Ian CheesemanShopping in Toronto is like an adventure—there’s always something new to discover around the corner. While I do enjoy the comfort of shopping in malls, where everything is in one place, I often venture out into the small neighborhoods to find hidden gems.
Here, there are a wealth of options that fit all budgets. In some areas, you can even haggle and get better deals!
I rounded up the best shopping areas in Toronto where you can enjoy some retail therapy. Each spot is unique, so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for—and maybe even something you didn’t know you needed.
1. Yorkville Village
Media credit: yorkvillevillage
Website: https://www.yorkvillevillage.com/
Location: 55 Avenue Rd Suite 2250
Operating hours:
- Sunday, 12 PM–5 PM
- Monday-Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM
Phone: +14169688680
Yorkville Village is a luxury shopping destination conveniently located in the heart of the Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist attractions.
Home to designer brands, high-end boutiques, gourmet eats, and organic groceries, you’ll find everything you need in this mall.
Here, they do a lot of seasonal events like summer markets, where they offer the best foods in Toronto. My favorite is the holiday market in December as they put on daily entertainment while you shop for unique gifts.
Pro Tip:
It’s accessible through public transit. If you’re going on the subway, you can stop at the TTC Bay Station, only a 7-minute walk from the mall.
2. Yorkdale Shopping Center
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Website: http://www.yorkdale.com/
Location: 3401 Dufferin St
Operating hours:
- Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
- Monday-Saturday, 10 AM–9 PM
Phone: +14167893261
Yorkdale Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the city. Boasting 270 shops, it has a mix of high-end and affordable options, perfect for all budgets.
Your dining choices are just as varied. While it has upscale spots like Joey and Yu Seafood, it also has budget-friendly grub, especially at the food court.
What I like about this mall is that it’s well-organized, making it easier to navigate for first-time visitors. However, it’s a very popular hang-out spot for locals and tourists alike so it can get pretty crowded on the weekends.
Pro Tip:
There’s a ton of parking space around the mall, spread across multiple lots. To locate the right spot, open the Yorkdale Shopping Center parking map on their website.
3. Sherway Gardens
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Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-sherway-gardens
Location: 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Operating hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 10 AM–9 PM
- Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM
Phone: +14166211070
Another local favorite shopping center you should check out is Sherway Gardens. You’ll find electronics and housewares to jewelry and apparel here, making it a one-stop shop for all your needs.
Some famous brands at this mall are Kate Spade, Mango, Zara, and Nike. While some shops lean toward the pricier side, there’s a good mix of affordable options if you’re looking to keep your wallet in check.
It doesn’t have the most diverse dining options, but a few solid choices I like to visit include Eataly and The Keg Steakhouse. On the bright side, it does have a pretty decent food court with a variety of options to satiate hungry shoppers.
Pro Tip:
Valet parking is available for $20 on Mondays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM.
4. Eaton Center
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Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-toronto-eaton-centre
Location: 220 Yonge St
Operating hours:
- Sunday, 11 AM–7 PM
- Monday-Saturday, 10 AM–9 PM
Phone: +14165988560
Eaton Centre is North America’s busiest mall, which isn’t surprising given its location in Toronto’s downtown core. It’s a stone’s throw away from the financial and entertainment district, making it very accessible on foot.
This multi-level mall occupies about two whole city blocks, housing a wide array of retailers and restaurants. That includes famous Canadian brands like Aritzia, Lululemon, and Hudson’s Bay.
They host in-mall events and live music performances all year round. They also celebrate the holidays with lots of festivities and shopping promos, so its patrons have something to look forward to every season.
Pro Tip:
For inquiries about events, promos, and more, you can ask the info desk on Level 2, right across from the Swarovski Store.
5. Stock Yards
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Website: https://www.stockyardsvillage.com/
Location: 1980 St Clair Ave W
Operating hours:
- Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM
- Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM–9 PM
Phone: +14167608181
Stock Yards is the newest retail space in the city with ample parking and easy access to public transportation. What makes it stand out from the rest is the modern, open-air shopping experience.
The shops are separated into different buildings, making the area more navigable. However, it can be quite exhausting to walk from one shop to another, especially if you’re in a rush to run errands.
Aside from the big-box retailers, you’ll find fashion staples and specialty stores. It doesn’t have the high-end brands like other malls on my list, but you won’t have trouble finding affordable options.
Pro Tip:
The mall has a Nations Fresh Food store, where you can get produce, snacks, and other groceries to fill your pantry.
6. The Well
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Website: https://www.thewelltoronto.com/
Location: 486 Front St W
Operating hours:
- Sunday-Tuesday, 11 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM–8 PM
Phone: +14162037777
The Well is an upscale retail and culinary hub, where you’ll find an indoor and outdoor shopping area. While the building itself is an architectural marvel worth gawking at, the relaxed atmosphere is what keeps us coming back.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back shopping experience with fewer crowds, this is the place to be. Compared to other malls, it has a limited list of retailers and boutiques, but it does have a good mix of world-renowned brands and local fashion favorites.
After shopping, you can indulge in delicious treats at the cafeteria, which has a wealth of options for hungry shoppers. However, it can get quite packed at certain hours of the day so I typically turn to a nearby cafe or restaurant.
Pro Tip:
Every month, they arrange entertaining events for shoppers, such as public skating, musical performances, and board games. Check out their website for the schedule.
7. Roncesvalles Village
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Website: https://roncesvallesvillage.ca/
Location: Queen Street W to Bloor Street W
Roncesvalles, also known as Roncy Village, is a neighborhood in Toronto that stretches from Queen Street to Bloor. Between Howard Park and Queen, you’ll find high-end local boutiques and specialty food shops.
When I swing by, I always head to a cafe first, which is nearly in every corner of this neighborhood. Then, I simply wander off and look around the bookshops.
This shopping district attracts a varied crowd, from families running errands to young professionals and bargain hunters looking for great deals. Prices here are generally affordable, with many stores offering seasonal sales.
Pro Tip:
The cafes and restaurants have patio areas, where you can lounge during the warm summer months.
8. Chinatown
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Website: https://chinatownbia.com/
Location: 222 Spadina Ave.
Operating hours: Daily, 10 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +14165998877
Toronto’s Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that offers an unmatched cultural and shopping experience. It’s a go-to for fresh produce, unique home goods, handmade accessories, and trendy streetwear.
For those who love to haggle, this is your paradise. Many vendors are open to negotiation, adding a playful edge to your shopping adventure.
Of course, there are plenty of delicious, budget-friendly dining options around. There are dim sum spots and trendy bubble tea cafes everywhere, so you can recharge before diving back into the shops.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the Lunar New Year celebrations if you’re visiting in late winter. It’s a vibrant spectacle of parades, lion dances, and special shopping deals!
9. Koreatown
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Website: https://koreatownto.com/
Location: Bloor Street W
Another neighborhood known for its affordable shopping options is Koreatown. This vibrant district is full of culinary delights, K-fashion boutiques, and of course, skincare products.
If you like thrifting, you’ll enjoy exploring the charming shops in the area. You’ll find great deals, and if you’re persistent enough, you might come across a rare designer item.
You can grab street food like fish cakes, corndogs, or bibimbap, which you can munch on while you walk around. There are also K-BBQ spots if you want a heartier meal after your shopping spree.
Pro Tip:
Check out their website for upcoming events in K-town.
