Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Sweatshop Free, Natural Materials - Victoria's all about this kind of thing. These kinds of lifestyle choices make a big difference, and you'll find them well-supported (if a bit pricey) right in town.
Organic Healthfood Shops
Seeds of Life
Fruits, vegetables, vitamins, herbs, cosmetics, healthy necessities and a lot more can be found in here. Yes, it’s true.
1316 Government Street just across the street from "Gap" store. (map) (directions) 382-4343
Lifestyles Markets
Though both locations are a bit out of town, they're an essential source of healthfood and organic products.
Cook St. Village location (smaller of the two): 343 Cook Street (map) (directions) 381-5450
Douglas St. location (bigger selection): 2950 Douglas Street (map) (directions) 384-3388
The Market on Yates
The Market on Yates is a totally funky, very modern grocery store. Although not the cheapest alternative, the Market on Yates offers a great selection of locally made organic/vegetarian items, as well as the standard stuff. A deli and on-site bakery are ideal for lunches on the go--tons of pre-made samosas, spring rolls, chicken wings, etc.
903 Yates Street (map) 381-6000
Open 7am - 11pm 7 days a week
Wildfire Bakery
The family that owns this small bakery uses old-school baking methods with high quality, local ingredients. They serve all sorts of organic leaven breads baked in a wood fired oven and fresh all-organic pastry.
1517 Quadra Street (map) 381-3473 email: wildfirebreads@shaw.ca
Vitamins
The Vitamin Shop
They’ve got every type of vitamin in the world, and believe me, this is the cheapest place to get vitamins in the city. Plus the staff actually know what they're talking about - they can help you make sense of the crazy world of vitamins and suppliments.
1212 Broad Street (map) (just near the entrance of the Bay Center) 386-1212 www.canadianvitaminshop.com
Self-Heal Herbs
Exotic teas and herbs from all over the world, natural body care products, aromatherapy oils and you can fill up your shampoo bottle here. Ask the staff about events in the city, more then often you will get invited to the next Indian Chanting Evening...
1106 Blanshard Street (map) 383-1913
