Ultimate guide to Toronto shopping 

Old Town, Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market

Old Town is the historic heart of the city and Toronto’s original merchant neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is a blend of rich history, displayed in design and architecture and a vibrant atmosphere with shops, galleries and cafes.

Queen, Church, Parliament, Jarvis and Front Streets loosely bound Old Town Toronto.

A heritage landmark in Old Town, the St. Lawrence Market is one of the world’s best food markets. Browse over 120 vendors offering fresh produce, breads and cheeses as well as ready-to-eat treats and artisan stalls.

Nearby, explore designer boutiques, art galleries and artisan shops in the pedestrian-only Distillery Historic District. This lively hub of culture and cuisine is set amongst North America’s largest collection of Victorian-era style architecture.

Pop into Hoi Bo and shop handcrafted apparel and accessories made from all-natural fabrics or head to Gotstyle for a tailor-made suit (starting with a free one-on-one styling session).

Explore Craft Ontario’s new Distillery location, one of Toronto’s largest locally-made artist and designer collections. 

Stop into SOMA Chocolatemaker, a family-owned chocolatier known for its unique spins on truffles, cookies, gelato and more.

Represent Toronto pride with a stop at The Sport Gallery or Peace Collective and pick up sports gear from your favourite local team. 

Downtown and Yonge Street

One of the oldest streets in the city, Yonge Street runs from the Harbourfront through the heart of Toronto’s City Centre and continues north of Toronto.

Enjoy great shopping and big city sights along Downtown Yonge and Sankofa (Yonge-Dundas) Square, also known as “Toronto’s Times Square.” It’s a bustling area full of larger-than-life billboards, street performers and pop-up festivals held in the square. 

Across from the square, CF Toronto Eaton Centre is one of the best Toronto shopping attractions. In fact, it’s the most frequented shopping mall in all of Canada. The mall boasts over 230 retailers, including many of the world’s biggest brands, and the recent arrival of La Maison Simons, a department store founded in Quebec City.

You’ll find more shopping options surrounding the mall, such as the much-loved destination for trendy lifestyle products, Urban Outfitters on Yonge Street.

The neighbourhood is home to many lively restaurants and cafés to keep you fueled. Check out Butter Baker Market & Café for Instagrammable pastries, signature waffles and cute accessories and gift ideas.

Yorkville and The Annex

Yorkville is Toronto’s premier destination for upscale shopping, offering an array of luxury boutiques, designer brands and high-end retailers. Known for its sophisticated charm, this chic neighbourhood combines world-class fashion with fine dining and vibrant cultural experiences.

Notable stops in Yorkville include 119 Corbo, specializing in luxe women’s fashions, high-end consignment shop Mine & Yours and upscale casual fashions and accessories at James Perse.

There’s no shortage of exceptional jewellery shops in the neighbourhood, such as Lisa Gozlan, whose finely crafted bracelets have been featured in Vogue.

Yorkville Village is a lively shopping centre with boutiques like Vintage and the City, curating signature brands and styles from the early 1900s to the 2000s. The centre is also lined with cafés and self-care experiences to keep you satiated and soothed while you shop. 

Continue along Bloor Street from Yonge Street to Avenue Road, known as Toronto’s “Mink Mile.” For an upscale department store experience, find high-end luxury brands at Holt Renfrew.

You can also discover shopping options that offer upscale luxury at accessible prices, like COS, known for its old-money aesthetic and sustainable craftsmanship.

Kensington Market

With its vibrant multicultural community, Kensington Market is a bustling hub that embodies Toronto’s eclectic spirit. Known for its global cuisine, vintage shops, quirky cafés and colourful street art, it’s a haven for second-hand shopping, where consignment stores and unique finds line every corner.

Courage My Love offers vintage apparel, oddities, jewellery and beads. Exile Vintage is another local landmark, having sold curated vintage apparel for the last 45 years. Browse Hi Vintage for a mix of new and pre-worn designer styles and pick up a tee or jacket from Lost Boys Vintage.

