Toronto, often called a “New York City run by the Swiss,” is renowned for its cultural attractions, dining, and world-class shopping. In fact, it has emerged as a major style destination, with stores filled with luxury items as well as unique vintage finds, while high fashion can be discovered around nearly every corner.
Shopping enthusiasts who visit or buy one of the houses for sale in Toronto can discover a wide array of options just minutes or even steps from their door, including these top spots.
Toronto Eaton Centre
Located in the heart of the city, Toronto Eaton Centre was named one of Canada’s top 10 malls by Reader’s Digest. It’s Canada’s largest urban mall, featuring more than 230 retailers, restaurants, and services with four levels of shopping. Before heading in, capture a photo in front of the famous Canada Geese sculpture flying overhead. Then, enjoy browsing or buying the high-end designer items in Saks Fifth Avenue and The Room before exploring highlights like the flagship H&M.
Don’t forget to check out Yonge Dundas Square, either. Just outside the doors of the mall, this popular public space hosts concerts and other events all year round.
Bloor-Yorkville
The Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood, tucked into a pocket of downtown, is renowned for its culture and style, a popular place for high-end shopping that’s sometimes called the “Mink Mile.” It’s often compared to places like New York’s Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills Drive, home to Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, and Prada, just to name a few. While price tags can soar into the thousands of dollars, window shopping is highly encouraged for those who don’t have room in their budget.
Bloor-Yorkville also boasts a number of luxurious spas for pampering, including one right inside Holt Renfrew, where you can indulge in frothy cappuccinos too, the perfect way to get reenergized and give your feet a break after all that shopping.
Chinatown
One of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto’s many different cultures have helped shape the streets and neighborhoods, including Chinatown, which is one of the most exciting to explore. It’s one of the largest of its kind in North America, with a wide array of shopping experiences, including bargains on clothing, jewelry, exotic trinkets, household goods, and more. While there are plenty of cheap, tacky souvenirs, there are also fabulous shops selling handcrafted ceramics, gorgeous rosewood furniture, Chinese homeopathic herbs, and tea. Located around Dundas West and Spadina, it’s a pedestrian-driven neighborhood with colorful signs and bustling main avenues winding their way through a wealth of specialty shops, fresh produce markets and restaurants. At the south-west corner of Spadina, the Dragon City Shopping Mall hosts 30 stores ranging from electronics and beauty products to designer clothing.
The Distillery District
You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when strolling the cobbled streets of the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only village with dozens of designer boutiques. Many diverse, eclectic shops make it a top destination for shopping downtown. Gotstyle is one of the most popular picks if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe, and there are lots of treasures to discover at Blackbird Vintage Finds.