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Shop In Canada

By Lakshit Pareek

15 1,429

Located in the northern region of the United States, Canada is a country with diverse cultures and features. From manmade skyscrapers to natural huge mountains, it has everything to offer to its tourists. It is heaven for the vagabond travelers. The co-existence of nature and manmade wonders make it one of the most traveled countries in the world.

But things don’t end here. Canada is a dreamland for shopaholics.  From scrap to gold chains, you can find anything in the market. It has one of the biggest shopping malls in the world which sells everything that one can dream of.

It is not possible that you visit Canada and don’t buy anything. It is like going to a swing and just watching people enjoy it. You need to get something which reminds you of the place. Not only this, Canada has such places where you can buy things which are not available anywhere else in the world. So here is the list of 5 shopping places that you can visit in Canada and give yourself a treat.

BUDGET MARKETS

First, we start with the places, where you can buy some of the best things for yourself, within a tight budget. These places are filled with a variety of products and thus provide you with a lot of options. Here are some of them-

Toronto Christmas Market

If you are in Canada during the holidays, this place is a must-visit. Though the market is closed on Mondays some of the shops are opened. Not only for shopping, but you can also visit this market before sunset, to take beautiful photos. Currently, the center of the market is decorated with a huge Christmas tree. The place has a holiday vibe rather than a shopping vibe. You will also find a few of the locally handcrafted goods, which can be bought as a souvenir, for loved ones. Other than this, there is no limit to the variety of food that one can try out.  From Vienna-style schnitzel sandwiches to authentic classic Canadian poutine, the place has everything.

If you are not a fan of huge crowds, then visit the market on Tuesday or Wednesday, rather than on weekends.

Aberfoyle Antique Market, Ontario

 

If you are an antique freak like me then Aberfoyle Antique Market will be Mecca for us.

But the catch is this market is open only for a few months of the year (May-June to October) only on Sundays. The best thing about the place is that even pets are also allowed inside the market, except for the opening Sunday.

A lot of interesting items like Vintage Furniture, Military Collections, Art Work & Antique Jewelry is easily available in the market. The best thing I felt about the place is, it puts the bargaining skill to test.  The vendors may ask irritational prices, put your bargaining skills in action, and at times get about 50 percent off on many items. The trick is to try visiting the market on the closing day.

St. Lawrence Market

If you are hungry and want to eat some delicious food then this is the place for you. Visit the place just to taste the different flavors and variety of food. It is one of the major public markets of Canada located in Toronto. It is one of the best places in the city. It has a lot to offer to eat if you are hungry enough. Sandwiches, lobster rolls, green wraps, pierogi, and mustard sticks are some of the famous and most ordered food items here.  Basically, St. Lawrence market is not a market it is a tourist spot, where you will see people from different corners of the world eating and chilling.

Granville Island, B.C.

It is a shopping district situated in Vancouver. It is a public market which offers many unique, locally made products, which will surely catch your eyes.  The market is open for 7 days of the week, from 9 am to 6 pm. Parking in the day here is free of cost. You can find handcrafted products and a few of the finest gifts, unique to this place. If you are looking for gifts and souvenirs from Canada then this is the market for you.

Pacific Mall 

This is an Asian shopping mall in Ontario, Canada. The mall has tons of stores to get glasses, phone accessories, bubble tea, food, toys, and shoes. Sometimes, this market is often referred to as Canada’s ‘Notorious Market’. It earned its reputation due to the physical sale of counterfeit and pirated products including clothes, footwear, electrical appliances, etc.  You will see copies of some of the biggest brands.

UPSCALE MARKETS

Other than these markets which provide you with the things all you want, Canada offers some markets which are of its kind. These markets are internationally accepted as some of the best and expensive markets. They are loaded with huge brands and offer little or no bargain. Basically, these markets are for making your materialistic fantasies true.

Yorkville, Toronto

It is a neighborhood and former village in Toronto. It is one of the best places to shop in the world. In 2008, according to fortune magazine, one of the streets of Yorkville was numbered seventh in the most expensive shopping streets in the world. Here you will find every luxury brand from Versace to Gucci. Actually, this place is best for those who like to wear brands and especially those brands which have less no. of outlets in other countries.

West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alta 

This is a shopping center located in Alberta. It has more than 800 stores, which are more than enough for a person to shop for his whole life. You can find brands like Louis Vuitton, Canada Goose, Marc Cain, Mackage, etc. The hotel covers about 490,000 m2 area. Some major attractions in the mall are –Galaxy land, World Water Park, and Mayfield’s Toyota Ice Palace. Not only this, the place holds many world records too. The best thing about this place according to me, this mall is all in one in itself. One can shop, enjoy, and relax at the same time here.

15 Comments
  1. Afreen says

    This is a great informative blogs to know about all the markets and what to get what. Very informative

  2. Raksha says

    Next time I will remember these places. I have been to Canada once and I shopped for maple syrup and the reindeers 😀. I would have loved to have picked up more from Toronto and little towns we visited.

    1. gypsy says

      Reindeers seriously? THis looks quite fun and promising.

  3. Sandy N Vyjay says

    I had never viewed Canada as a shoppers’ paradise, but you have changed my perspective with these places. They seem really interesting and offering quite a range of shopping possibilities. Would love to shop for antiques at the Aberfoyle Antique Market, I am sure there are many interesting items up for grabs there.

  4. Sundeep says

    Thanks for sharing this informative article with us. Whenever I am going to visit Canada will definitely going to shop on these places. Bookmarking this post for future reference.

  5. Mrinal Kiran says

    My friend is planning to move to Canada soon… This is really awesome… A shopper’s paradise for sure.. Will share with her!

  6. Mimmie HUman says

    Thanks for sharing – this sound really exiting and I hope to visit this place one day whenever! It seems like a real shoppers paradise like Mrinal says – Wow! Will defenitely shop these place once I can visit these places. thank you!

  7. Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel says

    Every time we visit Canada, we buy Canadian maple juice. Many years ago, we bought some excellent ice wine.

  8. Vanessa says

    I’m not a big shopper and avoid malls but when I travel I love to explore the markets… especially a Christmas market to pick up local festive decorations. I’d love to check out St. Lawrence Market and taste some of the tasty foods. Useful article for travellers visiting Canada 🙂

  9. Donna Emperador says

    Some really cute shops. I like your photographs. I have only been to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls but hope to explore some of these sights you pointed out.

  10. molly says

    Toronto’s Christmas Market is the best! Toronto is a great place for the holidays for sure! I will put Edmonton on my list as well

  11. Linda (LD Holland) says

    I do love all the markets around Canada. Great to get produce fresh in season. Sadly we have never visited the West Edmonton Mall. I am sure it would be both a shopping Mecca and a fun park too!

  12. Eric Gamble says

    Well I guess my wife and I are going to split up cause I love food so I am going to head to the St. Lawrence Market but I may have to bring my stretchy pants cause I love to eat local street food and sweets! But my wife is like you…an antique freak! So there is no doubt that she will want to head to the Aberfoyle Antique Market. I can see her now testing everything and plotting ways to redecorate my house. Thus to preserve our marriage, we are going to have to divide and conquer!

    1. gypsy says

      Hahahah such a sweet comment. Please preserve your marriage, even it means to divide and conquer.

  13. Agnes says

    Toronto Christmas Market looks fabulous. I would love to visit it during Christmas. But also, Aberfoyle Antique Market seems to be worth a visit.

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