Vancouver Candle Co.
West Coast Scented Candle
West Coast Scented Candle is a hand-poured scented candle from Vancouver Candle Co., a Canadian brand. Its forest blend of fir, spruce, and oak moss evokes the fresh air of northern forests and mountains, making it suitable for everyday home fragrance. Handcrafted in small batches in Canada from high-quality soy wax with a cotton wick, it offers up to 60 hours of scent and weighs 284 g (10 oz).
- Material
- Blend of high-quality soy wax, a cotton wick, and precious scented oils
- Category
- Home & Garden > Decor > Home Fragrances > Candles
Color
Size
Specifications
Hand-poured soy wax candle with a forest blend of fir, spruce, and oak moss, made in Canada.
Up to 60 hours of scent; hand-poured; cotton wick; soy wax blend.
- Material
- Blend of high-quality soy wax, a cotton wick, and precious scented oils
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Home & Garden > Decor > Home Fragrances > Candles
Additional Attributes
- Hand-poured
- Blend of high-quality soy wax, cotton wick, and precious scented oils
- Handcrafted in small batches
- Up to 60 hours of scent
- Handmade in Canada
- 284 g (10 oz)
- Forest blend of fir, spruce, and oak moss
Product Insights
Vancouver Candle Co.'s West Coast Scented Candle ($48 CAD) delivers a hand-poured soy wax candle with a true Pacific rainforest profile—fir, spruce, oak moss—warmed by a sweet sugar note. As the best-selling scent in the Canada-themed Great White North collection, its North Star packaging is gift-ready. However, at $0.80 per hour it costs slightly more than alternatives, and ethical concerns (founder controversy, Reddit recommending Harlow on Kingsway) may deter some buyers.
- Sweet undertone
Sweet sugar note gives the forest accord a warm, inviting character.
Why this is supported
A magazine review describes the scent as
Made with spruce, fir, and oak moss, the West Coast scent is fresh and delicious, a mix of sugar and wood.
montecristomagazine.com, confirming a sweet undertone that softens the forest notes into an inviting warm character.
- Origin story
Inspired by founder’s forest walks, a Canada-150 tribute collection scent.
Why this is supported
The scent originates from the founder’s nostalgic forest walks; a source notes,
It’s literally like walking through a forest
holrmagazine.comand another recalls
the West Coast candle, that really reminded me of being home — the forest, the trees, the moss, the salt water.
cottagelife.comIt was launched as part of the Great White North collection,
inspired by Canada’s 150th birthday, as well as the land forms and environments that shape Canada.
cottagelife.comThe packaging narrative reinforces this:
The Great White North collection is inspired by the North Star
vancouversun.com. The founder’s background in design
brings a distinctive flair to our creations
faire.com.
- Market position
Brand’s best-selling scent with a true forest profile unlike competitors.
Why this is supported
The brand states,
West Coast from our Great White North Collection is by far our best selling fragrance!
holrmagazine.comThis scent features a pure forest blend (
Scent Notes: Fir, Spruce, Oak Moss
sportique.com) in contrast to a competitor’s earthy-citrus-spice profile (
Grounding patchouli with uplifting citrus tones, spicy cinnamon + earthy hemlock.
nootkaandsea.com).
- Fragrance technology
Combines essential, synthetic, and perfume-grade oils with botanical wax for enhanced projection.
Why this is supported
The brand explains that they use a combination to improve throw:
We use a combination of natural, essential and synthetic oils, as straight essential oils typically result in a poorer scent throw.
holrmagazine.comThey also add botanical oils:
we also add a proprietary blend of botanical oils in our wax, which help with fragrance throw.
cottagelife.comFinally, the fragrance includes perfume-grade oils for complexity:
Natural essential oils and perfume grade fine fragrance
sportique.com- Candle care
First burn 2–4 hrs, trim wick to 5mm, sessions 1–4 hrs for optimal throw.
