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Top 8 Neighborhoods for the Best Shopping in Toronto

Published: January 1, 2023

Updated: June 11, 2025

When visiting Toronto, shopping can be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip. From elegant boutiques to iconic markets and vibrant neighbourhoods, the city offers everything you need to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or stylish new piece for your collection. 

The best part? UP Express makes your shopping journey effortless. With fast and convenient access from Pearson Airport to Union Station in just 25 minutes, UP Express connects you to Toronto's top shopping areas. Simple, reliable, and stress-free, it’s the perfect way to kick off your retail adventure in the city. 

Here’s your guide to the 8 top neighbourhoods for the best shopping in Toronto. 

The Toronto Eaton Centre

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It’s a big shopping centre in the core of downtown – a retail city within a city. With over 250 best-in-class retailers, restaurants and services, it’s easy to spend a day at the Toronto Eaton Centre. Plus, it’s only steps to more great shopping on King, Queen and Yonge. (You can also easily access it via The PATH – more on that below.)

The Distillery District

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It began with a rejuvenation of the 47 buildings known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, and has since grown to be the home for artisans, craftspeople and assorted creative characters. The Distillery District an internationally-acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafés, theatres and more. They host seasonal events, including summer markets and the iconic Christmas Market. It’s also one of the country’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destinations. It’s a can’t-miss shopping destination, for sure.

St. Lawrence Market

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A symbol of Toronto’s history and community spirit, St. Lawrence Market is busier than ever. Featuring more than 120 vendors selling fresh produce, specialty foods, and artisan crafts, this market celebrates over 210 years of tradition. Don’t miss out on the newly opened St. Lawrence Marketing North building, home to Saturday Farmers’ Markets and a range of events, a new café, and more! 

Beyond shopping for unique finds here, customers rave about the interactive culinary workshops and market feasts hosted by acclaimed chefs. Just a short walk from Union Station, St. Lawrence Market remains a timeless stop for visitors and locals alike.  

Kensington Market

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Kensington Market is the real-world embodiment of the word ‘bohemian.’  Known for its quirky shops, this neighbourhood offers vintage treasures, handmade crafts, and specialty groceries from around the world; you’re guaranteed to find something one-of-a-kind. Kensington Market has everything from vintage shopping at Courage my Love or Exile, to browsing 80+ local vendors at 6 x 8 Market. You can shop for longboards, vintage guitars, vinyl, video games, bikes, and so much more. So, if you’re on the hunt for something cool…yeah, Kensington is the perfect spot to do shopping in Toronto

The PATH

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When summer in Toronto turns up the heat, it’s only natural to seek out cool spots to escape the sun. Luckily, Toronto offers the perfect solution: The PATH - a 30-kilometre-long underground walkway that spiderwebs its way beneath the city core, connecting Toronto’s attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more than 1,200 stores, shops, and services. In fact, according to Guinness World Records, The PATH is the largest underground shopping complex in the world. So, when the summer sun gets a little too intense, take a break below the surface. Stay cool, explore, and shop to your heart’s content. No sunscreen required! 

Queen Street West

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Rated one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue, Queen St. West is a can’t-miss for some of the best shopping in Toronto. The eastern stretch near the downtown core is lined with flagship stores like Adidas and Urban Outfitters. Heading west into the boutique-packed area of West Queen West, the shopping vibe turns artful and eclectic, featuring local designers, custom furniture shops, independent bookstores, and gallery-sprinkled streets. This Toronto neighbourhood is definitely worth a wander, so wear comfortable shoes. 

King West Fashion District

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Once known as the Garment District and home to the industry that clothed the nascent city, the King West Fashion District now overflows with unique boutiques such as Lorne’s Coats, one street north off King West, offer great selection of premium men’s and women’s outerwear. You can also peruse through Cynthia Findlay Antiques, renowned for its vast selection of antique décor including vintage jewelleries. King West Fashion District is also the home of swanky restaurants and clubs, and high-end retail.

And don’t let the warehouses and industrial façades fool you! If you wander further west you’ll find yourself in Liberty Village– it’s full of old factory buildings converted into residential spaces, and mix of eclectic restaurants and retail shops. There are amazing things to be discovered here.

Yorkville Village

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Yorkville is one of Toronto’s most iconic neighbourhoods. It’s a place where high-end fashion, food, style, culture, art and wellness meet, all within a few must-visit blocks. Home to globally renowned designer boutiques, high-end jewelers, and curated art galleries, this iconic neighborhood is a shopper’s dream. From cobblestone streets to five-star dining, Yorkville’s charm lies in its blend of historic beauty and contemporary luxury. So, be sure to explore this former 19th-century village – a place where historic charm and cobblestone streets meet vibrant and modern design.