FIVE VICTORIA SOUVENIRS

Cowichan knitted goods for sale on Government Street

Victoria’s local stores feature one-of-kind mementos that reflect the culture and heritage of Vancouver Island.

A SCREEN PRINT FROM PACIFIC EDITIONS LIMITED

http://www.pacificeditions.ca/

Pacific Editions publishes traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast Native Indian Fine Art Prints. A large variety of vibrant and striking prints by both senior and “new wave” artists illustrate traditional designs, legends and the natural beauty of the coast.

ROGERS CHOCOLATE

http://www.rogerschocolates.com/

Rogers Chocolate’s history with Victoria dates back to 1885. Victoria Creams or Rogers Chocolate Bars are small and easy to take home, if they don’t get eaten first!

PHILLIPS BREWERY BEER SHOWCASE

http://www.phillipsbeer.com/
http://www.rifflandia.com/

Phillips Brewery is located in downtown Victoria and offers a selection of rotating seasonal beers and brews to suit any taste. The Phillips Showcase is a sampler pack featuring old favourites like Phoenix Lager and Slipstream Cream Ale, along with special edition beers, such as the Rifflandabrau Pilsner, brewed specially for local music festival Rifflandia.

A COWICHAN SWEATER

http://cowichantrading.com/
http://www.fourhorsemen.ca/
http://www.sitkasurfboards.com/

Cowichan sweaters were in the international spotlight after the Hudson’s Bay Company created their own version for the 2010 Winter Olympics. A traditional Cowichan sweater is knitted from warm wool and decorated with geometric patterns and natural colours of greys, whites, blacks and browns. For a modern take on the Cowichan, check in at Sitka or Four Horsemen; both stores carry sweaters in their own special designs.

SCREEN PRINTED CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES

http://www.floatinggoldiceberg.com/
http://www.smokinglily.com/

Whimsical screen printed shirts, dresses, scarves and bags are ubiquitous in Victoria. Often featuring motifs of plants and animals, stores like Smoking Lily and Floating Gold Iceberg draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the island to create beautiful, local flair, all created and sewn in-house.


Photography by R. Rilkoff