Why this is supported
Proper candle care is necessary to achieve full throw: first burn must be 2–4 hours to establish melt pool:
Soy wax has a memory — meaning it will only ever melt as wide as it did on the first burn.
thecandlesuite.comWick should be trimmed to 5mm to prevent mushrooming:
Mushrooming is the carbon cap that forms when a wick pulls more fuel than the flame burns cleanly.
diyproducts101.comAnd each session should last 1–4 hours:
Soy candles should be burnt for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 4 hours per session.
thecandlesuite.com- Value
At $0.80 per hour, costs slightly more than Nootka and Sea's $0.70 per hour.
Why this is supported
A cost-per-hour analysis shows:
With an up to 60-hour burn from a 10 oz vessel, this candle delivers 50% more scent hours than Nootka and Sea’s 9 oz candle rated at 40 hours, translating to a cost of $0.80 per hour versus $0.70 for the $28 Nootka candle
How it stacks up to other West Coast candles — burn_time_cost_per_hour- Frosting
Soy wax naturally develops harmless white frosting over time.
Why this is supported
Soy wax candles can develop a natural white coating called 'frosting'.
Soy wax can develop a natural white coating called 'frosting' — this is completely normal and does not affect performance or fragrance.
thecandlesuite.com- Wick trimming
Before every burn, trim cotton wick to 5 mm (¼ inch) to prevent sooting.
Why this is supported
Carbon mushrooming at the wick tip disrupts the clean burn.
Mushrooming is the carbon cap that forms when a wick pulls more fuel than the flame burns cleanly.
diyproducts101.comTrimming the wick to 5 mm before each burn prevents this buildup.
- Burn sessions
Burn 2–4 hours on first use, then 1–4 hours per session.
Why this is supported
The first burn sets the candle's memory:
Soy wax has a memory — meaning it will only ever melt as wide as it did on the first burn.
thecandlesuite.comTherefore, the first session must last 2–4 hours to melt wax to the jar edge. Subsequent sessions should fall within a 1–4 hour window:
Soy candles should be burnt for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 4 hours per session.
thecandlesuite.com- Craftsmanship
Hand-poured in small batches by a fashion-design-trained owner and artisan team in Vancouver.
Why this is supported
The brand's Faire profile defines the approach:
Kathy, with her background in fashion design and jewelry making, brings a distinctive flair to our creations.
faire.comIt also notes that she pours each candle alongside her team:
Alongside her team of skilled artisans, she meticulously handcrafts each candle and diffuser in Vancouver.
faire.comThis hand-poured, design-led process distinguishes the candle from mass-produced alternatives.
- Design concept
North Star packaging, gift-ready without wrap, from a Canada-themed collection.
Why this is supported
The packaging was designed around a North Star motif, intended to be presented as-is.
The Great White North collection is inspired by the North Star, so all different variations of the North Star. We feel like our packaging stands out, and it's very thoroughly designed, so all you have to do is put a bow on it.
vancouversun.comThe West Coast scent is part of the Great White North collection, which was created for Canada's 150th birthday.
the Great White North collection, which was inspired by Canada’s 150th birthday, as well as the land forms and environments that shape Canada.
cottagelife.comAnother source describes the scent as regionally inspired.
Inspired by the things that make the Pacific Northwest unique, Vancouver Candle Co.’s Nick Rabuchin created an inviting West Coast scent as part of its new Great White North collection.
montecristomagazine.com- Scent
Fir, spruce, and oak moss, directly evoking a Pacific rainforest without citrus or patchouli.
Why this is supported
The scent is described by the brand as directly evoking a forest.
It's literally like walking through a forest
holrmagazine.comAnother review recalls the personal connection:
the West Coast candle, that really reminded me of being home — the forest, the trees, the moss, the salt water.
cottagelife.comThe listed scent notes are exactly fir, spruce, and oak moss.
Scent Notes: Fir, Spruce, Oak Moss
sportique.comThis is distinctly different from another Canadian brand's West Coast interpretation which uses
Grounding patchouli with uplifting citrus tones, spicy cinnamon + earthy hemlock.
nootkaandsea.com, confirming the Vancouver Candle Co. version is a pure forest composition.
