saskatchewan’s solar-preneur, Cory Turner, has the green answer to a lighter energy footprint. Solar Era aims to put today’s clean-energy technology in every home. The solar, wind or hybrid systems can supply hot water, heating and electricity in your energy-hungry abode – even for your expensive-to-heat pool. 1421 Broad St., Regina, 306-522-5326, solarera.ca.
Moe and Jeff Gourmet Foods
Regina foodies now have a fresh destination in Cathedral Village. Local TV chefs Moe and Jeff specialize in hard-to-source deli items like preserved lemons and artisinal cheeses. Discerning shoppers can grab a gourmet sandwich with a hearty homemade soup or sidle up to the cappuccino bar for a frothy cup of Moe and Jeff’s signature blend. 2936 13th Ave., Regina, 306-584-5434.
Winnipeg
By Helen Cholakis
McNally Robinson Booksellers
More than a bookstore, this is the heart of Winnipeg’s literary scene. There are frequent author readings, book-club meetings and musical performances in the space. The store displays the best local and international books, so you never go home empty-handed. You can also find a large selection of giftware, including hats by Lillie and Cohoe, Sigg water bottles and Moleskine notebooks. Coming next spring: a Toronto location. Polo Park, 1485 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, 204-943-8376, mcnallyrobinson.com.
Grass Roots Prairie Kitchen
Offers locally grown organic ready-to-go specialties like bison tourtière, chickpea and potato stew, and the best baba ghanouj in the city. They also sell fresh-pressed oils and delicious Manitoba preserves. Located in The Forks Market, where Winnipeg’s two rivers meet. On the periphery of downtown, it makes a nice detour at the end of the day. The Forks Market, 201-1 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg, 204-942-5097, tallgrassbakery.ca/grassroots.
Moulé
Unique, upscale items with a sense of humour. Find creative gifts, like a Michael Aram silver bowl or child’s teepee by Lucy & Michael. This shop doubles as one of Winnipeg’s most fashionable clothing shops, with upscale denim from Rag & Bone, Paper Denim & Cloth and Earnest Sewn, plus Rachel Mara’s exclusive clothing line, gorgeous bags from Treesje, and Lucite and semi-precious jewellery from Alexis Bittar. 443 Academy Rd., Winnipeg, 204-488-1891, moulestores.com.
Eva’s Gelato & Coffee Bar
Close your eyes and you’re in Argentina. Open them and you’re on the patio of Winnipeg’s most stylish gelateria. Bright and beautiful, with stainless-steel chairs and tables and lots of windows. It’s a great excuse to stroll the Corydon strip, a favourite local summer pastime. Must-try flavours include dulce de leche, fresh lemon and panettone. 101-1001 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, 204-452-3827, evasgelato.com.
CENTRAL
Toronto
By Hannah Bank & Caitlan Moneta
The Cheese Boutique
Tucked inconspicuously off the South Kingsway, this family-run store is Toronto’s rite of passage into the specialty world of cheese. The former sausage factory feels like a small town’s two-storey treasure chest with mounds of local and imported cheeses, exclusive prepared goods, and heaps of fresh groceries and meats. Staffers even offer tours of the cheese vault. 45 Ripley Ave., Toronto, 416-762-6292, cheeseboutique.com.
Made
Nestled among Portuguese cafes, this tiny home-decor hotspot stocks modern furnishings and accessories by Canadian designers. The gallery-style atmosphere is not surprising, since one of the owners has a background in curating (the other in furniture design). Most of what you see on display
is made with sustainable and recyclable materials. 867 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-607-6384, madedesign.ca.
M Beauty Boutique & Skin Care
Newly opened in Toronto’s Rosedale neighbourhood, this beauty store is a luxurious, Parisian-inspired gem. Specializing in facials and featuring skin-care products from France, Germany and Israel, the spa offers clients a clever hybrid of traditional and up-to-the-minute wellness techniques. 1134 Yonge St., Toronto, 416-972-7546.
Jacflash
Glossy black lacquered walls, a gleaming tin ceiling and oversized mirrors showcase hard-to-find labels for both men and women. Ahead-of-the-curve urbanites will be drawn in by the listening lounge playing up-and-coming artists, but will stay for the designs by Alice+Olivia, H. Fredriksson, IRO, Endovanera and Modern Vintage, and the generous selection of distinctive jewellery. 1036 Queen St. W., Toronto, 647-408-4451, jacflash.net.
Ottawa
By Laura Byrne Paquet
Disegno
“I really think the tactile is as important as the visual,” says jewellery designer Pamela Coulston. As a result, her bold pieces in sterling silver and 18-karat gold are as weighty as they look. Although she’s opened a studio in Glebe to meet with local custom-design clients, her market is global thanks to the internet. Customers are as far away as Botswana. 103 Fourth Ave., 2nd Floor, Ottawa, 613-482-1614 (Wed.- Sat.), disegnojewellery.ca.
