Vancouver Pen Shop, Vancouver

This downtown store is for those neo-Luddites who prefer their writing surfaces tactile rather than electronic, and their writing instruments in a single point rather than full of clacking keys. Even if you don't fit into that category, these pens make good gifts. The large shop carries an extensive selection of major international pen lines like Carand'Ache, Cross, Parker, Montblanc and many others. It also has desk and calligraphy sets, ink, refills, cartridges, paper and other writing accessories. Prices range from moderate to surprisingly expensive.