Magic Box Hobbies

I placed on order with them for an ESC for my project. They took my number down, but never heard back from them. I guess they never ordered the part at all. Project been gathering dust for months.

Very helpful customer service, quite a large selection of products, and very knowledgeable.

It’s been 40+ years since I last had an RC Car and decided to check out the shop. They have excellent selection and good prices. I felt like a kid again.overwhelmed by choice I need to go back tomorrow to finish checking it all out.

There is NO way you can find a better and full loaded hobbies shop in 100km around!
Nice people, amazing products and reasonable prices (like everything in this life, you get what you paid!)
Family and well organized business for so many years

Had no idea this was here. Great variety and good prices. Probably the best hobby store in Vancouver.

Amazing hobby store. They have everything you need and the staff/owners are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Great store with an incredible amount of stock. A great brick and morter shop that I will be going back to again.

Great place with helpful staff and a unique and in-depth selection of Japanese and other high-quality models and model building products. The results speak for themselves. This kit, all the finishing products and the tools came from MBH.

Went here twice and I can say that it’s def up there with the best hobby stores in Canada. Of course there are upsides and downsides, one slight downside that I have is their low stock on HO scale items (mainly Standard DC) but that’s just a consequence of being a general hobby store instead of a hobby specific store so not worth knocking off a star for. On the best part of this store: the customer service is highly superior compared to its model railroading competitor Central Hobbies and slightly higher than Pacific Western Rail Systems. Would def recommend this to anyone wanting to get into a modelling hobby.

Very helpful and professional advises for my first RC car when I'm struggling between Arrma/Traxxas. Love this shop and definitely will return for further needs.

Fantastic store. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. One of the last gems. I really enjoy perusing a brick and mortar location rather than shopping online so it’s lovely to have such a great store to browse in. I drive 45 minutes just to come to this place.

Hundreds of models from many different lines, and any type of paint and paint accessories you can think of. They’ll even give you a call to let you know if something is back in stock. I cannot recommend this place enough. Do yourself a favour and don’t buy your model kits online, buy them from these guys! Keep it local! Thanks Magic Box and keep up the good work.

I have nothing but good things to say about this store.

Being in my mid 30's I used to always drive by this store with my parents but never went in. Fast forward to today, I started to get into Gundam and started dabbling in perfecting the art of Gunpla.
I didn't know what to expect when walking into this store because it's HUGE and was lost at first but because things are quite organized I was able to find things easily. The owners were quick to help with any questions as well.

I now bring my two sons here and they love it, it's like a candy store for all ages. I have been coming here every week to pick up new kits, tools or paint. Due to the level of service and appreciation for this place I have spent wayyyy too much money here in a short period of time. NO REGRETS!

thank you for being such a great store and please don't go anywhere!

A true marvel of brick-and-mortar hobby stores. I was happy to discover it on a walk and browse the shelves, which are chock full of interesting hobby kits, materials and tools. Their collection of paint ranges is wide and well stocked too! Highly recommended.

They did not appear to sell my particular hobby interests (fantasy war games like Warhammer) but I will certainly shop here for the myriad other things needed to complete my hobby.