Belly Laughs
Yummy mummies take heart: you don’t have to drive downtown – or to Montreal – to find funky Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags, Bravado nursing bras and other stylish baby gear. Surrounded by big-box behemoths, owner Sandra Durocher focuses on unique, local and high-quality products. Check out new Melissa & Doug wooden toys, baby slings made by local moms, and fashionable consignment kids’ clothing. 300 Earl Grey Dr., Kanata Centrum, Ottawa, 613-963-0711, bellylaughs.ca.
Victoire
Hip chicks already know about Victoire, a Byward Market fashion boutique featuring mainly Canadian designers. But have you dropped in since it moved to bigger digs down the street? Now there’s room for women’s shoes as well as menswear – like designer tees by Ottawa artist Paul Sharp. Proprietors Régine Paquette and Katie Frappier have also launched a jewellery line, Steel Magnolias, incorporating found objects like antique charms. 246 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, 613-321-1590, victoireboutique.com.
Montreal
By Joanne Latimer
Abe & Mary’s
This high-end boutique impresses fashionistas with its motherlode of designer pieces from Vince, Mint, Juicy Couture, Junk Food and 3.1 Philip Lim. Connoisseurs linger over the Frilly Lilly hand cream and sugar scrubs by Archipelago. After flipping through funny coffee-table books (like Dating Sucks), drift up the white staircase to inspect Botkier handbags, Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses and party dresses from Matthew Williamson and Alice+Olivia. 4175 Jean Talon Blvd. W., 514-448-6223, Montreal, abeandmarys.com.
Bonatarte
Black cherry rhubarb. Chocolate walnut espresso. Piña colada. These are not your mother’s pies. Bonatarte’s menu features more than 40 flavours, born from the imagination of resident bakers Tanya and Natalia Adams. This sister act also makes pies for clients requiring no sugar, dairy or wheat. The mini tarts are sized for solo indulgence, while the 10-inch pies are perfect hostess gifts – cute box included. 6226 St. Jacques St. W., Montreal, 514-486-7437,
bonatarte.com.
CAJH Maîtres Coiffures
Graduating from a starter loft, Alain Larivée and Justin Voss moved their bustling hair salon around the corner to a brick building near the Atwater Market. Renovated with recycled barn wood and silver decor accents, CAJH attracts laidback clients who loathe hipster salons on the Plateau. What’s the angle? Voss is a master of colour correction, while Larivée specializes in curly hair. 743 Atwater St., Montreal, 514-932-6303, cajh.ca.
Studio Beauté du Monde
With exotic decor that conjures the artistry and colours of Marrakech, this downtown spa is the opposite of minimal Zen. Brightened by red and pink rose petals, the lobby leads to a Moroccan tea room and traditional hammam. Regular patrons enjoy a detoxifying steam in the hammam before their black soap exfoliation and rassoul body wrap. Perfumed oils and oriental pastries complete the experience. 1455 Drummond St., Montreal, 514-841-1210, studiobeautedumonde.com.
Quebec City
By Joanne Latimer
Tyst Trädgård
What’s with the name? It’s Swedish for quiet garden. Padding around in Crocs and bathing suits, clients whisper excitedly at this tranquil Scandinavian-style wellness centre. Just 30 minutes west of Quebec City, it lures urbanites with its alpine water cures. Most of the action is outside, where cold waterfalls provide a bracing reprieve from the Finnish sauna. Exterior massage cabins are influenced less by Ikea than Egyptian temples, African culture and Aztec caves.
143 Route Duchesnay, Ste-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, Que., 418-875-1645, tysttradgard.com.
Bagages de France
Once a concierge at the Château Frontenac, Sheila Morgan knows her luggage. She opened this boutique as an exclusive outpost for Longchamp, the luxury French brand celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Shoppers come to this Parisian-style boutique (complete with bistro chairs) for the new Légende shoulder bag designed by Kate Moss. Demand is also high for Pliage folding totes and the new Surf collection of luggage in burnt orange. 74 St. Louis St., Quebec City, 418-204-7224, bagagesdefrance.com.
Ginger Pub Grill Lounge & Sushi Bar
Should you sit at the sushi bar or decamp to a suede booth? Do you want the candied duck legs or filet mignon? Ginger has options. Spread over 6,000 square feet, this pub-cum-grill and sushi bar also has a dance floor and cocktail lounge – all decorated in bright red suede with bamboo accents. Mod lighting and wall cutouts make it the funkiest new place to enjoy a bento box stuffed with sushi. Hotel plaza quebec, 3031 Laurier Blvd., Quebec City, 418-380-6969, hotelsjaro.com.
