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Welcome to Robson Street:
Three short blocks from
The Century Plaza Hotel and
Spa in Downtown
Vancouver, diverse, surprising, unpredictable.
Those who delve into the history of
Robson Street are
startled to find that it s reputation as a vibrant shopping and dining
district is more than 100 years old!
This fascinating street was named for John
Robson, premier of British Columbia form 1889-1892. It s commercial
traditions date from 1895 when train tracks were laid along it, with a wide
variety of small shops springing up to serve Vancouver s rapidly growing
population.
In the post World War II era, Robson Street
evolved into, Robsonstrasse , a reflection of the European shopkeepers who
operated the many small, homey delicatessens, patisseries and chic boutiques
that populated the street.
In modern times, as its popularity has
soared to dramatic heights, the character of Robson Street has continued to
evolve. Robsonstrasse has passed into history, but the eclectic mix of shops
and restaurants has become even stronger and more appealing.
Today, Robson and its intriguing
side-streets boast a large number of high-end retail names including A/X
Armani Exchange, NIKE,
Banana
Republic, GAP, BCBG, Club Monaco,
Virgin Records
and many others. But there also remains ample evidence of the small
independently-operated enterprises that echo the early days of Robson, and
offer a wide range of unusual and artistic goods. Unique hand-crafted native
jewelry, clog shoes, Belgian chocolate, beautiful art glass...you ll find
them all.
Robson Street,
Always the same; always changing.
The street that makes the city. |