Eaton Centre, Toronto

The Eaton Centre is a mall, pretty much the same as most big malls in North America. It's not worth spending much of your time there. Practically none of the shops in there are unique and the prices there are expensive because of the location.

Unique Suggestions: Have a look at renowned Canadian artist Michael Snow's geese installation

Fun Alternatives: Practically anything is more interesting than the Eaton Centre.

If you like to shop, there are neighbourhoods in town full of interesting stores that cater to specific interest. For funky fashion hit Queen W, For high end fashion go to Bloor St and Yorkville. For chic and offbeat home decor go to the Gallery District further along Queen W, or there are bunch of those kinds of stores on Queen St E. around Jones Ave. That's just the tip of the iceberg of the myriad of alternatives out there.

The Eaton Center
Its a nice place to visit, but don't buy anything. Prices are 'way too high! There are lots of other places to shop in Toronto. See "Shopping" for a list of some of Toronto's great shopping malls. ***UPDATE: The Eaton Center has been becoming less of a tourist trap. If you look you can find the odd bargain, but you have to look.

The Eaton Centre. This is just one giant mall, just lots and lots and lots of stores. There are no amusement parks, no aquariums, or anything of the sort that make Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall the tourist attractions that they are, just stores. I was there once with my friend and we saw a gaggle of tourists walk by - a group of people with cameras all wearing the same t-shirt identifying them as tourists. I did spend a bit of time here, I must admit, but only because it was pouring rain out and I was bored, but there are plenty of malls near my house to visit. For those who are interested, though, go to www.torontoeatoncentre.com for more info.

Fun Alternatives: If you must go shopping, there are plenty of other neighborhoods to go shopping in. Or, head over to Honest Ed's for real bargains.

The Toronto Eaton Center. O.k, it's big, bright, and resembles an Ocean liner pulled inside-out, but it really is just a shopping mall. You could easily spend a day here blowing your travel money in one of the over 300 shops, but would'nt you rather be outside enjoying the sun while ignoring the kids wearing $150.00 running shoes who yet for some reason continue to panhandle for spare change? Oh, I know shopping is important when travelling, but there are much more interesting areas in the city in which to purchase that special gift item for Grandma.
Dir:-Yonge subway South from Yonge and Bloor. Get off at either the Dundas or Queen Street stops and follow the signs.

Unique Suggestions: Although I must admit, if you are looking for a 'true' Canadian souvenir, then the 'ROOTS' shop in the center is your best bet. Extremely good quality Canadian made casual clothing at a fair price. No, I don't work for them; I just dig their stuff. :o)
Oh, and always remember that we charge 2 taxes on almost everything: PST + GST, so when shopping remember to expect a %15 increase on the listed price.

The Eaton's Centre. Most locals avoid it on weekends unless they absolutely have to go there. It has 4-5 floors of great shopping and is about two blocks long, but it gets far too crowded, especially in the summer when most Torontonians prefer to be outside or at their cottages in Muskoka (about 2 hours north of Toronto).

The big mall there, forget the name. Don't go there unless you really like to shop. It's no different from anywhere in the US anyway.