EAST COAST
Saint John
By Leah Fitzgerald
J. & R. Bags and Shoes
The anime-like signs outside this shop, run by business grads, say it all – shoes and bags from Asia, everything from polka dot cork-soled platforms to simple pumps, and a purse selection that shames the major retailer at the mall. Throw in a wide selection of jewellery and a rack of designer clothing, including Roxy and XOXO, and you’ve got an outfit. 119 Union St., Saint John, 506-635-8033, jrbagsandshoes.com.
Moncton
By Leah Fitzgerald
Marché Moncton Market
A traditional farmers’ market with an updated “bistro” of food retailers with an international flair, this is essential Saturday morning shopping. Samples abound, as do places to pick up a coffee and breakfast. Get your veggies, meats and cheeses, but don’t miss The Cake Box’s Chunky Monkey cupcakes. Only open Saturdays. Westmorland St., Moncton, marchemonctonmarket.ca.
Terra Verde
Fresh flowers and fresh home decor commingle in this quirky shop downtown. Pick up your floral order and browse for the perfect table accessory, a new chair for the living room and that missing kitchen wonder-gadget. Tucked away in the back is a selection of baby gifts, including natural wool crib bedding. Don’t miss the slick bar accessories, perfect for summer deck parties. 679 Main St., Moncton, 506-389-1898, terraverde.ca.
Charlottetown
By Leah Fitzgerald
The Bestofpei Store
Forget Anne of Green Gables. This store highlights what the rest of P.E.I. has to offer – local producers of everything from fused glass to pottery, and jams and jellies to Chinese sauces. Sporting a taste of everything on offer around the island, this is a great place to start a Charlottetown shopping spree. Victoria Row, 156 Richmond St., Charlottetown, 902-368-8835, bestofpei.com.
Halifax
By Alison Dixon
Hibiscus
A newcomer on Halifax’s busiest strip, Hibiscus blends fun, feminine style with Euro-inspired fashion sense. Owner Angie DeMont finds clothing and accessories on her world travels, and buys a maximum of three of each item. The style is chic and classic with a sexy edge. You have all the benefits of shopping in Italy without ever having to pack your suitcase. 5407 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, 902-422-5204.
Lady Luck Boutique
One step inside and you’ll be wishing for a bigger jewellery box. With work from more than 20 local designers, each piece is hand-picked by owners (and sisters) Jennifer and Melanie Huntley, who make their own line on-site. With imported purses and treasures like cosmetic bags made from vintage swim caps thrown in, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve won the lottery. 5519 Young St. and 1869 Upper Water St., Halifax, 902-446-3060.
Cucina Moderna
This is the local mecca for kitchen accessories, tableware and dreamy appliances, like the sleek Saeco espresso machines. It’s totally hands-on here, so you can try out anything you like in the store. (A bonus when you’re searching for the perfect knife.) But really, you don’t need to be a chef to appreciate the beauty of a Calphalon pan or Peugeot pepper mill. 1535 Dresden Row, City Centre Atlantic, Halifax, 902-423-9562, cucinamoderna.ca.
Love, Me Boutique
You won’t find anything generic at this cozy boutique – it’s all handmade and Canadian, from fashion to home decor. Be sure to check out funky clothing and sassy bags by Shallan and Sara and elegant Coe & Waito porcelain. The space is set up like an apartment, where you get to admire owner Chara Kingston’s savvy styling, and then take it home. 1539 Birmingham St., Halifax, 902-444-3668, lovemeboutique.ca.
St. John’s
By Robin Grant
Taste of Thai
Located off the beaten path near the foot of historic Signal Hill, Taste of Thai prides itself on its authentic Thai roots. The owners return to Thailand every year, gathering the latest trends in food, customs and decor. You’ll have a unique experience, removing your shoes and sitting on comfy cushions at low traditional tables. Popular favourites include the Swimming Rama and the Massaman Curry. 179 Duckworth St., St. John’s, 709-738-3203, tasteofthainl.com.
Newfound Icelandic Designs
With a keen eye for fashion, quality and common sense, Newfound Icelandic Designs is the first distributor to bring Icelandic clothing line 66º North to Canada. Designed for people who spend time outside, the stylish windproof and water-repellent attire will ensure that you look great while you brave the elements. The boutique also offers Arbonne, a Swiss-designed skincare line, and Swarovski jewellery, including its collection of fabulous,
eye-popping crystal rings. 191B Water St., St. John’s, 709-749-0004, newfoundicelandic.com.
The Vault
A former bank, the Vault Restaurant and Champagne Bar lines its vault with hundreds of wine and champagne bottles from all over the world – each available by the glass. Using only fresh seafood and game, local organic vegetables, herbs and edible flowers from a dedicated garden, the executive chefs impress each season. Enjoy a luxurious glass of French Château Lafite Rothschild, 1994 Pauillac with avocado mousse in crème fraiche vol au vent and sweet potato polenta. 291 Water St., St. John’s, 709-738-5200.