Shopping, Canada

Toronto’s newest centre for arts, culture, food and entertainment. This national historic site includes 44 heritage buildings and numerous brick-lined courtyards. Explore the district’s many restaurants, art galleries, artisan boutiques, specialty retail stores and more. https://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/distillery-historic-district-the/

This massive Toronto Eaton Centre shopping complex in the heart of downtown Toronto is more than a mall — it’s a major tourist attraction. Almost 50 million visitors come here every year. Shop at more than 250 stores, including the Apple Store, Uniqlo, Hudson’s Bay, Indigo, the Disney Store and Sephora. The Eaton Centre is also the first Canadian shopping centre to feature both a Nordstrom and a Saks Fifth Avenue. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located steps from several Toronto attractions, including Toronto City Hall, Nathan Philips Square and Yonge-Dundas Square. http://www.toronto.com/things-to-do/attractions/toronto-eaton-centre/

In the centre of historic Old Town Toronto, close to the hub of today’s downtown sits the St. Lawrence Market Complex – three buildings that have served as Toronto’s social centre, City Hall and marketplace throughout the City’s history. Explore the south market building with its restaurants, artisans and specialty food vendors offering visitors the unique and lively atmosphere of an authentic farmers market; the Market Galley with changing exhibits dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history; and the Market Kitchen with cooking classes for all ages and abilities. In the north market building you’ll find the farmers’ market where farmers arrive every Saturday at dawn to sell their meat, cheese and produce, just as they have been for more than 200 years. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/st-lawrence-market-complex/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

Gastown is an historical part of Vancouver's downtown and was rejuvenated in the 1970's. Today it gives visitors a glimpse of what Vancouver would have been like a century ago with its cobbled streets, lined with shops and restaurants. A popular attraction here is the Gastown Steam Clock. http://gastown.org/

In the 1970’s, Granville Island began its successful transformation from an industrial wasteland to one of the most beloved public spaces in Vancouver. As Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage, this unique destination attracts millions of visitors each year from Vancouver and around the world. The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses. The famous Public Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops and Railspur District, many of Canada’s best artists and designers can be found. Granville Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural festivals year-round. https://granvilleisland.com/

If you’re interested in Oriental architecture and gardens, a visit to the second largest Chinatown in North America is recommended. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. http://vancouver-chinatown.com/

Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America, is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. The Petit-Champlain district isn’t just illuminated for the holidays—it stays decorated all winter long, much to everyone’s delight. It’s the ideal place to bundle up for a winter evening stroll in an enchanting atmosphere straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. The French influence is evident everywhere you look in Place Royale and along Rue du Petit-Champlain. The two—and three—storey plastered stone homes with their dormer windows, gabled roofs, large chimneys and firewalls rising above the rooftops make it hard to believe you’re not in France. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/quartier-petit-champlain/

A perfect balance between bourgeois and bohemian, the Montcalm neighbourhood attracts epicureans, sports fans, and art and culture lovers in a magnificent historical environment. Head to the Upper Town for a highly entertaining and tasty experience! Stroll down avenue Cartier in the heart of the Art District and you’ll pass a hundred or so places of business. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, gourmet food shops, and fashionable and specialty boutiques of this less-touristy area. Bookstores, theatre, museums, movies, art galleries: in Montcalm there's something for culture lovers of every stripe. Don't forget to visit the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), a real architectural gem showcasing both Québec and international art. To keep up with the latest films, head to Cinéma Cartier, the only movie theatre downtown; it can get pretty busy on weekends. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/quartier-des-arts-de-quebec-sdc-montcalm/

A creative chocolate shop and a quaint small chocolate museum. Learn about the history of chocolate from Mayan times to this day. Ancient and modern accessories, chocolate-making techniques (video and view on the kitchen), and more. For chocolate lovers: little pieces of chocolate, a handmade selection of pure original chocolate bars cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cakes and hot chocolates. Summer: homemade ice cream dipped in chocolate, yogourt and sherbet. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/museums/erico-chocolaterie-patisserie/

A stroll along rue Saint-Jean is a must for anyone visiting Québec City. Starting from centrally located Place D’Youville, a string of boutiques, restaurants, churches, and historic buildings create a unique and eclectic ambiance. And when the street is closed to traffic in summer, pedestrians take over and a festive atmosphere reigns. Religion, politics, and education converge at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, home to City Hall and just steps from Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica and the historic Séminaire de Québec. In summer, you can watch the performances of the public entertainers while the charming wooden kiosks of the German Christmas Market settle there from late November to end of December. The ice rink at Place D'Youville is the perfect place to experience Québec City's winter. From mid-November, put on skates and enjoy its magical atmosphere! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/old-quebec-summer/rue-saint-jean/

Over $500 million was invested in Québec City's new downtown core, the revitalized Saint-Roch district. The spirit of innovation fostered by Saint-Roch makes it the hub of the Greater Québec Area. The many avant-garde businesses, shops and restaurants, local breweries, bars found here create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to local residents and visitors alike. Saint-Roch owes its distinctive flair to its cultural, commercial and artistic vitality that rivals that of the greatest North American metropolises. Over 130 shops! In summer, young professionals from the web and video game industries blend in with the student crowd looking for a place to eat outside in Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, a real oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. In winter, Saint-Roch is illuminated by a 15-metre Christmas tree; simply magical! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/commercial-streets/sdc-centre-ville-de-quebec/

