Best and biggest malls to visit in Canada

Best and biggest malls to visit in Canada [Updated 2024]

Canada is not only home to picturesque and natural beauty but also to some of the best and biggest malls in North America. Read here!


Are you looking for a shopping experience like no other? If so, Canada should be at the top of your list when it comes to finding the best and biggest malls. Not only is it home to some of the most luxurious shopping centers in the world, but it also boasts an incredibly diverse range of stores and attractions that will give you an unforgettable mall-going experience.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of Canada’s finest mega malls and discuss why they make great places to shop, explore and spend time with family or friends. Canada is home to picturesque and natural beauty and some of the best and biggest malls in North America. Read here!


Best And Biggest Malls To Visit In Canada

Malls are large shopping centers with hundreds of shops under one roof. The development and growth of malls in Canada became mainstream in the late 20th century. Canada has some of the world’s best malls that attract locals and tourists for shopping and other indoor activities they enjoy with their loved ones. Here are the best and biggest malls you must visit in Canada. Read on!

1. West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall is the biggest mall in Canada, with a retail space of about 3,800,000 square feet. The mall began its business operation in 1981. The Triple Five Group owns West Edmonton Mall. It is home to over 800 shops and stores with ample parking space to accommodate more than 20,000 vehicles.

Research shows that West Edmonton Mall attracts more than 32 million people for shopping, leisure, and recreational activities every year. More than 24,000 people do jobs at this mall.

West Edmonton Mall’s best attractions are the Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace, the World Waterpark, Hudson Bay, T&T supermarket, Simons, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, NewCap Radio, and Urban Outfitters.

Furthermore, there are several restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets in the mall. It also contains two movie theaters and a bowling alley. Also, an indoor amusement park and a miniature golf course are available for entertainment in the mall.

It is located at 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2, Canada.

 


2. Square One

Square One is the most visited mall in Ontario. Located in Mississauga, Square One is the second-best and second-largest mall in Canada. The retail space of Square One is about 2,200,000 square feet.

Square One has the best fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stores. Furthermore, the mall has several restaurants, coffee shops, fast-food outlets, and two movie theaters.

Oxford has owned and operated the mall since 1973. It has more than 360 stores and shops. Some of the most notable businesses and companies in the mall are Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay, and Walmart Supercenter. Besides, Square One attracts over 24 million locals and tourists annually.

The mall’s administration and management team has made substantial efforts to make it a world-class shopping center by performing state-of-the-art renovations and improvements.

Similarly, Square One has invested in and implemented cutting-edge techniques and processes to improve customer satisfaction. That’s why this is not a mid-level retail outlet anymore but one of the highly-ranked malls in Canada.

Further, some of the best attractions in Square One are Cineplex Cinemas, Muzik Nightclub, and Playdium. Also, the mall has many restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets.

It is located at 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9, Canada.

Features:

  • Stores: Square One hosts a wide array of retailers, including fashion stores, electronics shops, health and beauty stores, and department stores, among others.
  • Dining: The mall features various dining options, ranging from fast food to upscale restaurants, accommodating different preferences and budgets.
  • Entertainment: Square One offers entertainment facilities and often hosts events, exhibitions, and promotional activities.
  • Services: You can also find various services in the mall, like banking, health and wellness services, and more.

Attractions:

  • Cineplex Cinemas: For movie enthusiasts, there’s a cinema complex showcasing the latest films.
  • Playdium: A modern, interactive gaming facility that offers various arcade games and virtual reality experiences.
  • Food District: This area is dedicated to offering a unique and sophisticated dining experience with various culinary offerings.

Accessibility:

  • Square One is easily accessible via public transportation, and it has ample parking spaces for visitors who prefer to drive.

3. Metropolis at Metrotown

Metropolis at Metrotown has a retail space of 1,795,590 square feet, making it the third-largest mall or shopping center in Canada. It is located in Burnaby, BC, and has been operating since 1986. Besides, Ivanhoe Cambridge owns the mall, and it serves over 27 million people annually.

Metropolis at Metrotown has over 360 shops, stores, and services, including the famous T&T Supermarket, Hudson’s Bay, Toys “R” Us, Sears, Sports Check, and Forever 21. All these businesses operate within the Metropolis of Metrotown. It also has many restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets.

In addition, Metropolis at Metrotown provides entertainment services such as a movie theater, a bowling alley, and an indoor amusement park. It also contains video game arcades and many other fun activities to keep its customers entertained.

Recent expansions and renovations of the Metropolis at Metrotown have improved the indoor décor and outdoor beauty. Besides, the development has also provided immense employment opportunities for people living in the surrounding community.

Moreover, Metropolis at Metrotown has an advanced security system that keeps shoppers and storeowners safe. As a result, customers can shop confidently without worrying about their safety and security. It also has entertainment options such as a movie theater, bowling alley, and video game arcade.

It is located at 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4M5, Canada.

Overview:

  • Location: 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2, Canada.
  • Retail Space: Approximately 1,795,590 square feet.
  • Opening Year: 1986.
  • Ownership: Ivanhoe Cambridge (as of my last knowledge update in January 2022).

Features:

  • Stores: With its expansive retail space, the mall houses a diverse range of stores, including fashion retailers, electronics shops, department stores, and specialty shops, providing a wide selection for shoppers.
  • Dining Options: Metropolis at Metrotown offers a variety of dining choices, ranging from quick-service food courts to sit-down restaurants, catering to a multitude of culinary preferences.
  • Entertainment & Leisure: Similar to other major shopping centers, it provides various entertainment options and is likely to host events and promotions to engage with the community and enhance the visitor experience.

