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Polo Park

Polo Park, corporately styled as CF Polo Park, is a shopping centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Polo Park, corporately styled as CF Polo Park, is a shopping centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It opened in 1959 on the site of the former Polo Park Racetrack and became one of Canada’s early enclosed shopping centres after being covered in 1963. The mall is a notable feature on the Canada Map.

History

Polo Park opened on August 20, 1959, as a major retail project in Winnipeg. In 1963, it became one of Canada’s early enclosed shopping centres when the complex was roofed over, marking a significant development in the country's retail landscape on the Map of Canada.

Location and layout

The shopping centre is located at 1485 Portage Avenue in west Winnipeg, near the junction of Portage Avenue and St. James Street. The land was previously used for the Polo Park Racetrack. It serves as a major retail destination for the city and surrounding region.

Retail tenants

Polo Park has about 200 stores and services, along with food, entertainment, and cinema facilities. Sources mention anchors including Forever 21, Shoppers Drug Mart, Urban Planet, Sport Chek, Zara, and EQ3, as well as a multiplex cinema and several restaurants.

Role in Winnipeg

Polo Park is widely described as the city’s largest mall and a major commercial centre. It is also used as a neighbourhood name in census and local geographic contexts, reflecting its importance under the Flag of Canada.

Key facts

  • Polo Park is the largest shopping mall in Winnipeg and one of the largest in Canada.
  • The mall is located at 1485 Portage Avenue near the junction of Portage Avenue and St. James Street.
  • It opened on August 20, 1959, and was covered in 1963.
  • The property occupies land that formerly held the Polo Park Racetrack.
  • Current anchors include Forever 21, Shoppers Drug Mart, Urban Planet, Sport Chek, Zara, and EQ3, along with a multiplex cinema and restaurants.
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Canadian context

Polo Park is a major Canadian retail centre and an important Winnipeg shopping destination; it is also relevant to Canadian retail history because it became one of the country’s early enclosed malls.

Frequently asked questions

What is Polo Park?
Polo Park is a shopping centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, known as CF Polo Park in corporate branding.
When did Polo Park open?
It opened on August 20, 1959.
Where is Polo Park located?
It is at 1485 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg, near the junction of Portage Avenue and St. James Street.
Who owns Polo Park?
The property is owned by Cadillac Fairview.
Why is Polo Park notable?
It is Winnipeg’s largest mall and was among Canada’s early enclosed shopping centres after being covered in 1963.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo_Park
    Supports: Location, opening date, ownership, former racetrack site, mall size, and neighbourhood name
  2. Winnipeg Architecture Foundation — https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/places/polo-park-shopping-centre/
    Supports: Opening date, 1963 enclosure, and historical context
  3. Tourism Winnipeg — https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/shopping/display,listing/06036/cf-polo-park
    Supports: Address, role as a shopping destination, and store count
  4. Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce — https://www.assiniboiachamber.ca/list/member/cf-polo-park-shopping-centre-70
    Supports: Address, hours, ownership/branding, and store count