Shop Local on BC Route 7: The Holiday Highway

 

This holiday season, spark joy in your local small businesses by giving them the gift of your support! From the charming small-town shops of Hope to the bustling shopping centres of Coquitlam, and all the holiday markets in between, BC Route 7 is your route to the best assortment of gifts along one scenic route. Here are a few suggestions where you’ll be sure to find a medley of merry holiday offerings!

COQUITLAM

PLACE DES ARTS HOLIDAY ARTISAN SHOP
1120 Brunet Avenue
Formerly known as the Christmas Boutique, the shop features eco-friendly gifts, ornaments, and decorations, handcrafted by community artisans. Free admission. You can also shop online by viewing all the items then emailing info@placedesarts.ca with your choices, or reserve items by phone at 604-663-1636 ext. 0.

COQUITLAM CENTRE
2929 Barnet Highway
With nearly 200 stores, this is true one-stop shopping! Book photos with Santa at Santa’s Photo Studio to heighten your holiday spirit, while helping BC flood victims: 25% of photo studio sales will go to the Red Cross’ British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal!

Get more ideas at Coquitlam’s Visitor Centre, located at 1116 Brunette Avenue or online here.

MAPLE RIDGE

LOTUS & LEMONGRASS GIFTS AND DECOR
103, 11952 – 224 Street
Part of the 224th Street Shopping District, this beautifully appointed shop will wow you with a wonderful selection of gifts for every season and occasion, and staff that are happy to help you find that special something for your special someone.

MAPLE RIDGE SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
22441 Dewdney Trunk Road
Conveniently located in the heart of Maple Ridge, this community shopping centre includes major tenants like PetSmart, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and No Frills.

Get more inspiration for Maple Ridge shopping here.

MISSION

CANDY SHACK
33186 –  1 Avenue
From the moment you step into this fun store, the glass jars full of vibrantly coloured candies, familiar candy wrappers and sweet smells will transport you back in time to give you the true “kid in a candy store” excitement. Carrying over one hundred varieties of hard, soft, chewy, crunchy and delicious candy from around the world, you’ll find both the newest goodies, plus candy you’ll remember from your childhood. Ice cream, pop, a slush puppy machine, and cool merchandise are the cherry on top!

PRESSLAND GENERAL
33120 – 1 Avenue
Featuring a modern, fresh, and eclectic mix of quality products including stationery, apparel, apothecary, home goods, duffle bags, food products, jewelry, books, and more, Pressland General is also the flagship store for Locomotive Clothing products.

Get more ideas at Mission’s Visitor Centre, located at 34033 Lougheed Highway or online here.

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS

BLUE DANDELION GIFTS
140 Esplanade Avenue
Beautifully decorated for the holidays, this lakefront gift store is bursting with gifts for everyone on your list and is open 7 days a week until Christmas. Clothing, jewelry, décor, bath and body products, housewares and more; you’ll find it all in store!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
328 Esplanade Avenue
Who can resist chocolate? With whimsical Christmas-themed chocolates and candy, chocolate or caramel coated apples, a huge variety of chocolates in every flavour imaginable, boxed sets, seasonal favourites, and gift baskets (custom orders available); you’ll find it challenging not to splurge on goodies for yourself!

Get more ideas at Harrison Hot Spring’s Visitor Centre, located at 499 Hot Springs Road or online here.

AGASSIZ & KENT

BLUE DANDELION BABY & TOYS
2, 7056 Pioneer Avenue
In the town of Agassiz, you’ll find TWO Blue Dandelions: one for gifts and collectables, and a brand new store featuring baby items and toys; and both are chock-full of great gift ideas! You’ll find babies’ and children’s clothing and sleepware, family games and puzzles (perfect for family gatherings); educational and sensory toys and much more.

HOLLY TREE FLORIST & GIFTS
7220 Pioneer Ave.
A gorgeous floral centrepiece for your holiday dining table, or a fragrant Christmas bouquet to bring to a dinner party… you’ll find these floral favourites plus much more at Holly Tree!

Get more ideas at Agassiz’s Visitor Centre, located at 7011 Pioneer Ave, or online, here.

HOPE

ARTISAN’S ATTIC AND FUDGERY GIFT SHOP
326 Wallace Street
Browse the gorgeous selection of products crafted by local and international artisans. You’ll find hand-painted glassware, unique t-shirts, jewelry, seasonal favourites, bath and body products, kitchenware, and so much more. And who can forget the fabulous, mouthwatering fudge, made right in store.

RIVERHOUSE BOUTIQUE
267 Wallace Street
Featuring stunning décor to make your space sparkle, Riverhouse Boutique also features a large variety of products for baby, as well as kitchenware, bath and body products, Christmas ornaments and décor, seasonal goods, planters and pots, and so much more. New arrivals coming in daily.

Get more ideas at Hope’s Visitor Centre, located at 919 Water Avenue or online, here.

Grab your favourite seasonal beverage (peppermint hot chocolate, anyone?) and make your way to the fabulous shops and markets along BC Route 7. You’ll be finishing off that shopping list before you know it! We love to see where your holidays take you, please tag your photos with #BCRoute7 to share them with us. For more information on these or other fun activities along BC Route 7, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.