- Collection concept
West Coast is one of five region-themed candles in the Great White North collection, launched for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Why this is supported
Vancouver Candle Co. launched the Great White North collection in 2017 to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial.
the Great White North collection, which was inspired by Canada’s 150th birthday, as well as the land forms and environments that shape Canada.
cottagelife.comThe collection maps five regions—West Coast, Prairies, Great Lakes, The North, and Atlantic—each to a distinct scent, with consistent North Star-themed packaging that makes the series collectible.
each of the five selections representing a different part of our great country: West Coast, Prairies, Great Lakes, The North, and Atlantic
montecristomagazine.comThis regional storytelling adds cultural resonance and gives the West Coast candle a gift purpose beyond a typical room fragrance.
- Packaging design
Repeating North Star pattern on packaging; box is gift-ready with just a bow.
Why this is supported
The packaging of the Great White North collection is unified by a North Star motif.
The Great White North collection is inspired by the North Star, so all different variations of the North Star. We feel like our packaging stands out, and it’s very thoroughly designed, so all you have to do is put a bow on it.
vancouversun.comThus, each candle box requires no additional wrapping for gifting.
- Best-seller
West Coast is the best-selling fragrance in the Great White North collection.
Why this is supported
According to the brand, the West Coast scent outperforms all other fragrances in the collection.
West Coast from our Great White North Collection is by far our best selling fragrance!
holrmagazine.comThis indicates wide consumer appeal.
- Gift appeal
The West Coast candle's gift-ready North Star packaging and Canadian heritage story elevate its gift appeal.
Why this is supported
The candle is part of the Great White North collection, which was
inspired by Canada’s 150th birthday
cottagelife.comand designed to evoke the Pacific Northwest. Its packaging is
very thoroughly designed, so all you have to do is put a bow on it.
vancouversun.comThis heritage and presentation differentiate it from simpler candle packaging typical of local competitors.
- Ethical alternative
Reddit buyers recommend Harlow on Kingsway as a local alternative citing ethical concerns.
Why this is supported
Some Reddit users suggest an alternative candle maker for buyers with ethical reservations:
Harlow on Kingsway by Fraser has some amazing candles.
u/archetyping101 in r/vancouverThis caveat is based on buyer-reported feedback, not a judgment of Vancouver Candle Co.'s practices.
- Brand ethics
Founder still profits indirectly through spouse after resigning over diversity controversy.
Why this is supported
A Reddit user describes that despite the founder's resignation, they still benefit through their spouse:
He resigned but his husband still runs the company. So we can probably be certain he still makes decisions behind the scenes and his husband just brings it forward "without his involvement".
u/archetyping101 in r/vancouverThe same user adds that the company committed to diversity initiatives but never updated on progress:
The company claimed that they would do the work of ensuring a diverse environment, that they would take steps to learn about diversity, be open to listening, donate, celebrate diversity etc. They said that but they never had any update on any of it.
u/archetyping101 in r/vancouverThis indicates ongoing ethical concerns.
- Community sentiment
Reddit users advise against buying and recommend Harlow on Kingsway as an alternative.
Why this is supported
A Reddit user advises against purchasing from Vancouver Candle Co. and points to an alternative:
Personally find there's soooooo many local companies that make candles that you don't need to get theirs. Harlow on Kingsway by Fraser has some amazing candles.
u/archetyping101 in r/vancouverThis reflects community erosion of trust in the brand.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
A matte white cylindrical candle in a frosted glass container sits right-front. The front of the glass has a small black printed label 'Great White North Collection'.
- Container shapeCylindrical straight-sided glass container with an open top and flush rim, viewed from the front-right.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.52 · w 0.28 · h 0.40 (high) - FinishOpaque matte white finish on the glass surface, uniform with no visible pattern or translucency.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.52 · w 0.28 · h 0.40 (high) - Front label text on candle“Great White North Collection”
1 region
x 0.69 · y 0.80 · w 0.18 · h 0.08 (high) - Visible wax levelInner top surface of the candle is visible and appears level with the inner rim of the container.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.54 · w 0.16 · h 0.06 (medium)
Packaging
A square product box with printed pattern and a centered title panel reading WEST COAST is visible left of the candle, positioned above a textured rock prop.