Public Butter is a recent addition to Kensington Market with its collection of pre-loved apparel, accessories and furniture. Bungalow features an eclectic mix of modern, vintage and retro clothing, accessories and items for the home.

Head to Armed for bracelets, beads or custom charms, and if streetwear is your vibe, visit Uncle Otis. Explore other specialty shops, like Yarns Untangled craft shop, for a wide collection of hand-dyed, Canadian-made yarns.

Queen West and King West

Southwest of Kensington Market are several trendy shopping destinations, including the iconic Queen Street West, with its vibrant street art, eclectic bars and independently owned boutiques. If you’re looking for designer fashion and a perfected curated outfit, check out FAWN, Zumel and Co and Coal Miner’s Daughter. The neighbourhood has no shortage of women-owned boutiques, be sure to browse Grit & Grace, Horses and jewellery store Bluboho.

If you’re on the hunt for a garment with a past life, make a stop at Fashionably Yours Designer Consignment. For alternative vintage finds, featuring rock and punk fashions, visit the Black Market Vintage Underground, for vintage and band tees, leather accessories, jeans and jean jackets and more. You’ll also find First Nation art and apparel from Chippewar Nation, which puts a pop-art spin on Indigenous heritage and historical issues.

Beyond clothing shopping, Queen Street West is home to the popular record shop Rotate This, and The Paper Place, a specialty shop featuring cool paper-made housewares, prints, accessories and crafts.

Just south of King Street West, you’ll find The Well, a new 20,000-square-foot dining and retail space, with a vast selection of shops, flagships and pop-ups. Outdoor spaces at the Well also feature experiences beyond shopping, including seasonal activities, activations and events.

Make your way further west into Liberty Village, a vibrant community of old factories converted into office spaces, with an eclectic mix of dining and shopping options. Also, a great spot to discover if you are planning to attend a Toronto Football Club game or see a concert at the RBC Amphitheatre during the summer months.

I Have a Crush on You is half gallery, half gift shop with all the quirks you could ask for from an indie design studio in downtown Toronto, and the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Discover unique, handcrafted, all-natural soaps at Demo Soap and if you’re looking for a great outfit, check out Style in Liberty, a boutique of beautifully curated fashions that was initially launched in the founder’s Toronto apartment. 

Dundas West and Ossington Avenue

Located north of Toronto’s famous Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dundas West is a neighbourhood offering a charming mix of dining, nightlife and boutique shopping.

Popular boutiques include Comrags, where each garment is designed and produced in-house, The Wanderly, curating apparel and accessories from local designers and Tessi & Co, offering a mix of new and used apparel, charming gifts and home decor.

To support local artists, check out Made for Me Marketplace, launched to create a nurturing space for small businesses to host pop-ups, showcase their artistry and conduct workshops.

Next, visit 1317 to find streetwear you won’t find anywhere else. Or Good Habits for beautiful, functional, environmentally conscious goods made by local designers.

Adjacent to Dundas West, Ossington Avenue was described by Time Out magazine as “one of the coolest streets in the world.” Several boutiques worth browsing include Melanie Auld, named after its founder and passionate jewellery designer, or Mejuri, another purveyor of fine accessories.

Ossington Avenue also offers a range of apparel shops like Annie Aime, known for ethically produced designer fashion. The Latest Scoop showcases a lifestyle concept with beautiful clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor. If you’re in the market for some sharp, well-made men’s apparel, take a look at State & Liberty Clothing. 

The Danforth

The Danforth neighbourhood, known as Greektown, is home to delicious international, family-owned restaurants, cafés, pubs, health-food stores and an array of one-of-a-kind shops.

Secret Planet is an artisan gift shop and print-making studio that sells screen-printed posters, stationery and apparel made by local artists, while the Arts Market rents affordable space to local makers and vendors to sell their handmade wares.

If you love unique places to shop and unconventional keepsakes, La Di Da Boutique offers a vast collection of gift ideas, from quirky to beautiful, for all ages. For more unique pieces, browse through El Pipil, which offers everything from candles, teas and cushions to puzzles, socks and Swedish dishcloths.

