Forget Vancouver. The right spot for your Canadian spending spree is Victoria, B.C.: cozier, not to mention closer, and as near London as you’re likely to get without having to book a flight.

In fact, you can ride Amtrak, the Victoria Clipper, or the ferry from downtown Seattle, or drive four hours north on I-5. As British Columbia’s capital, Victoria has a strong British background, with majestic buildings and architecture—and as a bonus, the Parliament Buildings are adorned with tens of thousands of lights during the holiday season, making your shopping experience all the jollier. Apart from the appeal of the town’s historical buildings, which make for some whimsical cafes and a snug atmosphere, the shopping alone is a cultural experience.

Locals recommend going downtown to Lower Johnson Street, or “LowJo,” between Wharf and Douglas for a wide range of independent and noteworthy shops, including Violette Boutique (1223 Government St., +1 250-388-7752). This chic store, with interiors that replicate the shops of Paris’ Ile Saint-Louis, carries jewelry and accessories made primarily by Canadian designers from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

But if one shop itself is worth the trip, it’s Smoking Lily (569 Johnson St., +1 250-382-5459). This tiny alcove in the front section of a 120-year-old heritage building lobby is only a few feet larger than your average closet (4 by 11 feet). Smoking Lily collaborates with local artists to produce specially designed silk-screened clothing, made in-house. They also offer customized orders and a selection of printed T-shirts, bags, scarves, jackets, and more.

For the serious action figure and comic book collector, there’s Curious Comics (631 Johnson St., +1 250-384-1656) and Cherry Bomb Toys (1410 Broad St., +1 250-385-8697), both at the corner of Johnson and Broad Streets. They buy exclusively from local collections, and have an expansive and ever-changing inventory that stands out from other toy shops in town. Among their most popular and treasured collectables are Star Wars figurines, the original G.I. Joe, LEGOs, and more.

And what’s a town with a strong British background without English confectioneries? The English Sweet Shop (736 Douglas St., +1 250-382-3325) carries foodstuffs usually found only in England, like “boiled sweets,” bonbons, toffees, and (as they spell it) liquorice. They also sell familiar grocery items like marmalades and traditional English biscuits, as well as “distinctive British groceries” like Marmite, malt loaf, and spotted dick. Surely you won’t find the latter anywhere in Seattle.

P.S. Don’t forget your passport. E