Toronto Shopping
Options abound for those seeking to enjoy some shopping near Air Canada Center in Toronto. More than a department store, The Hudson's Bay Company began in the late 1600's as a fur trading business. The store no longer sells furs, however, you can still buy the Hudson Bay Company blanket the company began trading for furs in 1780. In addition to the popular wool blankets, the store sells items for the home, accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, clothes and toys.
North America's second largest Chinatown can be found in Toronto. Explore the interesting variety of shops along Spadina between King Street and College. Shoppers visit Chinatown's shops to find exotic baubles, authentic Asian specialties items and bargains galore. Make time for a stop at the Tap Phong Trading Company. Along with great buys on everyday necessities for your kitchen and home, the store stocks a huge variety of items likely to be labeled "cute but unnecessary". However, with cheap prices, you're sure to find plenty of things you must buy.
Foodies rejoice and head to St. Lawrence Market. Be a part of a Toronto tradition that began back in 1850 with a local farmer's market. On weekends, visit St. Lawrence Market North and shop for locally grown produce each Saturday, then come back Sundays to enjoy browsing the free antiques market. Shoppers flock to St. Lawrence Market South daily to enjoy the St. Lawrence Market Gallery, restaurants and food shops. Over 100 vendors stock specialty meats, fish, dairy products, vegetables and baked goods.
When in Toronto do as millions of tourists and locals do each year and visit the Toronto Eaton Centre, the third largest shopping mall in the country. The four-story mall, featuring a glass dome and displays by Canadian artists, houses 250 stores for everyone from bargain hunters to high fashion divas. Originally built to house the now closed Eaton's Department Store, the mall's lively atmosphere offers plenty to see and do.
Located directly next to Air Canada Center, die-hard Canadian sports fans will love Real Sports Apparel in Maple Leaf Square. As the official team shop for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies, the store offers authentic team clothing and more. The 9,000 square foot store also stocks items worn by players and collectibles, making the store required visiting for true sports fans.