Attractions:

  • Cinemas: The mall may feature a cinema complex showcasing the latest movies.
  • Play Areas & Family Services: Family-friendly amenities and play areas for children are common in such large malls.
  • Unique Stores & Brands: Given its size and visitor count, the mall likely attracts both popular global brands and unique, local retailers.

Accessibility:

  • Conveniently located and accessible through public transit, with parking facilities available for those driving.

4. Eaton Centre

The Eaton Center, located in Toronto, is the fourth largest mall in Canada, with 1,722,000 square feet of retail space. Cadillac Fairview has been operating the mall since 1977, and it has four floors with two public transit systems.

Over 48 million people visit the Eaton Center every year, making it one of the leading tourist attractions in Ontario. Eaton Center is Canada’s most productive and busiest mall and has some of the most popular businesses, including Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, Nordstrom, and Hudson’s Bay.

Moreover, it has an impressive collection of art installations, including the iconic “Flight Stop” by Michael Snow. Besides that, the mall also organizes various activities and entertainment programs to keep the customers engaged. It also has an array of restaurants and fast-food chains.

It is located at 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada.

Toronto Eaton Centre is indeed a notable landmark and one of the busiest shopping malls in North America. Below is a general overview based on your information and some additional details:

Overview:

  • Location: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada.
  • Retail Space: Approximately 1,722,000 square feet.
  • Opening Year: 1977.
  • Ownership: Cadillac Fairview.

Features:

  • Stores: The Eaton Centre hosts a diverse array of retailers, including high-end brands, popular global chains, and independent stores, offering a broad selection for shoppers of all preferences and budgets.
  • Dining: With various dining options available, visitors can choose from fast food, casual eateries, and fine dining restaurants.
  • Entertainment & Leisure: The mall is not just a shopping destination but also a hub for entertainment and leisure activities, often hosting events, exhibitions, and promotions.

Attractions:

  • CF Toronto Eaton Centre’s Geese: A famous art installation known as “Flight Stop” by Michael Snow, depicting a flock of Canada Geese in flight, is a well-known attraction within the mall.
  • Urban Eatery: A modern food court with a wide range of culinary options.
  • Multi-Level Shopping Experience: With multiple floors of retail, the mall offers an extensive and varied shopping experience.

Accessibility:

  • Public Transit Access: Eaton Centre is highly accessible through public transit, being connected to two subway stations: Dundas and Queen. It’s also near various bus and streetcar lines, making it easy for visitors to travel to and from the mall.

5. Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Yorkdale Shopping Center is the most reputable and oldest mall in Canada, serving Toronto’s community for over 60 years. It is the ultimate shopping center in Ontario and a popular tourist destination in Toronto. Also, the mall features over 250 stores and shops, including world-famous fashion brands such as Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Rolex.

The mall has a retail area of more than two million square feet. It is home to over 270 shops and services, with the most extensive collection of luxury brands, designer labels, tech shops, and home decorations. It also houses movie theatres, restaurants, and fitness centers. Moreover, it has an impressive interior design and a pleasant outdoor atmosphere.

In addition to these shopping categories, Yorkdale Shopping Center offers various food openings, including delicious mains, delectable appetizers, and mouthwatering desserts. So, you will enjoy shopping and satisfy your taste buds with fine-dining experiences. The mall also has world-class parking for shoppers, commuters, visitors, and staff members.

It is located at 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9, Canada.

These are five of the largest malls in Canada. Each mall offers different services, facilities, and entertainment options to its customers. No matter which mall you choose to visit, you will surely have an impressive shopping experience and great memories with your family and friends.

Overview:

  • Location: 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9, Canada.
  • History: Opened in 1964, Yorkdale has been a significant retail presence in Toronto for many decades, undergoing various expansions and renovations to become the mall it is today.

Features:

  • Stores: With over 250 stores, Yorkdale boasts a wide range of retail options, including luxury brands like Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Rolex, as you mentioned. It also hosts a mix of high-street fashion, technology stores, beauty brands, and more.
  • Dining: Yorkdale offers diverse dining options to its visitors, ranging from fast-food outlets and cafes to upscale restaurants, providing a variety of choices to suit different tastes and preferences.
  • Services: In addition to shopping and dining, Yorkdale offers various services to enhance the visitor experience, including personal shopping, valet parking, and more.

Attractions:

  • Luxury Row: An area dedicated to high-end luxury brands and designer boutiques.
  • Food Collection: A curated selection of eateries and restaurants offering various cuisines from around the world.
  • Events & Promotions: The mall frequently hosts events, product launches, and promotions, creating an engaging and dynamic shopping environment.

Accessibility:

  • Transit Access: Yorkdale is easily accessible via public transit, with its own subway station—Yorkdale Station—on the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 1.
  • Parking: The mall offers extensive parking options, including valet service, for visitors who prefer to drive.

What Is the Biggest Mall in Canada?

The largest mall in Canada is West Edmonton Mall, located in Alberta. It is the largest shopping mall in North America and has a total retail space of 3,800,000 square feet. It houses more than 800 stores, services, and attractions, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Alberta.

West Edmonton Mall also boasts of a large indoor waterpark, complete with a wave pool and surf simulator. With its vast collection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in Canada.

Final Words

If you’re ever feeling the itch to shop ’til you drop, these malls should be at the top of your list. From luxury boutiques to affordable retailers, there’s something for everyone – and every budget. Shopping provides a lot of fun and entertainment to locals and people visiting Canada. Although there are numerous malls and shopping centers in Canada, head to these malls if you want to browse diverse collections in each shopping category. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next shopping spree!