Things to do in Vancouver, Canada: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada

Purdy’s has been Canada’s innovative chocolatier since 1907. Proudly born in BC, this family-run establishment has been wowing generations with their high quality chocolate creations – everything from classic hedgehogs, marshmallow bars, Himalayan pink salt, to more modern selections like vegan chocolate and lemon blackberry chocolate pieces – for the last 112 years. I doubt there’s very many in BC who’ve yet to taste the high quality flavours and creations of this national treasure. For me, Purdy’s has become much more of a “special occasions” stop rather than an everyday thing but, when growing up, the family always made it a point to stop by this delectable sweet shop. Growing up, Purdy’s chocolates were always a treat – especially because there were none nearby. Whenever the family and I would travel across the Province, making our way to the Fraser Valley, you can bet that Purdy’s was a “must visit” location. Specifically, a lot of my memories hedge around the Cottonwood Mall unit in Chilliwack. Many a fun time was spent wandering through this now modest mall, but Purdy’s always beckoned and called. Here is where we bought plenty of milk chocolate hedgehogs, bars, peanut butter treats and various of dark chocolates. My younger brother would always go for the ice cream. When you think about it, it really is quite remarkable how Purdy’s – once a very small operation – has woven its way into the cultural fabric of the Province and, more recently, the country. For example, there are 36 locations in BC alone. Indeed, they’re a good example of a specialty store that punches well above its weight. Need proof? Well, there are a number of rural-area grocery stores in BC that get special shipments of Purdy’s during notable occasions like Christmas with the sole intent of selling the chocolates at inflated prices . . . and people definitely do buy them up. Furthermore, many a school and other local fundraisers use Purdy’s as a draw. Buy from them – as I have in the past – and get various chocolate treats at slightly discounted prices. Who can say no to that, especially when we’re talking about delicious peanut butter fingers and hedgehogs?! In any event, there are 2 Purdy’s locations listed on TripAdvisor – this one at 700 W Georgia Street (Pacific Centre Mall) and a non-existent location on Chester Street. The Pacific Centre Mall location is a fine and fair representative of all Purdy’s kiosks because the units all basically have the same layout. Here you will find all of the Purdy’s classics (peanut butter fingers, hedgehogs, classic chocolate bars, Himalayan pink salts, sweet Georgia Browns, chocolate lolly’s, chocolate bark), specialty chocolates (truffles, fruit-based selections, toffee bars, matcha), seasonal offerings, gift boxes and ice cream treats. As I said above, I now tend to treat Purdy’s more like a special occasions stop because, well, I don’t eat a lot of chocolate anymore and, besides, the prices for this “100% sustainable chocolate” is getting up there. Thus, I usually just buy it for those who really enjoy it. In this regard, the Purdy’s in Pacific Centre is as good as any other – the staff have always been very helpful and point out ways in which you can save money (and maybe even buy a bit more chocolate!). It’s thumbs up, especially if you’re a chocolate lover! So, yes, Purdy’s is rife with memories for me, as I’m sure it is for many of us who visit these shops. The chocolate is of high quality; the staff are always very friendly regardless of the often heavy crowds; and they bring smiles to our faces. If you’ve yet to try Purdy’s, do yourself a favour and check them out. Highly recommended!​