Amanda PhillipsFor shopaholics, one of the best things about travelling abroad is getting your hands on brands that aren’t as easily available where you live. Whether it’s Sephora or Lululemon Athletica, North America is home to many brands that are much-coveted by us Brits. Like all Canadian cities, Toronto is brimming with such brands and you’ll spot their famous logos as you wander round its streets.
Ready to get started with your credit card in tow? We recommend starting with the following outlet malls.
Toronto Eaton Centre
Start off at one of the city’s most iconic shopping hubs. Found in the Downtown area on Yonge Street between Queen and Dundas, you can easily spend a full day here rummaging between the rails of 250 retailers – including a Nordstrom and a Saks Fifth Avenue (the only shopping mall in Canada to feature both).
Yorkville Village
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, then head to Yorkville Village for some designer threads. Located in the downtown area of Bloor-Yorkville, you’ll find upmarket brands such as NANNI, Valency, Freshii, and Jacadi. Outside on Bloor Street, you’ll also find famous names such as Tiffany & Co., Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Yorkdale is home to such an impressive array of famous brands that it’s almost quicker to name the brands that don’t have a store here. Whether it’s some stylish stationery from Kate Spade, or a trip to Canada’s largest Apple store, there are plenty of stores to get lost in.
Vaughan Mills
If you’re in Toronto with your family, a trip to the 40,000 square foot LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is certainly in order. There you’ll find rides, a 4D cinema, Master Model Builder workshops and impressive LEGO reconstructions of Toronto’s most iconic attractions. While in the adjacent shopping centre you’ll find a paradise of retail combinations ranging from Armani to DKNY and Disney Store through to Sephora.
Square One
Square One is the largest mall in Ontario, clocking in at 360 outlets. There’s a store for everyone here, from Zara and Forever 21 through to Hudson’s Bay and Pandora. There are also eleven on-site restaurants including Panera Bread Bakery, Jamie’s Italian and Boston Pizza.
Sherwood Gardens
Just one skip away from Square One lies the modern and geometric Sherwood Gardens. Home to both a Saks Fifth Avenue and a Hudson’s Bay (with a Nordstrom coming very soon), along with Victoria’s Secret, J.Crew, Abercrombie and Fitch, Kate Spade New York, and Lululemon Athletica.
Dixie Outlet Mall
Everyone who lives in southern Ontario heads here for their pay-day shopping – and we can see why. With over 120 retailers including world-famous brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger, GUESS Factory Store, Boathouse Outlet and Footlocker Outlet, it’s as friendly on the purse as it is varied in stores.
Toronto Premium Outlets
This is a little further away from the centre of Toronto than many would be okay with, but Torontonians rate it because of its brilliant selection of premium brands. Ralph Lauren, Sketchers, The Body Shop, Michael Kors, Levi’s, Kate Spade New York, Hot Topic and Armani all out have outlets here.