- Box geometryCube-style folding carton shown angled with one face toward the camera and the top face visible, positioned left-center above a rock prop.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.05 · w 0.42 · h 0.44 (high) - Main product title“WEST COAST”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.25 · h 0.12 (high) - Subtitle scent line“FIR SPRUCE OAKMOSS”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.29 · w 0.25 · h 0.08 (high) - Decorative patternRows of small black plus-shaped or star-like motifs form a repeating border on the top and bottom bands of the visible box face.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.06 · w 0.38 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.10 · y 0.36 · w 0.38 · h 0.10 (high) - Small company/address line“Vancouver Candle Co., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5L 2G8”Partial
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.44 · w 0.28 · h 0.04 (medium)
Other
Studio-style still life with a textured rock prop supporting the boxed packaging, vertical paneled neutral background, and soft directional lighting casting subtle shadows.
- Supporting propA rough, multicolored stone with black and peachy veins sits under the box and occupies the left-mid foreground.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.46 · w 0.44 · h 0.40 (high) - Background and compositionVertical pale grey paneling fills the background with the product and prop placed on a glossy neutral tabletop; camera framing is vertical and centered on the pair.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft directional lighting from the upper left creates gentle shadows to the right of objects and a faint reflection of the candle on the tabletop.
Colors
matte white· glass container#E9EBEBoff-white· box backgroundPackagingblack print· printed pattern and textPackagingmuted grey· lower box trimPackaging- Container shapeCylindrical straight-sided glass container with an open top and flush rim, viewed from the front-right.
- 02
Product
A cylindrical white frosted container candle with off-white wax and a single centered wick; black brand text printed on the front lower area.
- Overall shapeVertical cylindrical container with straight sides and a slightly rounded base visible at the front bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.24 · w 0.59 · h 0.62 (high) - Container material and finishOpaque white frosted or matte finish on the outer surface of the container.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.24 · w 0.59 · h 0.62 (high) - Wax and wickPale off-white or cream wax filling the container with a single centered wick protruding from the wax surface.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.12 · w 0.34 · h 0.22 (high) - Top rim detailInner rim of the container is visible as a thin circular lip; wax surface sits slightly below the rim on one side.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.07 · w 0.45 · h 0.18 (high) - Front printed text - headline“VANCOUVER”
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.66 · w 0.35 · h 0.13 (high) - Front printed text - subline“CANDLE CO.”
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.79 · w 0.19 · h 0.06 (high) - Minor surface imperfectionSmall smudge or residue visible on the right outer wall just below the rim.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.28 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (medium)
Other
Studio-styled close-up with a textured rock prop to the left, neutral background and soft directional lighting casting a shadow to the right.
- Prop rockRough textured multi-tonal rock positioned behind and to the left of the candle, occupying the upper-left quadrant.
1 region
x 0.01 · y 0.00 · w 0.46 · h 0.38 (high) - Cast shadowSoft shadow of the candle extends to the right on the surface, indicating directional lighting from the left or upper-left.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.56 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high) - Surface and backgroundSmooth light-colored flat surface and neutral wall background with subtle tonal gradient; no packaging visible.
- Shot compositionClose-up portrait framing that centers the candle slightly below image midline; top of the container is near the top third of the image.
Colors
matte white· container exterior#EEEEF1cream· wax#BCB3ABblack· printed text- Overall shapeVertical cylindrical container with straight sides and a slightly rounded base visible at the front bottom edge.
- 03
Product
A still-life view of multiple boxed scented candles and related glass bottles/diffuser components arranged with stones and black reed sticks; visible product parts include upright rectangular boxes, two short cylindrical bottles with black caps, a small jar candle on its side, and loose black reed sticks.
