Shopping Finds at Townsite Public Market

Powell River's Townsite Public Market is a two-storey industrial-style space set in the heart of the city's heritage district. It's a bustling communal spot where locals and visitors come to shop, pick up groceries, get a massage, and even rock climb.

Read on as we break down some of the best shopping finds from Townsite Public Market merchants. 

Local Art, Turadh Fine Art

This fine art gallery hosts works by local qathet-based artists, including Anna May Bennett and Luke Ramsey, among others. Showcasing the wide range of talent and creativity in this corner of the Sunshine Coast, everything on display in this bright and airy gallery is unique, from hand-blown vases and locally-made jewelry to mixed media pieces and large-scale canvases. There are items both big and small, so you’re sure to find the perfect thing whether you're shopping for gifts or a souvenir to take home with you. The art is constantly changing, meaning no visit to the gallery will be the same.

Pre-loved Items, Gear Attic

It's no secret that Powell River is home to incredible outdoor recreation, from rock climbing and bikepacking to snowshoeing and paddlesports. It's also no secret that gear can be expensive and hard to find—especially if you're new to a sport. Enter: Gear Attic, a consignment store that brings sustainability to the forefront.

Gear Attic offers a wide range of pre-loved outdoor gear and apparel, and inventory rotates from season to season. On any given day, you're likely to find bags, boards, boots, jackets, and more. They also offer gear rentals for various sports and activities, along with use of handy tools for fuel transfers where you can downsize your half-full fuel canisters into something that's more portable, leaving you more room in your pack.

Colourful Yarn, Knitter's Nest

You don't need to be a knitter to admire the gorgeous selection of ethically-sourced yarns—including Canadian-made products—at Knitter's Nest. Located on the main level of the market, this community yarn shop features a range of products for the knitters, crocheters, weavers, and other crafters in your life. Interested in picking up a new hobby? Get started with their selection of knitting needles, stitch markers, project bags, and other crafting supplies. The shop is also stocked with a few one-of-a-kind, handmade items such as shawls, toques, and more. 

Toys and Housewares, The Owl and Bear

You'll want to take your time in The Owl and Bear. This one-stop shop is chock-full of household goods, trinkets, apothecary items, teas, herbs, and other wares—all with a focus on sustainability and fair trade in mind. It's easy to pick up a number of themed goodies here, from puzzles and games to reusable homewares like water bottles, tea towels, and utensils. Kids will love the toy section, which is often stocked with classic items ranging from hacky sacks and yoyos to marbles and other trinkets. Prefer to pick up an item for a loved one? They also sell a selections of cards, and their beautiful tea towels can be used as gift wrap.

Slow Fashion, Eunoia Fibre Studio & Gallery

If there's a theme to be found at Townsite Public Market, it's a focus on what's natural and good for the planet. Like their merchant neighbours, Eunoia Fibre Studio & Gallery embraces sustainability and the slow fashion movement by stocking garments made using local, natural, regenerative, and found textiles and materials. From flowy linen dresses to crocheted scarves, this is the store where you can pick up that treasured, one-of-kind piece you'll have for years to come. Eunoia also stocks a variety of unique buttons for your upcoming projects, felted pincushions, and more.

Metaphysical Items, Forest & Fog

forest & fog is a new addition to the public market, after having relocated from another location in Historic Townsite. The shop is billed as a "little metaphysical shop in the heart of Townsite, making things with love & light." Look for items like soy candles, a variety of crystals, smudge sticks, raw gemstone jewelry, and more. 

Picnic Supplies, Townsite Food Merchants

It's not a public market without food, and at Townsite you'll find everything you need for a picnic in Powell River & qathet's great outdoors. You’ll find a handful of food suppliers who carry everything from fresh baked breads to local produce and even grab-and-go charcuterie boxes.

Start things off with a visit to Hearth & Grain where the smell of sourdough loaves, bagels, and pastries is hard to resist. Nearby is Townsite Fruit & Veg whose curated shelves offer everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to plant-based snacks and gluten free options. Treat yourself to vegan desserts at Just Soul Food, or swing by Sunny Deli for premade sandwiches, cured meats and cheese, and ready-made charcuterie boxes.

Bonus: Townsite Brewing Merch

Finished at the market? Head across the street to Townsite Brewing, which in addition to slinging a tasty lineup of Belgian- and West Coast-inspired brews, also sells merchandise. The selection is ever-rotating, from mugs and glasses to tote bags and tees. Like Townsite's label art, many of the items here are made in collaboration with local Sunshine Coast artists.

Learn more about Powell River & qathet here, and be sure to add Townsite Public Market to your trip itinerary.