The Biggest Shopping Malls in Canada Ranked by Size

Canadians love their malls. Despite the rise of online shopping, Canada's largest shopping centres continue to expand, renovate, and pull millions of visitors every year. Some are so big they're tourist destinations in their own right.

Here are the 10 biggest shopping malls in Canada, ranked by total leasable area — with a look at what actually makes each one worth visiting beyond the sheer size.

1. West Edmonton Mall — Edmonton, AB

Size: ~5.3 million sq ft | Stores: 800+

West Edmonton Mall isn't just the biggest mall in Canada — it's the largest in North America and one of the largest in the world. Opened in 1981 and expanded multiple times since, WEM is genuinely difficult to comprehend until you've walked it.

The numbers are staggering: 800+ stores, the world's largest indoor waterpark, a full amusement park (Galaxyland), an NHL‑sized ice rink, a sea lion habitat, two hotels, a dinner theatre, and more than 100 dining options.

But here's what people miss about WEM: it's also a legitimately great place to shop. The luxury wing holds its own against any high‑end mall in the country, and the sheer breadth of retailers means you can find virtually anything under one roof.

Why visit: The only mall in Canada that qualifies as a vacation destination. Plan at least a full day — and consider staying at the on‑site Fantasyland Hotel for the full experience.

Pro tip: WEM runs events almost daily. Check the West Edmonton Mall page before visiting — there's always something happening.

2. Square One Shopping Centre — Mississauga, ON

Size: ~2.2 million sq ft | Stores: 320+

Square One Shopping Centre is the largest mall in Ontario and the second‑largest in Canada. Located in downtown Mississauga, it's the anchor of one of the GTA's fastest‑growing urban centres.

Square One has undergone continuous expansion and now features over 320 stores across a modern, well‑designed layout. The retailer mix is exceptionally broad — from Holt Renfrew to Walmart, luxury to value under the same massive roof. The food hall was renovated in recent years and is one of the better mall dining experiences in the GTA.

Why visit: The best all‑around shopping in the Greater Toronto Area if you want variety and don't mind size. The surrounding Mississauga city centre has also matured into a real urban district.

3. CF Toronto Eaton Centre — Toronto, ON

Size: ~2.0 million sq ft | Stores: 230+

CF Toronto Eaton Centre is Canada's busiest mall by foot traffic — over 50 million visits per year — and one of the most iconic retail spaces in the country. The soaring glass galleria designed by Eb Zeidler is an architectural landmark, and the Michael Snow goose sculpture (Flight Stop) is one of Toronto's most recognized public artworks.

Located on Yonge Street in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Eaton Centre connects to the PATH underground system and two subway stations (Dundas and Queen). The store selection is strong but not the largest — what makes it special is the location, the atmosphere, and the sheer volume of shoppers that creates an energetic retail environment.

Why visit: The quintessential Toronto shopping experience. Perfect for tourists and locals alike — you can combine a shopping trip with the Dundas Square area, the ByWard Market, and downtown attractions. Check the Eaton Centre page for current promotions before heading in.

4. Yorkdale Shopping Centre — Toronto, ON

Size: ~1.8 million sq ft | Stores: 270+

Yorkdale Shopping Centre has aggressively expanded in recent years to become Canada's premier luxury mall. The retailer mix reads like a who's‑who of fashion: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Saint Laurent, and dozens more alongside strong mid‑range options.

What's impressive about Yorkdale is that it doesn't feel like a mega‑mall despite its size. The layout is well‑designed, the common areas are bright and spacious, and the recent expansions maintained architectural quality rather than just adding square footage.

Why visit: If you care about fashion and want the best brand selection in Canada, Yorkdale is the answer. The luxury wing alone justifies the trip.

5. Metropolis at Metrotown — Burnaby, BC

Size: ~1.7 million sq ft | Stores: 300+

Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in British Columbia and the retail anchor of the Metrotown district in Burnaby. With over 300 stores across multiple levels, it's the default shopping destination for much of Metro Vancouver.

