Against a backdrop of the beautiful CN Tower and buildings rich in heritage, Toronto’s easy-to-navigate gridiron street system leads you to a plethora of galleries, museums and shops that never fail to delight visitors. For less than £450, you can get a round-trip non-stop ticket from Glasgow to Toronto with Air Transat and shop to your heart’s content.
Downtown
The massive Eaton Centre (220 Yonge Street), a glass-domed galleria with fiberglass geese hanging from the ceiling, sits in the heart of downtown. It has more than 230 stores including leading Canadian brands (Aritzia, RW & Co and Roots). In 2016, it added Nordstrom – which boasts a small army of personal stylists, certified bra fitters and beauty stylists to help you look your best. Around the corner is Hudson’s Bay (176 Yonge Street) where its Iconic Point blankets have been keeping Canadians warm and toasty for over two centuries.
Underground
The world’s largest underground shopping complex, the PATH connects a myriad of shops, buildings and subway stations in the city centre. For an old-school touch where tailors remember your name when outfitting your fine suits, head to Robert Jones Menswear on the PATH, right next to Union Station.
Vintage
Looking for a pair of vintage leather boots with a matching 1960s denim jacket? Stroll down Queen Street West, starting from downtown and heading west towards Humber Bay. The top 10 recommendations lined the famous street are:
- Tribal Rhythm (248 Queen Street West)
- Black Market (259 Queen Street West)
- Mama Loves You (541 Queen Street West)
- Fashionably Yours (709 Queen Street West)
- Pearls and Pockets (672 Queen Street West)
- Public Butter (1290 Queen Street West)
- Three Fates (1394 Queen Street West)
- In Vintage We Trust (1580 Queen Street West)
- Frou Frou (1616 Queen Street West)
- 96 Tears (1714 Queen Street West)
Outlets
Don’t look at the map and think they’re too far away; Toronto’s outlet malls are well worth the effort once you see the deals on designer clothes. Toronto Premium Outlets (13850 Steeles Avenue West) is a discount haven for big names like Armani, Boss, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, among others. Get a shutter (CAN$30 round-trip) from Union Station. Alternatively, take a free seasonal shutter from Union Station to Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Drive), a massive outlet selling household and international designer brands at attractive prices.
Discounts
Like TK Maxx in the UK, Winners is a chain of off-price fashion retailers in Canada with several stores dotted around Toronto. Winners Yorkville (110 Bloor St W), tucked behind Calvin Klein and J. Crew, is the best branch for clothing, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, home goods, all at 20-60% off the original price.
Christmas
Come December, Toronto transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland. Get bundled up and head to Toronto Christmas Market (55 Mill St) in the Distillery District. Grab a bag of maple leaf fudge and a cup of eggnog, then wander around charming booths selling artisan gifts; from handmade soy wax candles, Canadian-made fleece clothing, to warm socks with funky designs (pizza and beer, pinball wizard, sushi and emoji). You can definitely buy the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Book your flights now to Toronto this winter with Air Transat.