CF Toronto Eaton Centre — Attraction in Toronto

The Toronto Eaton Centre has been an anchor point in my life, much like and much associated with the Santa Claus Parade in terms of grandeur and sparkle. It really goes all-out for winter decorating, and it's new and something to behold every year. Born in Toronto, I was 4 when we moved to the country and my trips into the city could stretch years between them, but the EC has stayed the junction where tourism meets daily locals and caters to everyone.

The fountain that has been in repair for the last few years was a favourite place to sit and rest, watching the basin of the fountain slowly fill with water. After the basin was full, the fountain would erupt with several magnificent jets of water reaching up from the bottom level all the way to the top, so it was viewable from all around. The whole process would repeat frequently throughout the day and was a favourite meeting spot for navigation purposes.

The EC has had a number of changes, renovations, and facelifts over the last 40 years that I've been going to it. Some of the biggest and most appreciated updates have been things like touchscreen information kiosks () in multiple languages for both tourists and city residents, much greater accessibility between both the green P parking the mall boasts a rather huge amount of, and the connections to public transit both streetside and underground on the TTC. Not to mention there are always taxis outside. () The touchscreens have been proven to have video cameras in them collecting face data for facial recognition, for a long line of excuses. There have been lawsuits with CF. They never have disclosed that they are/were collecting and storing facial data from these. Do with that what you will, but as a trans dude, anything involving privacy and tracking scares the pee out of me.

Speaking of, the EC is hugely, expressively a LGBTQA2S+ safe space and many stores encourage full identity expression and really put their money where their mouth is.

While everyone benefits from increased accessibility, the biggest quality of life change for everyone has been the full renovation and creation of the food court. Spanning the distance of nearly half the mall's length, from Dundas subway station in the north to nearly Queen subway station south of that. It boasts a truly stellar array of food choices, from some of my favourite pho and char siu bao to crowd staples like a very large and scaled-up McDonalds that looks like a McCafé but serves the full menu, to smaller places like Ruby Thai and A&W and Subway. There are plenty of other options I've tried once or twice, so be it burgers or sushi, this is a food court where you can find lots of choices no matter what your preferences might be.

The food court's seating is also huge and diverse, from my preferred tall stools and bars with hooks underneath for backpacks and purses and shopping bags -- and with outlets in several of the spots to get a quick mobile charge -- to round tables easily seating 4-6 and the edges lined with diner-style couches around a table. There are dedicated tables with wheelchair-designated spots, and the range of heights allows for a lot of mobility restrictions. Despite the sheer number of seats and tables, you still have a good amount of personal space and there is room for strollers.

There are actual sit-down restaurants with wait service etc in the mall, but only one is accessed via the food court. The biggest and most impressive (and most recently updated) bathrooms are located just at the escalators, and unlike a couple that have steps to access them, these ones are accessible and are kept seriously clean for their super high traffic use.

There are so many fun stores, but I'm running out of text space -- but the EC comes highly recommended whether you're local or visiting TO for the first time. It's big, it's clean, it's only wildly crowded in November/December, but there are always lots of people there and now that they've out back the benches and seating between shops, it's also an easier place to go to while...

Owned by Cadillac Fairview (CF), Toronto Eaton Centre attracts a decent amount of customers and visitors as an iconic tourist destination in downtown Toronto. Situated conveniently, the mall spans two subway entrances, with Dundas Station on the north side and Queen Station on the south side. The cleanliness and organization of the mall are reliable, and security personnel can be seen patrolling the premises across its five levels, including the Urban Eatery, which serves as the food court on the north side.

The mall has a wide range of offerings, with over 200+ stores and services, making it a great stop for shopping and dining. It features six anchoring stores along with several pop-up stores that add variety and excitement to the shopping experience. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy the sight of a grand Christmas Tree located at the heart of the mall, spanning an impressive height of four levels. Additionally, illuminated deer sculptures are scattered throughout the mall, adding to the festive ambiance. On the northwest side of the mall, Trinity Square occasionally hosts winter lights outside.