Connected directly to the Metrotown SkyTrain station, it's one of the most transit‑accessible large malls in Canada. The retailer mix is comprehensive — anchored by major department stores and filled out with a wide selection of fashion, electronics, and food options.

Why visit: BC's biggest and best‑connected mall. The SkyTrain connection means you can shop here car‑free from anywhere in Metro Vancouver.

6. CF Chinook Centre — Calgary, AB

Size: ~1.4 million sq ft | Stores: 250+

CF Chinook Centre is Calgary's premier mall and one of the best‑curated shopping experiences on the Prairies. The Cadillac Fairview property combines a strong retailer mix with Alberta's no‑PST advantage, making it a value play even at full retail prices.

Why visit: Calgary's best fashion selection, solid dining, and no provincial sales tax. A must for out‑of‑province visitors looking to save on bigger purchases.

7. CrossIron Mills — Rocky View County, AB

Size: ~1.3 million sq ft | Stores: 200+

CrossIron Mills earns its spot not just on size but on concept. The circular outlet/value hybrid north of Calgary combines outlet brands, off‑price retailers, and entertainment (including Bass Pro Shops) in a format that's unique in Canada.

Why visit: The best outlet shopping in Canada, plus Alberta's tax advantage. See our complete outlet mall guide for more details.

8. CF Sherway Gardens — Toronto, ON

Size: ~1.1 million sq ft | Stores: 200+

CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke has quietly built one of the strongest upscale retailer mixes in the GTA. The recent renovation and expansion added significant square footage and elevated the entire shopping experience. Sherway doesn't get the attention of Yorkdale, but savvy Toronto shoppers know it well.

Why visit: Upscale shopping without the Yorkdale crowds. Strong beauty and fashion presence in a well‑designed, recently renovated space.

9. Scarborough Town Centre — Toronto, ON

Size: ~1.1 million sq ft | Stores: 200+

Scarborough Town Centre is the retail anchor of eastern Toronto and one of the most culturally diverse malls in Canada. The retailer mix reflects the surrounding community, with a strong selection of both national chains and businesses you won't find in other GTA malls.

Why visit: Authentic multicultural shopping experience. The food court is one of the most interesting in Toronto, reflecting Scarborough's incredible cultural diversity.

10. CF Carrefour Laval — Laval, QC

Size: ~1.0 million sq ft | Stores: 300+

CF Carrefour Laval rounds out the top 10 as Quebec's largest mall by store count. With over 300 retailers and a strong blend of national and Québécois brands, it's the go‑to destination for Montreal‑area shoppers who want everything under one roof.

Why visit: Quebec's biggest and best mall, with French‑Canadian brands you won't find elsewhere. See our Montreal mall guide for more.

Size Isn't Everything

A few things worth noting about this list:

Store count vs. square footage can tell different stories. CF Carrefour Laval has 300+ stores in ~1.0 million square feet, while some larger malls by area have fewer stores due to bigger anchor tenants or entertainment spaces.

Quality of stores matters more than quantity. Yorkdale at #4 arguably offers a better shopping experience than several larger malls above it, thanks to its curated luxury selection.

Transit access is a practical differentiator. Metropolis at Metrotown, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and CF Rideau Centre all have direct rapid transit connections, making them more accessible than drive‑only malls.

Renovation quality varies. Some large malls feel dated despite their size; others (like Yorkdale and Sherway Gardens) have invested heavily in modernization and it shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest mall in Canada? West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta — at approximately 5.3 million square feet with over 800 stores, it's the largest in North America.

What is the biggest mall in Ontario? Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga at approximately 2.2 million square feet with 320+ stores.

What is the busiest mall in Canada? CF Toronto Eaton Centre sees over 50 million visitors per year, making it the highest‑traffic mall in Canada.

Is West Edmonton Mall the biggest in the world? It was for over two decades, but has since been surpassed by several Asian mega‑malls. It remains the largest in North America.

Explore All Canadian Malls

These 10 represent the biggest, but Canada has over 1,800 shopping centres worth discovering. Browse our full mall directory or explore by province to find great shopping near you.