Shopping in Style at Outlet Collection at Niagara (CANADIAN!)
Hey folks!
Wow, back on Trip Advisor after a two year "hiatus"! It's so nice to be back here and posting vacation information again.
Yesterday, we visited the Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. For those not familiar with this area, it's right at the Ontario/New York border in southern Ontario. It's Ontario's wine region and it's absolutely lovely.
The outlet mall is about 10, 15 min from Niagara Falls and the border. It's easily accessible by highway and if you're on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) you cannot miss it.
There is TONS (yes, TONS) of parking. But do get there early. Stores open at 10 a.m. and this place is quite popular and busy.
There is a hotel right across the street from the mall ... The White Oaks Resort and Spa. It's beautiful! And it's always busy too. If you're coming from out of town, book a room there for convenience and just walk across the street, through the parking lot and you're in shopping heaven.
There are over 100 stores and shops there. Saks Off 5th, Coach, Victoria Secret, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), Marshall's, Lucky Brand Jeans, Bath and Body Works, Bass Pro Shop, Lindt Chocolates, The Body Shop, Pandora ... pretty much something for everyone. Most of the stores had sales, and I grabbed some stuff at AEO for 40% off.
Have to also mention that the staff in ALL the stores were super friendly and helpful.
You'll need about 2 - 3 hours to go through the whole mall. It's an outdoor mall, but walkways are covered so you won't get wet if it's raining.
Okay, that said, there are a couple of things that can be improved, and this doesn't in any way deter from the overall experience .. it's a lovely place to shop, but nothing is perfect and the following two points are just my two cents worth:
1. MORE SEATING! They do have some outdoor seating scattered about, but not nearly enough. A lot of seniors and folks with mobility issues were shopping yesterday and I felt so badly for them. There just wasn't enough seating. NOTE FOR MALL MANAGEMENT: Invest in more benches outside the stores and around the mall in general. PLEASE. Think about those who really need to take a break physically.
2. MORE FOOD OPTIONS! They have a couple of food options now - a burger place and a Tim Horton's for example. But what this mall could use is a couple of sit down, dine in, licensed restaurants. NOTE FOR MALL MANAGEMENT: Consider some dine-in options in or near the mall. A lot of families would no doubt appreciate it.
Okay, that's it. If you go, you will have a wonderful time! Enjoy your shopping experience in Ontario's gorgeous Niagara Region.
Any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.