Well, I have to admit, the first time I went to this store, the proprietor was less than welcoming; and followed me around closely, as if I was there to steal something. I had bought my son two kyosho mini z remote control cars from ebay. We were having problems with the remote control handset. I felt deeply insulted, as the guy was dismissive and just seemed to want me out of his store.
I moved into this neighborhood 6 years ago, from East Vancouver, and there aren't many people who look like me in this area. My neighbor is an RC fanatic, and I help him with modding etc, he frequents the store, and we both agreed that his prices are higher than online. (I didn't share my personal experience with him)
I've had to do some soul searching and just accept the fact that many people don't know, and have never met black people. All they have to go on is the "news" and media representation. I decided to be a big boy, and accept the fact that people are allowed to be biased, and we are allowed to make judgements based on what we "know" or have been led to believe.
Ffwd 3 years: after having vowed to never set foot in the shop again, I found myself in a pickle. A client needed a watch fixed and I needed a special acrylic adhesive. I knew I could order online, but they needed the work done in short order. I begrudgingly went back to magic box. He was at his bench, working on a car, and I waited patiently.
His assistant finished up with her customer, and asked if she could help me. I told her what I needed, and she deferred to the boss. I explained the problem I was having, and he showed me the proper adhesive, which would bond invisibly for my repair. I asked him again about the mini Z cars, and we talked about them a little. He showed me his stock of cars.
I can't leave a bad review for someone being human. It took people a while to warm up to me in this neighborhood, and sometimes people still feel the need to police me, as if I'm an "invader" or I'm here to break into their garage etc.it's sad, but hey that's life.
The prices at Magic Box are marginally higher than ebay or Amazon, but if we buy everything there, one day the place will be gone. When I bring my sons there, they love it, and there is just something special about being able to walk into a store which is entirely dedicated to these fun hobbies, as opposed to going to Walmart or a section in a department store.
My experience with bias was actually an opportunity. It was an opportunity to meet and get to know a true stranger.
It would be wrong for me to judge people for their reaction to me, I mean, these people are isolated, most of them have never actually met a black person in their lives, so of course they have preconceived notions. We are everywhere. And even though I've lived all over the US, and western Canada, and travelled the world, hold a UK passport, a US passport, and am a Permanent Resident of Canada, I'm from around here. It's ok to be uncomfortable, I'm sure we will all get over it.
I need to go back there to size some batteries today. I think I'll buy a model to build with my son.

I love this store! The owners are super kind, they remember your name kind of folks. Aside from that they by far have the best selection of modeling tools and paints all very well priced. I'm really thankful for brick and mortar stores like this. Thanks and keep being awesome!

Everything you need for your hobbies. This place has been around forever. Great knowledgeable customer service. Free parking in their lot or on the side streets. #letsguide #covid

Awesome store with tons of products, always accommodating staff and wonderful customer experience, always!

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Visited to buy Tamiya thin cement but ended up buying a master grade gundam kit as well!

Friendly staff, tons of stock, and fairly priced from what I've seen online. Came just for gundam markers (which they have cheaper than online stores), but I'll definitely be coming back when I'm looking for a new kit!

Above and beyond, messaged them on Fb about a Kotobukiya plastic model line I was looking for and they replied same day with pictures of what was in store. They also helped me with a last minute request in finding a Tamiya item while I was checking out.

Has to get parts for my old traxxas they had stock and cheaper than online.how? I appreciate it tho! Great place awesome service but take your time customers have lots to ask and these guys are patiently answering

Vast range of hobby items. If you enjoy modelling sci-fi, gundam, landscapes, or machinery then this is your place! Also has RC vehicles of high quality and design.

What a great shop for modeling supplies. A friend of mine recommended me this place, and boy o boy did I miss out. The shop has a great selection of model paints from brands like Vallejo Air and Acrylics (incl. Game color), AK Interactive, Ammo by MIG, Testors, Tamiya and even Abteilung 502 oils.
They also have a huge selection of models (from military vehicles to Gundams) and modeling tools.
Give this store a try if you want to feel like a kid in a candy shop!

This is an Excellent hobbie shop! They have everything you need for your project. I would recommend this store to every hobbyist. It's worth the drive. Thanks you

The staff here are super friendly and knowledgeable! I was amazed by the sheer volume of models of all kinds. They had everything from niche gundam sets to every plane and tank ever made. They have planes trains and automobiles, literally. Ships and rockets! Every kind of model you could want they've got. Do yourself a favour and check this place out, I guarentee you'll find something you just have to buy.

Definitely the best Hobby Shop in the lower mainland.

They have great inventory and their prices are very competitive! Their location is in central Vancouver with easy access from Richmond and lots of parking in front.

Their staff are very friendly and helpful. They were able to order me in a new Night Timber which came into the store promptly and saved me from paying shipping costs.

Check them out for your hobby needs!