One of the largest malls in the Québec City area, with 200 stores and services including such major banners as Walmart, Maxi, Urban Planet, Sears, The Bay, Sports Experts, Mode Choc and Jysk. A must for any shopping expedition, Fleur de Lys is strategically located less than 5 minutes from downtown. Close to all highways and several major development projects, and next to the Videotron Centre. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/shopping/shopping-centres-and-commercial-streets/shopping-centres/fleur-de-lys-centre-commercial/

One of Montréal’s most iconic spots, Saint-Laurent Boulevard offers up an effusive, eclectic and multicultural mix of things to see and do, indoors and out, any time of the day. Which is exactly why everyone loves “The Main”! People of all stripes and colours converge at this buzzy hub—a north-south stretch that divides the city into east and west, to be exact—to shop, eat, drink and mingle, and check out some of the city’s hottest new trends. Its nightlife is legendary too, with crowds converging in laid-back brewpubs, trendy clubs, cheeky cabarets, karaoke bars, dance halls and divebars until the wee hours of the morning. The unique venues here are also choice picks for catching hot artists and up-and-coming acts: just think, you might be lucky enough to see the next big thing! In warmer weather, the strip is also host to colourful festivals, weekend-long sidewalk sales and art on a major scale with the incredibly popular MURAL Festival, the most important urban art festival in North America. https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/shopping/saint-laurent-boulevard

The multicultural flavors and sights of the Jean-Talon Market have been attracting crowds to Little Italy since 1933. One of North America’s largest open-air public markets, its lively atmosphere, authentic character and wide selection of fresh, local produce and specialities from here and abroad always make for a pleasant – and appetizing – outing. True to its culture and spirit, the Jean-Talon Market showcases local and ethnic eats and a diverse array of merchants. Fruit, vegetable and flower stalls line the walkways alongside a tasty array of specialty shops that feature spices, oils, cheeses, meats, pastries and other exquisite Québec products. Butchers and fishmongers enthusiastically hawk their wares, always ready to share a recipe or recommend something new. Open year-round, the market changes with the seasons. In the spring, it blooms with a bouquet of annuals, perennials and seeds while the sugary scent of maple treats tickles the nostrils and the sweet tooth. Summertime starts with fresh asparagus and strawberries, then matures into a cornucopia of fresh produce picked daily. Come fall, the market is abuzz with the richness of the harvest, while in winter, it lights up with the festive spirit, Christmas trees, wreaths and all. https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/shopping/jean-talon-market

While you're in the heart of the city don't miss the opportunity to visit the historical ByWard Market. Unique eclectic shops, boutiques and restaurants offer something for everyone. Experience the small neighbourhood feel in secluded courtyards or find high quality, trend setting products on our bustling streets. Unique shops, restaurants and nightclubs surround a thriving outdoor market featuring fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables and local artisans. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/byward-market/

One of Canada’s architectural marvels, this 30-block district boasts North America’s most extensive (and handsome) turn of the 20th century buildings. While walking its charming streets you’ll find some of the city’s trendiest and tastiest spots including small plate restaurants and bistros who flaunt their exposed brick and beam, up-and-coming and established galleries, vintage and antique shops and some of the best the city has to offer in coffee and café culture. Also find an unparalleled collection of independent shops, locally made goods, delightfully curated vintage, and Winnipeg’s longest operating toy-store. The Exchange District is the perfect place to discover something new. https://www.exchangedistrict.org/

Saturated in 6,000 years of history, the meeting of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has always been a gathering place for people. Across 54 beautiful acres you’ll find a bustling central market, exceptional dining and accommodations, vast tree-lined paths overlooking all the bends in the riverbank, a world-class skate park, a children’s play area and water park, and all the best things a Winnipeg winter has to offer like skate rentals and access to one of the world’s longest skating trails. It also bridges, via the sexy Esplanade Riel, très-European St. Boniface — with its restaurants, cafes, artistic flair and francophone flavour — and the downtown core. https://www.theforks.com/

Black Fox Farm and Distillery is a beautiful cut flower farm and distillery. The main farm produces cut flowers during summer months. The distillery uses the ingredients frown on the farm to produce award winning Gin, Liqueurs and Vodka. Black Fox Farm spirits are crafted in a traditional manner, while pushing the boundaries of creativity with different grains and flavours. Few distillers combine the passion for agriculture with the skill of distilling. 90% of its ingredients grows right here on the farm. All spirits sold under Black Fox Farm name have been fermented and distilled by this company. This is quite rare in the world of micro distilleries allowing Black fox Farm to craft spirits of the absolute highest quality. http://blackfoxfarmanddistillery.com/

For almost 50 years member-run Handmade House has provided a unique, year-round craft market connecting Saskatoon shoppers with nearly 100 craftspeople from all across Saskatchewan. In the heart of the vibrant Broadway area, Handmade House features an ever-changing variety of unique handcrafted pieces. It's a refreshing change from mall fare and Big Box shopping! https://www.handmadehousesk.com/

The Hand Wave Gallery is a proudly Saskatchewan art gallery that features the original art of known and upcoming Saskatchewan art and artists that work in fiber, pottery, paint, ceramics, metal, glass, paper, and other interesting mediums. Extensive selection of ceramics by Anita Rocamora & textiles by June Jacobs. http://www.handwave.ca/

Presents the works of local Saskatchewan and Western Canadian artists, as well as contemporary posters, prints, limited edition graphics and sculpture. Collector's Choice Art Gallery also have a full service picture frame shop and are able to do quick turnaround repairs and framing. https://www.collectorschoice.ca/

Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With a brand new park offering an area for kids to play or for adults to read a book, this unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour setting. Wander down to the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel and float home moorage and watch the commercial fishing vessels unload their wares. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/fishermans-wharf