Music shops might not be as common as they were before streaming took over, but vinyl's big comeback has kept at least a few of them alive in most cities. Victoria is no exception.

Much to the delight of our real estate agents, music lovers have their pick of places to shop for vintage vinyl, CDs, instruments, and other musical must-haves in this city. Want to check some out? Go treasure hunting for tunes at these six independent record stores and music shops near our Victoria homes for sale.  

6 Independent Record Stores and Music Shops to Visit in Victoria 

Ditch Records & CDs – Victoria, BC 

Address: 784 Fort Street, Victoria, BC 

Ditch Records claims to have the widest selection of new and used vinyl records and CDs in the city, and judging by the packed shelves on display at their Fort Street location, that might just be true. You'll find recorded music in every genre you can think of, including: 

• Pop 
• Rock 
• Country 
• Blues 
• Classical 
• Metal 
• Jazz 

The selection changes regularly, and the shop buys and trades vinyl as well as select high-quality CDs.  

You can browse the shelves from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. We recommend blocking off at least an hour to flip through everything: you never know what you'll find! 

The Turntable – Victoria, BC 

Address: 107-3 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 3G9 

The Turntable is a small vintage music and memorabilia shop in Victoria's iconic Fan Tan Alley. Stroll through their long, corridor-shaped storefront to discover:  

• Vinyl records
• CDs and cassette tapes 
• Books on rock music 
• Old posters from gigs and venues 
• Collectibles and memorabilia, especially older items 

If you have any old CDs or records that meet their condition quality standards, you may be able to sell or trade them here. They even offer a trade-in program that lets you swap your old tunes for new ones if you just want something new to listen to.  

The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Show up with a student ID, and you'll get a 10% discount on your entire purchase.  

Vinyl Envy – Victoria, BC 

Address: 1717 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2L7 

Vinyl Envy is a unique type of music store. Their collection includes more than 10,000 used LPs as well as a selection of new vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes recorded by local artists, but that's not all they have to offer. They also have a small stage at the back where they host occasional live shows for up to 80 people at a time.  

You can shop here from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, but live shows only happen in the evenings. Check the company's website for upcoming shows and event details.  

Supreme Echo – Victoria, BC 

Address: #102-2504 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4P7 

Supreme Echo combines its work as a counterculture record label with a Government Street record shop. They currently stock thousands of new and used LPs, 45s, and cassette tapes from artists in a range of genres, including: 

• Classic rock 
• Funk and soul 
• Jazz 
• Hip hop 
• New wave 

New items hit the shelves daily, so there's usually something different to discover when you visit. You can also sell or trade old music or even place items on consignment. 

The store is only open from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Tapestry Music – Victoria, BC 

Address: 1824 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4N5 

If you're a musician yourself (or want to be one; it's never too late!), Tapestry Music has everything you need to follow your muse. You'll have dozens of new and used instruments and tools to choose from, including:  

• String instruments like acoustic and electric guitars, ukuleles, violins, and cellos 
• Woodwind instruments like flutes, oboes, saxophones, and clarinets  
• Brass instruments like trombones, trumpets, and tubas 
• Percussive instruments like chimes, drums, and bongos 

The shop works closely with music educators and carries instruments suited to beginners and students as well as experienced musicians.

Their Victoria location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can browse their stock online anytime, including special clearance deals that might tempt you to visit in person. 

Tempo Trend Music – Victoria, BC 

Address: 410 Burnside Road East, Victoria, BC V9A 1B1  

Tempo Trend Music sells a handful of different new and used instruments, including: 

• Guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and other fretted instruments 
• Electric keyboards from brands such as Casio, Yamaha, and Roland
• Drum kits and cymbals, with options to customize drums with different hardware and cymbals

Their main attraction here, however, is their incredible selection of accordions. They have one of the largest collections of these eclectic instruments in North America, and they're well worth a visit for that reason alone.  

You can visit the shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The owner, Martin, is often on-site during business hours and is always happy to chat if you have questions.

For the Record: Questions From Victoria Music Lovers

Where can I shop for vinyl records in Victoria, BC?

Victoria has several independent record stores, including Ditch Records & CDs, The Turntable, Vinyl Envy, and Supreme Echo. Selection varies by shop, so collectors may want to visit more than one.

Where can I buy musical instruments in Victoria?

Tapestry Music and Tempo Trend Music both carry musical instruments and accessories. Tapestry offers options for beginners through experienced musicians, while Tempo Trend is especially well known for its large accordion selection.

Can I sell or trade used records in Victoria?

Yes. Several Victoria record shops buy or trade used music, including Ditch Records, The Turntable, and Supreme Echo. Policies and what each shop is currently accepting can vary, so contact the store before bringing in a large collection. 

Embrace the Rhythm of Life in Victoria, BC 

Victoria's music scene has been thriving for decades and is still going strong. Want to be part of that symphony? Contact us today to find a local home where you can set your musical passion free.