Some of Vancouver’s favourite establishments (and a great way to spend a weekend)
Janine Palencia (she/her) // Contributor
Jerry Kambashi (he/him) // Illustrator
If you’ve been looking to support women-owned businesses in Vancouver but don’t know where to start, you don’t have to look far. Women are behind many of Vancouver’s cornerstone establishments from boutiques to event venues, which make up this city’s unique culture.
In case you still aren’t sure, here’s a list of four women-owned businesses in Vancouver where you can eat, read, shop and have fun, all without breaking the bank.
8th & Main | 2403 Main Street & 1105 Granville Street
8th & Main is a trendy boutique clothing retailer founded on the core value of affordability. With its origins in a vintage shop in Victoria, the owners set up shop in Vancouver in 2013 at their titular Mount Pleasant location. This independent chain carries Pacific-Northwest street staples, including brands like Vans, Obey, Jack & Jones and Levi’s. Their second location can be found in Downtown Vancouver, minutes away from Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line Station.
Sustainable goodies: 8th & Main’s online store features a vintage section, selling curated vintage and second-hand goods that can be shipped across Canada and the United States.
East Van Roasters | 319 Carrall Street
Known for their artisan coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate, this café is a 10-minute walk from Waterfront Station, right in the heart of Gastown. East Van Roasters is owned by the Atira Women’s Arts Society and was started by PHS Community Services Society as an employment program for women in treatment for addiction. Their award-winning chocolate is made on-site using organic and ethically-sourced ingredients. East Van Roasters offers vegan alternatives for their drinks, and vegan, nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free options for their chocolate bars. Coffee beans and chocolate can also be purchased through their online store, which ships across Canada.
Pay it forward: East Van Roasters runs the Suspended Coffee program, allowing customers to pre-purchase a hot drink for community members in need.
Massy Books | 229 E Georgia Street
Book lovers unite at Massy Books, an Indigenous-owned business located in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown neighbourhood. Massy Books boasts a wide collection from best-selling new releases to rare and out-of-print editions. Sales fund the Massy Arts Society, a non-profit organization hosting (often free) events led by Indigenous and under-represented artists. Massy Books also runs a book-buying program, which pays sellers cash and trading credits for their collections.
All about community: Massy Books hosts a yearly fundraiser selling excess stock, with proceeds going to local nonprofits and community organizations.
The Rio Theatre | 1660 E Broadway
The Rio is the independent movie theatre in Vancouver. More than a single-screen cinema, this retro East Van fixture hosts live comedy, concerts, drag shows, burlesque shows and more. Bring your own costume to cult-classic screenings and enjoy delicious treats at their licensed concession stand and bar. The Rio is located across the street from Broadway/Commercial SkyTrain Station, making it easy to find your way home after a late-night show. Students enjoy a discount, so make sure to bring your CapU ID!
Accessibility matters: The Rio has multiple seating areas which accommodate wheelchair and scooter users and has renovated their women’s washroom to be wheelchair-accessible.