Best hobby shop on the West coast! They have everything you need. Super super friendly service always thanking you for coming in! A+

Simply the best hobby shop I’ve ever visited! Fair prices, and an EXTREMELY nice family running this place! You’ll be kindly greeted and helped with any questions you may have. 5/5 stars!

Support you local hobby shop. Last of its kind in Vancouver. Excellent variety of all things hobby, good stock levels too. If it's not there, John can order it for you. It's a gem for all things hobby.

Extremely rude staff and unprofessional staff. Poor covid safety protocols. Zero indications where form a line outside the store

Allows in person shopping during COVID times. Make sure you park your car on the right side (near Arbutus), as the other parking stalls is for the other store.

Has a large variety of paints (spray cans too), model kits (gunpla included), tools and diarama extras. Has knowledgeable staff. Only downside is no online store to check on stock.

Bought this Academy 1/35 Magach 6b Gal Batash during Boxing Day for $44.99 with 20% off. About a 15 minute wait outside. 20% off discount on everything.

Great little local shop.excellent selection at a reasonable price.though PE upgrade parts a bit disorganized.relatively friendly staff.helped me get hooked on kit making. I'm surprised that they haven't started to open other locations yet.

This shop was a surprise discovery. For some reason, I had the notion that this hobby shop mostly dealt with RC cars & planes. They certainly do RC but my interest was in scale models. Specifically armour. They have a large selection of model kits - aircraft, automotive, ships, sci-fi.but most impressive is their armour selection. It was the entire east wall of the shop! Plenty to help satisfy my interest in 1/35 armour!
Their modelling supplies are also extensive. I just recently resurrected my kit building hobby and needed to update all my small tools & supplies. Their prices are fairly reasonable and the staff is helpful & friendly. Recommended. They've become my favourite hobby shop.

I've been going there for 15 years. They have the best selection of hobby tools and model paints anywhere in Vancouver, and extremely knowledgeable staff.

This is the place to go for any RC car owner—both beginners and old timers alike.

Magic Box is run by a couple and the guy is clearly an enthusiast himself and is very knowledgeable. Every time I have broken something and had a question, he always came up with a useful answer.

They usually have most things in stock. If not, they can order it for you (has only happened to me once). They're willing to negotiate prices sometimes so don't be afraid to try.

Wow! Huge selection of plastic model kits: WW2 tanks, planes, ships, Mecha, Star Wars and more. Huge selection of paints and modelling tools. Best selection of Vallejo paints that I have seen in the city.

Really helpful, knowledgeable and kind staff. Judgment free and there to help 10/10 best hobby shop and RC car shop I've been to.

I have been here periodically over the years. Every time the staff/owners are friendly, and professional. They know their stuff. A very consistently positive experience.

This weekend was the first time I have been at the Magic Box hobby shop. (Last time I was there was when I lived in Kerrisdale 20 years ago). What a great hobby shop - the owners were so nice and knowledgeable. I just got back into RC cars with my son and had got a couple of ECX cars a while back. Finding a store with good selection of ECX parts was harder. This place had the best selection of spare parts on hand for ECX cars as compared to other hobby shops so it made easy to get what I needed. The prices were fair and comparable. I certainly will go here for my next RC car purchase as I know they have a good deal of spare parts supporting the RC brands they sell.

Best plastic model and RC Car shop I have run across in a very long time. Prices are quite reasonable and the selection is outstanding.

They have literally every type of kit made and huge supply of specialized tools, paints, glues, etc. I found them last year before Covid-19 and so glad I did as I consider this an essential service so I don't go stark raving mad during the pandemic. Back building heavy truck models after a 30 plus year hiatus.

The owners are very pleasant, super knowledegable and very helpful. No question is beyond them and you can tell they genuinely love helping. You can tell that they know that there is nothing in their store that anyone NEEDS, but lots that people WANT. Best kind of business to have in my view, so long as you are into supporting customers and they are.

