Edmonton
Shopping Malls
Large indoor retail spaces offering a variety of stores, dining, and entertainment options for visitors.
Sections
1. West Edmonton Mall (WEM)
Overview:
West Edmonton Mall is not just a shopping destination but a world-renowned entertainment complex. It is the largest shopping mall in North America and one of the largest in the world, spanning over 5.3 million square feet. It features over 800 stores, restaurants, and attractions, making it a must-visit for both shopping and entertainment.
Key Highlights:
- Shopping: High-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co., alongside popular retailers like H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo.
- Entertainment:
- World Waterpark: A massive indoor waterpark with slides, wave pools, and hot tubs.
- Galaxyland: The worldโs largest indoor amusement park with roller coasters and family-friendly rides.
- Ice Palace: An indoor skating rink.
- Marine Life: A mini aquarium with sea lions and penguins.
- Mini Golf: Two themed mini-golf courses.
- Movie Theatre: A state-of-the-art Cineplex cinema.
- Dining: Over 100 dining options, from food courts to fine dining restaurants like The Old Spaghetti Factory and Cactus Club Cafe.
Costs:
- Shopping: Prices vary depending on the store, but expect a mix of luxury and mid-range options.
- Entertainment:
- World Waterpark: CAD 50โ70 per person.
- Galaxyland: CAD 50โ70 per person.
- Ice Palace: CAD 12โ15 for skating.
- Parking: Free.
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the mall.
- Family-friendly amenities, including nursing rooms and stroller rentals.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
- Lockers for rent.
Transportation:
- By Car: Ample free parking is available.
- Public Transit: Accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses. Routes 1, 4, and 106 connect to the mall.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Easily available.
Tips:
- Allocate a full day to explore the mall.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the mall is enormous.
- Check the mallโs website for discounts and event schedules.
2. Kingsway Mall
Overview:
Kingsway Mall is Edmontonโs second-largest shopping mall, located near downtown. It offers a more traditional shopping experience with a focus on fashion and lifestyle stores.
Key Highlights:
- Shopping: Over 200 stores, including Sephora, Hudsonโs Bay, Sport Chek, and Lululemon.
- Dining: A modern food court with diverse options, plus sit-down restaurants like Boston Pizza.
- Seasonal Events: Holiday markets, back-to-school promotions, and pop-up shops.
Costs:
- Shopping: Mid-range pricing with frequent sales.
- Parking: Free.
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Family-friendly amenities, including a play area for kids.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
Transportation:
- By Car: Free parking available.
- Public Transit: Accessible via ETS buses and the Kingsway/Royal Alex LRT station.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Convenient drop-off points.
Tips:
- Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Check for seasonal sales, especially during Boxing Day and Black Friday.
3. Southgate Centre
Overview:
Southgate Centre is a premium shopping destination in south Edmonton, known for its upscale stores and modern design.
Key Highlights:
- Shopping: Over 165 stores, including Apple, Michael Kors, Coach, and Aritzia.
- Dining: A mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants.
- Services: Personal shopping services and gift-wrapping during the holiday season.
Costs:
- Shopping: Mid-to-high range pricing.
- Parking: Free.
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Family-friendly amenities.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
Transportation:
- By Car: Free parking available.
- Public Transit: Connected to the Southgate LRT station and several bus routes.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Easily accessible.
Tips:
- Ideal for those looking for a quieter, more refined shopping experience.
- Visit the Apple Store early in the day to avoid long wait times.
4. Londonderry Mall
Overview:
Londonderry Mall is a community-focused shopping center in northeast Edmonton, offering a mix of retail, dining, and services.
Key Highlights:
- Shopping: Over 150 stores, including H&M, Winners, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
- Dining: A food court with diverse options and a few sit-down restaurants.
- Services: Tailoring, dry cleaning, and a fitness center.
Costs:
- Shopping: Affordable to mid-range pricing.
- Parking: Free.
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Family-friendly amenities.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
Transportation:
- By Car: Free parking available.
- Public Transit: Accessible via ETS buses.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Convenient drop-off points.
Tips:
- Great for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Check out local events and promotions.
5. Edmonton City Centre
Overview:
Located in the heart of downtown, Edmonton City Centre is a convenient shopping destination for those exploring the cityโs core.
Key Highlights:
- Shopping: A mix of fashion, electronics, and specialty stores, including The Bay and Winners.
- Dining: A food court and several casual dining options.
- Entertainment: Landmark Cinemas for moviegoers.
Costs:
- Shopping: Mid-range pricing.
- Parking: Paid parking available (CAD 2โ5 per hour).
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
Transportation:
- By Car: Paid parking available in nearby parkades.
- Public Transit: Accessible via Churchill and Central LRT stations.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Easily available.
Tips:
- Combine your visit with a tour of downtown attractions like the Art Gallery of Alberta.
- Use public transit to avoid parking fees.
Local Customs and Practical Considerations
- Sales Tax: Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, so youโll only pay the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on purchases. This makes shopping in Edmonton more affordable compared to other provinces.
- Tipping: While tipping is not required in retail stores, it is customary to tip 15โ20% at sit-down restaurants.
- Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of major sales events like Boxing Day (December 26), Black Friday (late November), and Canada Day (July 1).
- Currency: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in all malls.
- Weather Considerations: Edmonton experiences cold winters, so dress warmly if visiting malls during this time. Many malls are connected to public transit, minimizing outdoor exposure.
Conclusion
Edmontonโs shopping malls offer something for everyone, from luxury shopping and thrilling entertainment at West Edmonton Mall to community-focused experiences at Londonderry Mall. Whether youโre a visitor or a new immigrant, these malls provide a convenient and enjoyable way to shop, dine, and relax. Plan your visit based on your interests, budget, and transportation preferences, and donโt forget to explore the unique cultural and seasonal events that make Edmontonโs malls special!