
Waterloo Premium Outlets
Shop a wide range of brands at discounted prices, from athletic wear to fashion, with local food options available.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping experience

Waterloo Premium Outlets
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better shopping experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shop a wide range of brands at discounted prices, from athletic wear to fashion, with local food options available.
"Great prices and friendly staff at select stores, but be mindful of overall pricing and weekend crowds."

🎯 Weekday Shopping is Key
Avoid weekend crowds for a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better deals .
🍔 Don't Skip the Food Options
Try local favorites like Big Greek Grill or explore food trucks for tasty eats .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nike Outlet
Main shopping area
Well-stocked with popular athletic wear, often with a queue but efficient staff.

Columbia Sportswear
Main shopping area
Known for friendly staff and frequent excellent sales on outdoor apparel.

Tommy Hilfiger
Main shopping area
A go-to for finding shorts and other apparel on sale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Bargains
Beyond the Brands: Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Shopping is Key
Avoid weekend crowds for a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better deals.
🍔 Don't Skip the Food Options
Try local favorites like Big Greek Grill or explore food trucks for tasty eats.
🚗 Weekend Parking Can Be Tight
Plan ahead for parking, especially on busy Saturdays and Sundays.
💰 Outlet Prices Vary
While deals exist, some find prices still high. Compare online for the best value.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Shopping is Key
Avoid weekend crowds for a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better deals.
🍔 Don't Skip the Food Options
Try local favorites like Big Greek Grill or explore food trucks for tasty eats.
🚗 Weekend Parking Can Be Tight
Plan ahead for parking, especially on busy Saturdays and Sundays.
💰 Outlet Prices Vary
While deals exist, some find prices still high. Compare online for the best value.
✨ Clean Restrooms
A pleasant surprise: bathrooms are consistently reported as clean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often appreciate the variety of stores and friendly staff at popular shops like Columbia and Nike, finding good deals on athletic and outdoor wear. However, some shoppers express disappointment with overall prices, finding them higher than expected for an outlet, and note that weekend parking can be tight. The food options are a mixed bag, with some local favorites standing out.
"Stop here whenever I am driving by on the Thruway. Mainly go to the Columbia store which the staff are super friendly, helpful and often have excellent sales. Sad the Gap store is no longer here. Try to make it a point to stop at the Big Greek Grill for an excellent gyro."
Tim P
"I recently visited Finger Lakes Premium Outlet with my daughters for our annual back-to-school shopping trip, and I must say, we left feeling quite disappointed. I’ve been to this outlet many times and always appreciated the great deals I could find. However, this visit felt different.
While most stores were advertising 30 to 70% off, we were shocked that the prices were still extremely high, even after the discounts. Items that used to feel like a steal now seemed overpriced, which took away the excitement of finding a good bargain. It’s not just the prices that were off, though. The outlet itself seemed unusually quiet, lacking the bustling energy it used to have. The fewer crowds made the experience less lively, and it left me wondering if this is a new trend.
I’m not writing this to give a bad review, but more out of curiosity and concern. I’ve always loved shopping at Finger Lakes Premium Outlet, hoping this was just a one-off experience. But if this is a sign of things to come, it might change how often I visit in the future."
A F
"Not a bad place. During the weekends it’s packed. For an outlet I find it expensive. Cheaper deals are available online.
Nike are doing well! The queue started right at the back of the store. Wasn’t an issue as the staff were amazing.
Bathrooms are always clean.
Parking at weekends is tight."
Shazbo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterloo Premium Outlets are located in Waterloo, NY. Many visitors drive, with some making it a weekend getaway from cities like Ottawa. If you're coming from the west on the NY Thruway (I-90), take Exit 41. Love's Rest Stops are conveniently located nearby for a break.
Public transportation options directly to Waterloo Premium Outlets are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method for reaching the outlets.
From Ottawa, it's about a 3.5-hour drive. From Toronto, it's a significant drive, often part of a longer shopping trip to other outlet locations.
Yes, Love's Rest Stops are a popular and convenient place to stop for gas and amenities when traveling to or from the outlets.
Outlet hours can vary, but they are typically open daily. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Waterloo Premium Outlets. It's an open-air shopping center.
There is no admission fee to enter Waterloo Premium Outlets. You only pay for the items you purchase.
Waterloo Premium Outlets often have seasonal sales and promotions. Keep an eye on their website or social media for updates on special events and discounts.
Some visitors look for coupons, though they are not always readily available. Checking the official outlet website or signing up for email alerts might provide access to deals.
Store hours generally align with the outlet's operating hours, but individual store times can vary. Most stores open around 10 AM and close between 7 PM and 9 PM.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
Popular stores include Nike, Columbia, and Tommy Hilfiger, known for good deals. Other frequently mentioned brands include Adidas and Gap, though some stores like Gap have closed.
While outlets offer reduced prices, some visitors find that prices can still be high, and online deals might be cheaper. It's wise to compare prices.
You'll find a variety of clothing stores, including athletic wear, casual wear, and some more formal options. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Columbia, and Tommy Hilfiger are popular choices.
Yes, there are shoe stores, including popular athletic brands like Nike and Adidas, which are often well-stocked.
Both Adidas and Nike have dedicated outlet stores at Waterloo Premium Outlets and are frequently mentioned as having good selections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options include sit-down restaurants like Big Greek Grill, known for gyros, and various food trucks that appear on weekends. Some visitors note that food quality could be better.
While specific fast-food chains aren't always highlighted, there are casual dining spots and food trucks offering quick bites.
Options like Big Greek Grill offer some healthier choices. It's advisable to check menus beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.
There isn't a traditional indoor food court, but rather a collection of individual eateries and food trucks.
The Big Greek Grill is frequently recommended for its gyros. Food trucks on weekends also offer diverse choices.
📸 📸 Photography
While primarily a shopping destination, the open-air layout and storefronts offer opportunities for casual photos. The search term 'waterloo premium outlets photos' yields some results [^SEO].
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. Weekdays will be less crowded, making it easier to capture unobstructed shots.
The outlets are more about the shopping experience than scenic views. Focus on capturing the vibrant storefronts and your shopping finds.
Generally, yes, for personal use. However, it's always polite to ask store staff if you're unsure, especially if you're taking many photos.
Photos typically showcase shopping hauls, favorite store finds, and sometimes food from the eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Shoppers
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sales: Outlet Shopping Strategies
It's also wise to go in with a plan. Researching which stores are present and what brands you're interested in can save time. Popular stores like Nike and Columbia are frequently mentioned for their selections and sales. However, be aware that store inventory can change, and some beloved stores, like Gap, have closed. Always compare prices if you have the opportunity, as the 'outlet' label doesn't always guarantee the lowest price.
Beyond the Brands: Culinary Delights
On weekends, the presence of food trucks adds another layer of culinary variety. These can range from BBQ to other international cuisines, providing a more casual and diverse dining experience. While some reviewers mention that food quality could be improved overall, these specific recommendations suggest that delicious and satisfying options are available if you know where to look.
The Outlet Experience: What to Expect
While the allure of outlet shopping is the promise of discounted prices, it's important to manage expectations. As one reviewer noted, 'outlets does not mean that they're discounted to means that they're outside stores.' This highlights that while many items are on sale, the core concept is about off-price retail. The atmosphere can be lively on weekends, with crowds flocking to popular stores like Nike, but weekdays offer a more serene shopping experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit