Shop ’til You Drop: 4 of Edmonton’s Best Malls

When it’s 25 below but you still want to browse, wander, and shop, the one-stop mall experience is tough to beat.

West Edmonton Mall | 8882–170 St. | wem.ca

Brief history: Founded by the Ghermezian brothers and constructed over four major stages from 1981 to 1999, the second-most-visited mall in Canada was also the largest in the entire world until 2004. By square footage it’s now the second-largest in North America, featuring more than 800 stores and services and over 100 restaurants. It still holds the world records for tallest indoor roller coaster, largest indoor lake, and largest parking lot.

Unique retailers: Over the years, West Ed has become a mecca of high-end name brands, hosting not only the biggest gathering of luxury storefronts in the city, but also some of the only in-person storefronts in Alberta. Exclusive options include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, and Saint Laurent.

A lil extra flair: Honestly, what isn’t available at WEM? A waterpark, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, dinner theatre, ice skating rink, arcades, indoor go-karting—you’ll never be bored.

Kingsway Mall
109 St. & Kingsway NW. | kingswaymall.com

Brief history: Formerly Kingsway Garden Mall when it first opened in 1976, Kingsway Mall got a 70-million-dollar facelift and name change revealed in 2009. Edmonton’s second-largest mall includes over 170 stores and services and was connected to the new LRT line in 2014, which runs directly downtown.

Unique retailers: The first-of-its kind UNITE is an open mini-market concept, featuring vendor stalls, a tasting bar, and space for community events. It’s a fun, inviting place to find some of Edmonton’s most exciting entrepreneurs and makers, some of which are experiencing their first access to a brick-and-mortar space. Current vendors include clothing retailer House of Curves Canada, sustainability brand Siempre Eco, local grocery service Uproot Food Collective, and Black-Owned Market (BOM) Edmonton’s range of goods sold by various Black entrepreneurs.

A lil extra flair: The Kingsway Mural Project, in partnership with Edmonton’s Rust Magic mural festival, welcomed local and international artists to create thousands of square feet of artworks throughout the mall. A few notable pieces include “Nimihitowin”: Dancing/Movement by Nelson “Dedos” Garcia, Portals by Pete Nguyen, Blue Comic by Jill Stanton, and Big Carp Energy by AJA Louden.

Photo courtesy Southgate

Southgate Centre
5015–111 St. | southgatecentre.com

Brief history: When it first opened in 1970, Southgate was the largest shopping centre west of Toronto. Several rounds of renovation and expansion have occurred over the years, including a new food court in 2009, direct adjacency to the LRT system in 2010, and a $93-million project in 2022 to change the north wing, including old Sears space, to a new common area. Now, the space features a sunlit atrium, terraced seating, and artificial greenery.

Unique retailers: Here you can find Edmonton’s only Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, and standalone Nespresso Boutique, as well as the only in-store shopping space for local shoe brand Poppy Barley. It’s also home to the city’s first LEGO store and its second-ever Apple store.

A lil extra flair: During the month leading up to the opening of the first LEGO store, Southgate set up an instructional building station to create a collaborative LEGO-based mural. Other Instagrammable opportunities are also available in the new North Wing common area.

Premium Outlet Collection EIA | Outlet Collection Way, Leduc | bitly.com/premiumoutletEIA

Brief history: The city’s first fully enclosed outlet shopping centre opened in 2018, carrying many brands that had never before been available in Alberta. This shopping destination is located just east of the Edmonton International Airport and is designed with traveller-focused amenities.

Unique retailers: They are home to the first standalone stores in Canada for high-end brands like Jack Georges, Kate Spade New York Outlet, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger. Additionally, the Share Local’s Market features curated local producers, artisans, and a specialty coffee shop.

A lil extra flair: Due to its proximity to the airport, traveller-focused guest services include airport shuttle stops, refresh lounge, flight status screens, parcel shipping services, luggage storage, cellphone charging stations, complimentary wheelchair rentals, and much more.

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