Owners are doing a good job on limiting # of shoppers, and they are wearing masks etc. A lot better solution in my view than some stores that expect you to know exactly what you want and retrieve it for you.

Once again have nice shopping experience there.you can find almost everything you need for your hobby.if they dont have it, they can order it for you.knowledgeable staffs always able to answer most of your questions about their products.

Its a great place with fair pricing, friendly staff,
an excellent selection of paints, tools and other model supplies. It has a decent selection on models. I suggest you come here if you are into building military models and dioramas. There's also a portion of the shop dedicated to mecha models. FMP, Gundam and Frame Arms.

I think the staff are awesome; helpful. Stock is great. I am a diorama maker and they have more products for that than other stores. I'm still going to this store because of the staff. They appreciate my business and go out of their way to help me.

Fantastic Store with wonderful people! The lady knew exactly what I was looking for but they were out of stock. She took my phone number and called today when it arrived! It's a Tamiya Model of a Mazda Miata, bought for the 70th Birthday for a friend who owns a real and very special one. Thanks so much for the great service! And now, I have to get back to building models myself and I think I will.

Magic Box Hobbies is just the best, everyone there is very knowledgable and will make sure you get exactly what you need/want. They also have a great selection of RCs, model cars, train stuff, war models, Gundam and other countless things like parts, tools, paints, etc. They’re just great! Go check them out already! Why are you still reading this review!? !?

Absolutely incredible hobby shop. Only found out about it a year but stop there every couple months and find what I need as well as a few things I didn’t know I needed. Largest selection of gunpla kits in B. C. Paint, tools, high end, mid range they literally have everything. Wendy is super helpful every time I go in. I think it’s called magic box because each time I go in it’s like going into a modellers wonderland.

It is so out of my way to get to but I love this place! The Owner of the shop kind and knowledgeable. I never leave feeling that my questions were not answered and I got what I needed in my purchase. The prices on the kits are few dollars more but you are paying for the service also. The shop is always clean and organize. Thank you Magic Box Hobbies!

I walked in looking to buy my first hobby RC Car. The owners were very helpful and had answers for all our questions. They sell much more than just cars and their prices are some of the best I've seen

One of the best hobby stores I've ever been to. Very friendly staff, TONS of selection of RC and plastic models and everything you would need. I would highly recommend taking a look at this place if you've never been

The "Mother-load" of terrain extras and Paints! I am in to making battle terrain and this is a great place to get all the custom stuff you need! It is PACKED tight with all kinds of models (cars, trains, aircraft, etc) so I imagine many will enjoy that, as well. The shop owners are a sweet, quiet, couple and are ready to answer your questions. I highly recommend this shop!

Every time I shop here I always find something unique I have not seen before. This is a family business which excellent customer service. Ps- for those looking for Canadian Military models in different scales (planes, helicopters, ect) - this place has some hidden gems!

More than adequate selection of rc vehicles. Fast turn around for special order or out of stock parts. Average pricing compared to the other stores that don't stock much.

I have been shopping at Magic Box Hobbies for a few years now. John and Wendy and David are always very helpful in helping me with my needs. It’s a competitive market with online shopping and other hobby shops but the prices are very reasonable and 9 times out of 10 they have what I need in stock. Their selection and variety is huge and as stated before, their knowledge and customer service is impeccable. Keep up the good work guys

This place has a great selection of WWII tanks and gunpla. Although I didn't find some of the rare gunpla kits like GP04 and Hamma-Hamma the last time I visited there.

Easily the best model and rc store in Canada if not all of North America. Literally thousands and thousands of kits plus tons of RC, books, paints, tools etc. Ive been shopping here since 1997 and the owners John and Wendy are some of the nicest people. They know literally every single kit, paint and material and can answer questions related to all of it.
The prices are lower than other shops in the area and they always have a decent selection on sale as well.
This is the way a shop should be run!

Magic Box Hobbies is great, not only their prices are fair but the costumer service is fantastic, the amount of knowledge and help they give you is amazing, they have a wide inventory, and if they don't have it, they get it for you fast, Highly recommended.