- Box stack geometrySeveral tall rectangular cardboard boxes visible, arranged vertically and leaning; one box is rotated and balanced at an angle on top of another.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.06 · w 0.48 · h 0.66 (high) - Box surface patternBoxes have a repeating small cross or star pattern printed across their faces and a plain rectangular label band near the middle of each face.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.08 · w 0.60 · h 0.68 (high) - Legible box headline text GREAT LAKES“GREAT LAKES”
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.09 · w 0.22 · h 0.15 (high) - Legible box headline text THE NORTH“THE NORTH”
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Legible box headline text WEST COAST“WEST COAST”
2 regions
x 0.66 · y 0.44 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.39 · y 0.44 · w 0.22 · h 0.22 (high) - Legible box headline text ATLANTIC“ATLANTIC”
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.45 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Smaller printed scent notes (partially legible)“Scent descriptor lines beneath some headlines partially legible, for example under GREAT LAKES a multi-word line is visible but not fully readable”Partial
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.16 · w 0.25 · h 0.06 (medium) - Cylindrical diffuser bottlesTwo short cylindrical frosted glass bottles with black screw caps are placed in front; one stands upright, one leans on its side against black reed sticks.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.72 · w 0.28 · h 0.24 (high) - Printed bottle text VANCOUVER“VANCOUVER”
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high) - Small printed bottle line (legible small text)“Great White North Collection”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.05 (medium) - Jar candle on its sideA short cylindrical jar candle lies on its side in the lower right foreground showing a single unlit wick and a smooth creamy wax surface.
1 region
x 0.71 · y 0.78 · w 0.24 · h 0.18 (high) - Black reed sticksSeveral thin black reed sticks are arranged fanned across the foreground and leaning into the bottles; some tips extend upward between the boxes.
- Natural stone propsTwo rough-textured gray-brown stones are used as props, one under a leaning box at left and one supporting a box and jar at right.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.66 · w 0.30 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.67 · w 0.32 · h 0.26 (high)
Packaging
Printed rectangular product boxes with a small repeating cross/star pattern and centered label bands showing headline scent names such as GREAT LAKES, THE NORTH, ATLANTIC, and WEST COAST.
- Overall packaging formatTall rectangular cardboard boxes with a plain central label band and patterned panels; boxes appear to be individual retail cartons for scented candles or diffusers.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.06 · w 0.60 · h 0.68 (high) - Packaging pattern detailSmall evenly spaced crosses or stars printed across the box surfaces, including top faces and visible sides.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.08 · w 0.56 · h 0.64 (high) - Pack label text GREAT LAKES“GREAT LAKES”
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.09 · w 0.22 · h 0.15 (high) - Pack label text THE NORTH“THE NORTH”
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Pack label text ATLANTIC“ATLANTIC”
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.45 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Pack label text WEST COAST“WEST COAST”
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.44 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high)
Other
Studio-style still-life composition on a reflective surface with vertical ridged backdrop, directional soft lighting from upper left, and minimal shadows; stones and reed sticks used as props.
- Shot compositionProducts arranged in a clustered still-life with foreground diffuser bottles and jar candle, midground stacked boxes, and background vertical wall panels.
- Background and surfaceVertical fluted wall panels in neutral tone form the background and a glossy reflective horizontal surface forms the supporting plane.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (low) - Lighting and shadowSoft directional lighting from the upper left produces gentle highlights on glass and boxes and subtle cast shadows to the lower right.
- Image qualityHigh resolution with clear focus on product group; no motion blur; slight warm tonal grading visible.
Colors
pale cream· box backgrounddark charcoal· box text and pattern#2C2B2Dsoft ivory· diffuser bottles and jarmatte black· reed sticks and small printed accents#2C2B2Cweathered gray-brown· stone propsPackaging#64524B- Box stack geometrySeveral tall rectangular cardboard boxes visible, arranged vertically and leaning; one box is rotated and balanced at an angle on top of another.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
2 total2 reviews · out of 5
Great scented candle I’ll buy
Great scented candle I’ll buy more
candle
smells wonderful
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/vancouverRedditors view Vancouver Candle Co. negatively due to unresolved ethical controversies and recommend many local alternatives.
The dominant sentiment is negative, with users expressing distrust towards the company's ethics and suggesting avoidance.
Themes
Watch Out For
Source Threads
Unresolved ethical concerns and alternative suggestions
The company claimed that they would do the work of ensuring a diverse environment, that they would take steps to learn about diversity, be open to listening, donate, celebrate diversity etc. They said that but they never had any update on any of it. They hoped the press would die down and they could go on back to business as usual. He resigned but his husband still runs the company. So we can probably be certain he still makes decisions behind the scenes and his husband just brings it forward "without his involvement". The decision is up to you. Personally find there's soooooo many local companies that make candles that you don't need to get theirs. Harlow on Kingsway by Fraser has some amazing candles.
u/archetyping101r/vancouverView thread →