Best Shopping in Toronto

We know that when it comes to shopping lists, men often get the short end of the stick. Therefore, we are pleased to welcome you to one of Toronto's leading menswear stores, Gotstyle. Rather than outfitting one portion of a man's lifestyle, Gotstyle addresses the whole man: business, social and casual. With shoes and accessories on offer, they even have a barbershop to provide their customers with a fresh shave to complement their new look. There are a range of price points and styles but all will make a man feel sophisticated and stylish. Let's bring the dapper back, one cuff link at a time.

Likely General is a design shop in Toronto like no other. Its diverse products involve knitted hats, limited print books and handcrafted room spray. Owner Brooke Manning is on hand to provide her expertise on every product. Brooke is a musician who has her hand directly in the artistic community, and the local, crafted products that make the cut into her store are goods that you won't find displaced to a garage sale in the future. Brooke uses neat cursive on a chalkboard that she places directly in the front to welcome you into her store. Once you enter you are not "likely" to find anything "general" about the space. (Sorry.) Go to browse, to sign up for a craft course held twice a month, or to align with your artistic side.

Normally food isn't included in a best shopping list, because grocery shopping is often seen as a chore and not pleasure. That is not true at "the world's best food market", in operation since 1803 on what was then "Market Block." It was the first permanent farmer's market, and insightful tours can keep you abreast of this important part of Toronto history. In 1834 it became a temporary office for the local civic government. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of Toronto but continues to be a hub of Toronto activity. Most importantly, it has everything delicious under one roof, from locally aged cheeses to the best peameal bacon sandwiches in town.

Upscale shopping at its best; this Bloor-Yorkville destination has been at the top of the list for visiting celebs and well-to-do Torontonians since it opened back in the 1970s. Look for shoes, handbags and couture from designers such as Badgley Mischka, Christian Louboutin, Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Zac Posen. Shop for organic groceries at Whole Foods (or Whole Paycheque) with the cloth bag-touting elite. Pick up a bottle of wine. Go to Equinox for a sweaty yoga class or spinning session. Whatever you do here, it will be stylish because it's all about location, location, location and Yorkville Village has GOT it.

Logan & Finley is the store you go to when the pulse of the city becomes a little too loud. It is also the place you go when you start to crave a canoe more than a coffee. This eco-friendly store is the in heart of downtown Toronto but feels like it is in harmony with nature. You can buy excellent (albeit stereotypical) Canadian products, such as maple syrup, or you can get other handmade products that are unexpected, such as a local skincare line. The clothing is sustainable and local, with designs that don't scream "I'm a hippie!" During the summer months, golf tees and maxi dresses reign with lovely neutral colors that will blend well with your existing closet.

If there is any sport or activity that you have an affinity for, Mountain Equipment Co-op (or MEC) is the place to go. Whether you are trying on a sweat-wicking, toddler holding backpack or rain gear that will support your trek up Kilimanjaro, MEC is filled with affordable and functional clothing that will move you towards your goals. This outdoor-gear brand prides itself on minimizing environmental impact by building products that last. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a calm crusader, this large store is interested in outfitting your free time. They have preferred parking set aside for hybrid vehicles and car co-ops. Check out their website for their weekly clinics that can teach you anything from how to maintain your bike to how to run barefoot.

Even though department stores are going out of style about as quickly as the last version of the iPhone, we would be remiss to not include Hudson's Bay in a Toronto 10 Best Shopping list. Hudson's Bay is as Canadian as Canada goose jackets and long shivering winters. Their signature blankets with thick stripes across a white background can be found in almost every Toronto home. The department store itself was founded in 1670 and is North America's largest continually operated company. Being older than Canada itself means that there is a little nostalgia, but also a lot of amazing goods. Clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, beauty products and countless other products can be purchased or admired. If you are a visitor to Toronto, get your hands on one of those blankets.

Shopping at Holt Renfrew in the Bloor-Yorkville area of Toronto harks back to the time when customer service was all about the customer rather than the commission. There are concierges that roam the store ready to attend to your every need. There are complimentary alterations on all full-priced items. There are an in-house spa and barber. There is a cafe with Pinterest-worthy pastries and the frothiest of cappuccinos. High-end designers present fashion shows in the store. The experience is top-notch, even if your price bracket will only allow you to look longingly at items. Drown your sorrows in one of those cappuccinos before you exit.

Torontonians like to believe that they are living in Canada's New York, and when Saks Fifth Avenue landed in Toronto it just added more fuel to our fire. This flagship New York Store opened in the old location of Hudson's Bay, a beloved Canadian landmark. The large space proved that retail therapy is apparently not dead. There are over 1,000 shoes on display at any given time, giving an adult playground to every woman (and man, for that matter) who idolized Carrie Bradshaw. Men's clothing and shoes are also enormous departments, as Saks once declared that "Men are the new women." (We'll see.) In any case, this luxury market will have someone for everyone, even those dedicated to getting most of the items in their life from Amazon.

In the market for some ghee and some ironic children's clothing? You can get both at Drake General Store as well as other quirky items, like adult onesies and solid Gold Slinkys. You can also buy onesies for the kids for one heck of a family photo. Originally the hotel gift shop for the Drake, there are now four locations that are part flea market, part museum shop. "We love things that are sensible and things that are not so sensible," they claim. Look for the neon purple cross which may confuse you to thinking you have landed in a pharmacy when you are just in gifting heaven. (And before you ask, no, the store does not belong to the recording artist.)