Canadian fictional pop icon Robin Sparkles said it best in her song, Let’s Go to the Mall. “Everybody loves the mall! Everybody come and play. Throw every last care away. Let’s go to the mall today.” If you’re unfamiliar with the How I Met Your Mother reference, then you should definitely check it out, but in the meantime, throw every last care away and make yourself familiar with Bayshore Shopping Centre, Ottawa’s best shopping destination.
Bayshore Shopping Centre is self-described as the National Capital Region’s premier shopping destination and Ottawa’s favourite mall. Located on Bayshore Drive, the mall is ideally located near Britannia Beach and neighbours Highway 417. It is home to more than 170 retailers within its three levels, including trending stores, local shops, and savoury eateries. Nearly eight million customers visit the shopping centre annually, solidifying its reputation as the best shopping destination in Ottawa.
Still not convinced? Read more below about how Bayshore Shopping Centre stands out from other malls within Ottawa.
There are 170 unique retailers to discover
Whether you have a particular item in mind or are looking to explore new stores, Bayshore Shopping Centre has options for everyone. Shop some of your favourite brands like Aritzia, Roots, Zara, lululemon, Apple, and Sport Check. If you are looking for a local brand, shop Anya Arts, an Ottawa-based art brand that sells afro-centric, community, and pop culture-inspired pieces. Hungry? Take an escalator up to the third floor to dine in the mall’s food hall. Enjoy options like Osmow’s, Jimmy The Greek, Crepes and Waffles, and Manchu Wok. After you eat, take your child (or yourself) to Build-A-Bear and create a friend to take home. Not sure what stores to check out? Take a look at the mall’s shopping guide.
ABOVE: The third-floor food court at Bayshore Shopping Centre.
Personal styling sessions are available for shoppers, and the proceeds go toward a good cause
Do you wake up in the morning dreading the thought of picking out an outfit? The number of times a garment is worn has declined by 36 percent in the last 15 years, according to an article published in 2018 by the United Nations Environment Programme. Bayshore Shopping Centre offers one-on-one Personal Styling Sessions to remedy your fashion blues and promote a more environmentally conscious closet. Those who partake in the session will be shown what to wear and where to find it by a member of the Bayshore Style Team.
A preliminary online questionnaire is used to help establish styling needs. The member of the styling team will select stores that suit the needs and budget of the customer. Then, the stylist will take the customer through the centre for two hours, helping them define what clothing works for their goals and body type. Proceeds from the sessions go toward Dress for Success Ottawa, an organization that empowers women and gender-nonconforming individuals to achieve economic independence.
The personal styling sessions are an excellent option for those seeking to better define their wardrobe, cut down on unnecessary spending, support a good cause and participate in environmentally conscious shopping.
Sustainability is a priority for the shopping centre
The fashion industry largely contributes to the climate crisis. According to an article published by the United Nations in 2019, the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Bayshore Shopping Centre is taking initiatives to combat environmental degradation caused by consumerism and the fashion industry by promoting sustainability within the community.
The mall has participated in waste diversion programs for over 25 years, providing customers and retailers with resources to assist them in recycling as many materials as possible. Electronic e-waste recycling has been introduced to the centre to further promote responsible recycling.
Thanks to a recently launched green project with Alveole, a bee-keeping company that installs honeybee hives in urban settings, Bayshore Shopping Centre now houses 15,000 honeybees on its roof. The two-honeybee hives produce 30 Kg a year, contributing to the protection of the species.
Major updates have been made to make your shopping experience better
In 2016, the mall completed a redevelopment and expansion project. New additions included 340,000 square feet of additional space, 30 new stores, a newly relocated and expanded food court, enhanced guest services, and three new five-level parking structures.
The following year, the shopping centre went smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited throughout the property’s interior and exterior, sidewalks, entrances, and parking areas. The updates and smoke-free policy create a more positive and accessible experience for all shoppers.
The mall is located within a desirable location and provides accessibility options for shoppers
Nothing is worse than driving to the mall and not being able to find parking, or having to pay for parking. Bayshore Shopping Centre offers 4,000 complimentary parking spaces. Customers can park for as long as they want without worrying about racking up an unnecessary charge to their credit card. Getting to the mall is also easy. For drivers, the shopping centre is easily accessible via Highway 417, Highway 416, and Richmond Road. The mall is attached to the Bayshore transit station, making public transit a viable option for customers.
For those that require accessibility accommodations, Bayshore Shopping Centre offers elevators, escalators, barrier-free washrooms, reserved handicap-accessible parking, complimentary wheelchairs and walkers, automatic sliding doors, accessible electronic directories, and a user-accessible website.
