Toronto is a one-of-a-kind city – not only when it comes to the people and attractions, but also when it comes to local shops and businesses. If you are looking for a souvenir of your trip, forget generic T-shirts and mugs. Bring home a keepsake that you won't find anywhere else from one of these unique Toronto gift shops. (Don't forget to download your app) My Toronto Pass (destinationtoronto.com)
You'll feel like you've gone back in time the moment you enter the Drake General Store. This one-of-a-kind shop is chock full of Canadiana with an old time feel – everything from toques to engraved flasks to traditional maple syrup, to iconic Hudson's Bay Blankets. Shop at any of these locations: in the Hudson's Bay Store on Yonge Street or in Union Station.
Hudson's Bay - Financial District - 77 tips (foursquare.com)
The history of St. Lawrence Market goes all the way back to the turn of the 19th century. Renowned for its selection of locally sourced produce, meats, and other edible delights such as local favourite - Kozlick's mustard. The market also features handmade crafts and novelties from home-grown vendors. Browse at your leisure and when you get hungry, grab a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or a Portuguese-style custard tart at Churrasco. St. Lawrence Market Complex | Destination Toronto
The Frank Gehry designed gift shop at the Art Gallery of Ontario is arguably as impressive as the museum that houses it. From personal accessories to home décor, to Group of Seven prints, this shop contains everything for the art lover. Check out the AGOkids section for books, toys and craft sets that make wonderful gifts for youngsters interested in exploring the world of art.
Art Gallery Of Ontario | Things To See & Places To Eat (destinationtoronto.com)
Bergo Designs in the Distillery District is known for its European-inspired designer housewares and home-décor. The front room is filled with row upon row of shiny contraptions that artfully combine functionality with creativity – including contemporary kitchenware, moving alarm clocks and flower vases that look like they stepped out of a Dali painting. In the kids' section, various gadgets and gizmos offer endless hours of fun for little ones.
Bergo Designs | Decor | Gifts | Unique Designs
The Toronto Eaton Centre is an unrivalled destination in the heart of Canada's most populous city featuring more than 250 shops. It's the first Canadian shopping centre to feature both a Nordstrom and a Saks Fifth Avenue. Located at the southwest corner of Yonge St and Dundas St, it's easily accessible via transit, by foot or car.
From Union Station, you can either hop on the subway to Queen Station or Dundas Station or walk towards the Eaton Centre using the underground PATH system.
CF - Toronto Eaton Centre | Toronto, ON M5B 2H1 (destinationtoronto.com)
Bloor-Yorkville Make your way to Toronto's most upscale shopping district- Bloor-Yorkville, also known as the "Mink Mile". With price tags ranging into the thousands of dollars, this is not shopping for the faint of heart (or the budget constrained), but oh, the window shopping and people watching! Explore the many designer stores lining Bloor St – Tiffany and Co., Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton to name a few.
To get there by public transit, from Union Station take the subway to Bay Station and walk outside to the streets of Yorkville. Bloor St is two streets south of Yorkville Ave.
Shopping in Bloor-Yorkville: High-End Fashion and Boutiques | Destination Toronto
5 Don't Miss Stops Inside Toronto's Union Station
Front Street's ground transportation hub is a worthwhile destination in its own right.
Since 1927 it has served as Toronto's key hub for rail and some bus travel – a jumping off point to go anywhere from the suburbs (via GO) to the airport (using the UP Express train) or to other parts of North America by VIA Rail.
An ongoing revitalization has added 16,000 sq m of new space to roam and has brought Union Station's total up to some 100 shops and places to eat. Click here to find 5 suggestions on how to spend some extra moments at Union Station. 5 Don't-Miss Stops Inside Toronto's Union Station | Destination Toronto
Chinatown
Head north on Spadina Avenue towards College Street for the full, bustling Chinatown experience, where music booms from shops, greengrocers call out in Cantonese and everyone from tiny grannies to frazzled University of Toronto students are speed-walking to their next destination.
Tap Phong (360 Spadina Ave.) is a one-stop shop for affordable Chinese and western cookware, as well as classic souvenirs like paper lanterns and jade statues. Shops selling bamboo goods, T-shirts, umbrellas, sun hats and slippers abound, such as at B & J Trading (376 Spadina Ave.), so if you forgot anything at home, now's your chance.
Explore the eastern edges of Chinatown on Dundas West, for Chinese good-luck ephemera at Chinatown Mart (490 Dundas St. W.). Take a milk bubble tea break at Hey Sugar (449 Dundas St. W.) or Higher (493A Dundas St. W.).
Kensington Market
Toronto's Kensington Market is an eclectic neighbourhood with a multicultural mix of supermarkets, street food, hole-in-the-wall boutiques and vintage clothing stores. Strolling through Kensington shops allows you to tap into the many different cultures that now make Toronto home, and you'll have your pick of cuisines with so many options on hand. Plus, Kensington comes with a bit of a grittier edge, and it's all the better for it.
Find it between Dundas Street West and College Street, west of Spadina.
For more ideas on where to shop in Toronto, click on this link:
Shopping Guides (destinationtoronto.com)