I'm surprised by the comparisons of Big Carrot to Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheque) - if you compare the prices, Big Carrot is slightly less expensive and the shopping experience is MUCH more enjoyable because it's less of the 'I'm vegetarian because it's trendy and I want to be a Skinny B*tch' crowd and more of the health & environment-conscious crowd that isn't overbearing and annoying to be around.
Also, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, plus they know their store really well and won't hesitate to help you track down what you're looking for. I haven't personally tried it but apparently they have a personal shopping service where someone can usher you around the store and show you how to shop.
And let's not forget the weekly cooking classes and demos (free on Thursday nights, otherwise you have to pay/preregister) that you can sign up for via the website. There are topics like: how to stay healthy in winter months, cooking with root vegetables, ayurvedic cooking, gluten free baking, food intolerance and organic skin care.
Be sure to check out the health & beauty division of Big Carrot which has pretty much every elixir, cream, soap (or non-soap product) and vitamin you could hope to find. And neti pots!