A notable permanent art installation called Flight Stop by Michael Snow can be found on the south end of the mall. This installation showcases fibreglass Canada geese suspended from the ceiling, creating a unique and visually striking display. An interesting fact about the mall is that it is built over the former Taddle Creek, explaining the gentle slope observed within the premises. The south side of the mall provides a connection to the Hudson's Bay department store chain through a level 3 skywalk or via the underground PATH network.

Parking options are conveniently available with two connected parking garages. Visitors can access the mall through the Yonge & Shuter parkade entrance or the Bay & Dundas Parkade near Canadian Tire. The mall stands as the second largest in Ontario as of 2014, offering ample space for shoppers and patrons to explore. Furthermore, the Urban Eatery food court is a standout feature, providing more than 900 seats and 24 outlets, ensuring a wide variety of culinary options to choose from. Eaton Centre also offers free Wi-Fi as of 2014, allowing visitors to stay connected while enjoying their time at the mall.

Notably, a new south-side food court, called Queen's Cross Food Hall, is opent, with a new elevator installed to enhance accessibility and convenience. The mall features six sets of bathrooms dispersed throughout the premises, and Nursing Rooms can be accessed via the Urban Eatery washrooms, providing convenience for families with young children. Also, visitors will find Canada Post located within...

Compared to the Yordale Mall that I am used to. Toronto Eaton Centre vs. Yorkdale Mall: A Comparative Overview

Location & Accessibility: Eaton Centre: Situated downtown at Yonge & Dundas, adjacent to Yonge-Dundas Square. Accessible via TTC (Dundas and Queen stations) and connected to Toronto’s PATH underground network. Ideal for pedestrians, tourists, and transit users. -Yorkdale: Located in North York near Highways 401 and 400. Features a dedicated subway station (Yorkdale on Line 1) and extensive parking, catering to drivers and suburban shoppers.

Size & Layout: Eaton Centre: Approximately 700,000 sq ft with a vertical, multi-level design under a iconic glass-vaulted ceiling. Yorkdale: Larger at 1.4 million sq ft, offering a spacious, open-plan layout with modern skylights and natural light.

Retail Mix: Eaton Centre: Mix of high-street fashion (Zara, H&M), tech (Apple), and mid-range luxury (Nordstrom, Michael Kors). Attracts a broad audience. Yorkdale: Luxury-focused with brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, alongside high-end department stores (Holt Renfrew). Targets upscale shoppers.

Dining Options: Eaton Centre: Diverse food court (Urban Eatery) and casual sit-downs (Earls, The Keg). Yorkdale: Upscale dining (The Pickering’s Market food hall, JOEY Restaurant) and premium cafes.

Amenities: Eaton Centre: Integrated with PATH for weather-protected access; limited paid parking. Yorkdale: Ample paid parking, family-friendly amenities (play areas), and services like personal shopping. No cinema—nearby Cineplex is at Scotiabank Theatre.

Atmosphere: Eaton Centre: Bustling, tourist-heavy, and vibrant, especially during weekends and holidays. Yorkdale: Sleek, less crowded, with a luxury ambiance and spacious walkways.

Transportation: Eaton Centre: Superior transit access; parking is costly and limited. Yorkdale: Convenient for drivers with highway proximity; subway access via Line 1.

Unique Features: Eaton Centre: Architectural landmark with seasonal events (e.g., holiday markets) and proximity to downtown attractions. Yorkdale: Luxury pop-ups, fashion shows, and a focus on experiential retail with high-end services.

Verdict: Choose Eaton Centre for a lively downtown experience with mainstream shopping. Opt for Yorkdale for luxury brands, a relaxed atmosphere, and car-friendly access. Both reflect Toronto’s diverse retail landscape but cater to distinct...