107 Best Places to Shop in Toronto, Ontario

The collection of roughly 30,000 photos focuses on historical and contemporary Canadian photography, with ongoing exhibitions.

Up a narrow staircase in Parkdale, this hidden gem is a treasure trove for design lovers. The shop specializes in rare ceramics, art glass, and vintage finds. Whether you're hunting for a sculptural centerpiece, a postmodern vase, or a teak tray with history, this is the kind of shop that rewards slow browsing. 

For more than 25 years, design gift shop Studio Brillantine has been one of the quirkiest stores in Parkdale. There's a mix of high-end brands and fun collectibles in a wide variety of price points. Highlights include Comme des Garçons wallets, Vivienne Westwood jewelry, Issey Miyake Bao Bao foldable bags, Alessi houseware, and sought-after (and very cute) blind boxes with brands like Japan's Smiskis.

Once a stately railway station, this unique, clock-tower-fronted location of Ontario's provincially owned chain of liquor stores is where oenophiles, scotch lovers, and other locals with a taste for the finer things go hunting for rare bottles. The store also frequently hosts tastings. Keep customs limits on alcohol purchases, as well as whether you'll be checking a bag, in mind before you stock up.

A neighborhood grocer that goes back more than a half century, Summerhill Market is now one of the bougiest shopping experiences you can have in the city. Not so much the "pop in for a couple of things" market unless your grocery budget is very high, it's the spot to get fancy culinary condiments, fish, meat, produce, and prepared foods. 

Books on advertising, art, architecture, and urban planning pack the shelves of this aesthetically pleasing store, fittingly located in the arty 401 Richmond heritage building. Part of the store is devoted to modern gifts, including elegant writing tools, modern jewelry, and Pantone-theme everything.

The mops, brooms, and multicolor bins and buckets stacked outside make this kitchenware and restaurant equipment store appear much like all the other Chinese knickknack shops along Spadina. However, once you're inside you'll find endless aisles stacked to the rafters with rice bowls and bamboo steamers, and restaurateurs piling up their shopping trollies with glasses and servingware to feed the masses. A gap halfway along the north wall leads to the industrial-scale equipment.

Tucked away on the second floor of the already hidden Textile Museum, this shop is one of the city's best-kept secrets and an absolute treasure trove. It overflows with textile-based art from Canadian artisans, as well as works by craftspeople from around the world keeping traditional, and often disappearing, skills alive. There are loads of books, scarves galore, unusual bags and hats, and crafty stuff for kids, too; many items are accessibly priced. Check out the changing exhibition on the second and third floors while you're here (admission charge) to develop a taste for the shop's featured items; past exhibits have included Finnish designer Marimekko and Afghan war rugs.

Good things come in little blue boxes, and this two-floor Tiffany location is filled with them—namely, rows and rows of classic, wearable fine jewelry designs. As at other Tiffany locations, the sales staff has a reputation for being patient, helpful, and friendly.

Find bargains aplenty on brand-name suits and shirts from brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and DKNY at this remnant from the market's old-world textile industry days. The larger-than-life Tom Mihalik, the store's owner, keeps his prices low (and will often go lower, if you ask politely). The sales staff can quickly navigate the selection and help you put together a complete and well-accessorized look.

Hardcore bikers, Sunday riders, and fans of leather jackets will love this shop that's jam-packed with motorcycle gear. On top of those stylish biker jackets, there's an impressive selection of helmets, goggles, gloves, and boots, as well as motorcycle-themed posters by local artists and a slew of T-shirts.

A few vintage gems and pretty silk scarves may be found among the army jackets, cub scout uniforms, and 1970s polyester shirts and cowgirl attire, but most of the inventory is simply fun and kitschy. Imported Thai and Indian trinkets, body jewelry, tiaras, and wigs are part of the charming and eclectic mix.

Want to score a designer label on a dime? Head to this beautifully laid-out consignment store. A cult following of style-seekers flock to VSP, where the staff curate a selection of gently worn pieces from Prada, Marni, Victoria Beckham, Gucci, Celine, and other top-shelf brands.

Canada's biggest auction house hosts more than 100 auctions every year, in person and online. They feature Canadian and international fine art, including many prestigious collector and catalogue auctions; in addition, special auctions include Indigenous art, jewelry, and decorative arts.

The first Canadian outpost of this ostentatious Miami-based fashion and design store is eye-catching from the moment you're welcomed in by the doorman. There's custom art throughout the shop, including a foosball table, plush bear, palm tree, and neon pink staircase that takes you between the three floors, each with its own personality. There are purses, women's clothes, shoes, perfumes, and men's streetwear from bold-named brands like Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Mugler, Burberry, and Off-White, but each is carefully cherry-picked to fit the overall aesthetic. Off on a quiet street, it's an edgier, more gallery-like version of luxury Yorkville shopping.

The gleaming 13,500-square-foot flagship of this 75-year established Toronto tableware and home decor store carries an extensive collection of dinnerware patterns and crystal glasses that range from Wedgwood to Denby to Baccarat. They're happy to pack and ship all over North America. Stop by the Teuscher of Switzerland chocolate boutique on the way out.

Formerly known as Hazelton Lanes, this small upscale shopping mall is home to fashion-forward TNT (short for The New Trend); structured womenswear by Judith & Charles; flower and gift shop Teatro Verde; and downtown Toronto's only Whole Foods Market.