If you’re shopping for little ones, August Kinn offers a charming array of Canadian-made baby apparel, gifts and nursery accents, and for grown-up apparel, find eye-catching items at Erietta Boutique.

Check out the “fiercely independent” Book City, which has curated an eclectic selection of books for the last four decades. Or if you’re looking for something more auditory, browse over 40,000 vinyls at Kops Records.

Leslieville and The Beach

Leslieville is a trendy, family-friendly neighbourhood just east of the downtown core, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Queen Street East is lined with independent shops offering a diverse mix of wares. Doll Factory by Damzels is known for a wide selection of figure-flattering vintage dresses and costumes.

For Canadian-made clothing, discover Province of Canada. For apparel made with national pride of a different kind, check out Irish Design House, which curates handmade, ethically sourced goods from Irish artisans, designers and makers.

Find a little bit of everything at Good Neighbour and Scout, including apparel, housewares and wellness products. Or if you’re looking for cute toys and clothes for your little ones, visit Little Peeps.

East of Leslieville, The Beach (also known as The Beaches) is a beloved community marked by sandy beaches, a long boardwalk and numerous parks. It’s also home to a lively collection of inviting restaurants and local shops.

Boa Boutique offers sustainably made fashion while also supporting socially conscious initiatives. Set Me Free, known for its collection of fashionable yet comfortable wardrobe essentials. For clothes that will make a statement, find your next favourite outfit at Charming Parrot.

Starting as a tribute to Korean tradition and design, Hanji Gifts has evolved to offer a range of innovative papers, stationery, craft supplies, accessories and cards. For more unique, locally crafted items, browse Shop Makers, a space for local artisans and craftspeople to promote their goods and connect with the community.

Midtown and Uptown

Shopping in Midtown and Uptown Toronto combines sophistication with charm, offering upscale boutiques, stylish malls and specialty shops nestled in vibrant communities. These neighbourhoods provide a refined yet inviting shopping experience, perfect for finding both luxury goods and unique treasures.

Ellie Mae Studios was founded by its namesake, who trained at London’s Central Saint Martins’ fashion program and launched her brand, creating effortless, one-of-a-few pieces that remain in your wardrobe season after season.

Poor Little Rich Girl blends an uptown sensibility with an urban edge. Smythe has been in business for 30 years and is best known for “perfecting the woman’s blazer.” There’s also 1132 Consignment, a hidden gem run by two women who have worked as personal shoppers and stylists for many noteworthy clientele.

Revelle Shop curates women’s apparel and accessories from the world’s top fashion capitals, while La Muse offers looks from 65 international brands, bringing a Scandinavian style with a Parisian twist. If you’re craving a cool atmosphere, step into Vert, a boutique that meticulously curates sought-after brands in an environment described as cool, discreet and “highly edited.”

For the love of fabric, Lemonwood focuses on high-quality designer products made from natural fibres, including cashmere, linen, silk, cotton, wool, bamboo and alpaca. For those looking for great bags, jewellery and accessories, drop into Augustina.

North York

The city of Toronto is comprised of six districts, including North York, which is home to some excellent shopping malls and outlets. The famous Yorkdale Mall features over 270 stores and the largest collection of luxury and designer brands in Canada, including many first-in-Canada flagship stores.

Outlet malls are a great way to shop for big brands at reduced prices, and Orfus Road Outlets offers a massive selection of outlets and factory stores packed with brand apparel with significantly smaller price tags.

CF Shops at Don Mills is another popular shopping destination with brand-name stores, restaurants and entertainment, including lifestyle store Anthropologie, which sells a highly curated collection of apparel, accessories and housewares.

Shopping in Toronto's neighbourhoods offers a vibrant mix of unique boutiques, diverse markets and global brands, reflecting the city's multicultural charm. Whether exploring trendy districts or hidden gems, every corner provides an opportunity to discover something special.