The Uphill Market in Nelson BC

Taking a rest today from some of the horrible news from down south, and elsewhere. Please find below a truly good news story. Enjoy. Back to the awfuls (new word) tomorrow. Promise.

As a child growing up in Victoria through the 1960s I remember the “Chinese grocery stores.” I especially remember one on the corner of Eastdowne and Dalhousie in Oak Bay; friends lived just down the street. A recent immigrant from China (many came to Canada following political turbulence in their home country) the operator was nicknamed “Hello, Goodbye” as this was the extent of his English when he first arrived. His English improved quickly; his family eventually joined him; they built a modest new home beside the store. His kids were in high school with me. The store has now morphed into a European and Mediterranean Deli. Looks interesting.

These stores were appropriately called “convenience” stores. You paid a little more for food and necessities than at the larger grocery stores, but you could conveniently walk to make a purchase; you might share a story or two along the way with neighbours or with others upon arrival at the store. We kids stocked up on candies and comic books; adults bought small amounts of milk, butter, cheese, shaving cream, and yes, cigarettes. No lottery tickets in those days; they came later. Now most convenience stores are little more that local gaming hubs.

Visiting our daughter in Nelson a few days ago, she has made it her mission to introduce us to Nelson’s huge inventory of coffee shops. The larger outlets are downtown – Oso Negro; Empire Coffee; John Ward Fine Coffee. Given their central location these stores get the walk-in traffic and give the customer great people-watching opportunities. This is Nelson after all.  

Recently however, Hannah took us in a different direction, upwards to the Uphill Market a short walking distance from her new home. It is more than a coffee shop; in fact coffee and baking are now added to its principal role, since 1902 as a small grocery store. It is still a residential convenience store, upgraded and re-branded to include specialty coffee and so much more.

“The only store and café in Uphill Nelson, The Uphill Market has been a corner store at this location since 1902 and offers daily household essentials as well as a great cup of coffee and more to our neighbours, family, friends and visitors.

In our quaint location you’ll find high-quality meats, dry goods, sundries, sweet treats, local farm fresh eggs, vegetables, frozen foods and ice cream in the summer months! We focus on providing our community with local and unique products.”

This they do, and so very well from their 1224 Stanley St location. Don’t just trust me on this. They receive a 4.8 rating based on 52 Google reviews. For instance:

Local student
I’m a student at the school nearby, it’s my last year and I’m going to really miss the inviting people, and conversations I’ve had with buddies there, it is a tad bit expensive but definitely worth it!!! 10/10 please try there Turkey apple brie sandwich… It’s the greatest sandwich definitely worth the $8!!!!!!!

Baked goods enthusiast
Great food and drinks! Excellent location, good selection of items for a small store and nice staff. The baked goods are wonderful and the drinks were great. It’s worth a visit.

Doughnuts on Sunday!
Need I say more? AND they’re dog-friendly, at least outside.

SPOILER ALERT You will pay a little more. You will however be pleased with what you receive. You will enjoy an intimate and folksy setting; all coupled with a warm welcome (even in a Nelson winter). Give the Uphill Market a try. You’ll be glad you did.

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