Top Souvenirs and Canadian Brands to Buy When Traveling in Canada
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Top Souvenirs from Canada
This guide is an overview of the some of the best souvenirs I’ve discovered while shopping in Canada. Naturally, a country a big as Canada is going to have some differences in specialties from region-to-region. However, you can usually count on local merchants and the airport duty-free shops to stock “Made in Canada” brands from across the provinces.
Canadian Whisky
One of Canada’s most popular spirits is its whisky, characterized by a minimum 40% alcohol content and aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels. Canadian whisky can also contain up to 9.09% flavoring, coloring, or other spirits, which brings me to one of my all-time favorite loves — maple whiskey.
I fell in love with Coureur Des Bois while visiting Quebec City. There are a few Canadian maple whiskies available in the US, but Coureur Des Bois is mostly only available in Quebec and at duty-free shops at the border. It is well-worth stocking up on it!
Mukluks
Mukluks are soft boots made to be worn in cold weather. They are a cross between high top tennis shoes and your favorite pair of slippers.
Both mukluks ad moccasins are Indigenous footwear, but mukluks are taller and warmer, whereas moccasins are usually lighter.
My favorite brand of mukluks is Manitobah. I bought my first pair in Montreal 10 years ago and still schlep around in them:). These can be found in the US (or ordered online), as well.
Indigenous Crafts
Canadian Indigenous crafts include a wide variety of handmade goods including furs, dreamcatchers, moccasins, beaded jewelry, textiles, and art.
The types of crafts and styles of craftsmanship vary across the country. Look for trading posts that are Indigenous owned and operated, as opposed to shops with mass produced trinkets.
Over the years, some of my favorite purchases have included my moccasin slippers, furs, and beaded hair accessories.
Winter Accessories
If there is one thing that Canadians know, it is how to dress for cold weather. No matter where you go, there will be plenty of shops selling winter accessories, even during the summer months.
A couple of my favorite Canadian brands include Stanfields and Northbound Supply Co., but you will hardly be at a loss find options to suit your style. I don’t think I’ve ever come home from a trip to Canada without a new hat, scarf, or pair of gloves:)
Soy Candles
This recommendation is based purely on personal observation. There are so many unique brands of soy candles in Canada. Maybe because of Canadians’ environmental stance or affinity for botanicals — I’m not sure! At any rate, it is always nice to pick up something for the house.
Keep an eye out for Milk Jar candles. Besides making an assortment of beautiful, clean-burning scents, this Calgary-based brand supports people with disabilities.
Maple Syrup
You cannot possibly leave maple syrup off your Canada shopping list. Thankfully, we can usually find this at our local grocery store or on Amazon, but it is still fun to pick up little souvenir leaf-shaped bottles and local small-batch brands while traveling.
There are actually several different types of Canadian maple syrup classified by color and flavor — golden, amber, dark, and very dark. The darker the color, the more intense and robust the taste. Personally, I like the dark, but to each his or her own!
Adventure Gear
In a country that boasts as much natural beauty as Canada, it stands to reason that there will be outfitters around every corner to equip you for your adventures. Brands like Arc’teryx, Lululemon, and Salus call Canada home.
Many sporting goods stores also have adventure desks where you can book guided tours and excursions. No excuses for not having the right gear when you can buy it on the spot!
Chocolate
I would not have guessed that Canada would be good place to purchase sweets, but lo and behold Canadian chocolate actually has a higher cacao content than most American brands and is quite decadent. Keep an eye out for Purdy’s and Rocky Mtn Chocolate stores across all the provinces, and Rogers’ Chocolates in Victoria, BC.
Ice Wine
Ice wine is a type of sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have frozen while still on the vine. Canada, and more specifically, Ontario, is the world’s largest producer of ice wine, since they are one of the few wine regions where the cold weather is reliable enough to freeze the grapes while they are in good condition.
If you end up loving ice wine, imported labels can be purchased at specialty stores in the US or ordered online.
Fine Art
It is hardly surprising Canada has a history of prominent artists given the inspiring landscapes and wildlife. Galleries can be found in nearly every city, but my favorite places to peruse fine art are Quebec City and Banff Springs.
Original artwork and limited edition prints are not just souvenirs, but investments that will hold their value better than any other souvenir you come away with.
Denim
The best “Made in Canada” brand to create your Canadian tuxedo ‘fit is Naked & Famous Denim. This word-of-mouth brand sources its fabric from Japan, but cuts and sews every piece in Canada.
A few other great Canadian denim brands include Yoga Jeans, Duer, and Silver Jeans.
Down
Canadian Geese = soft, feathery down pillows, blankets, and parkas. Goose down has the best insulation to weight ratio of any known material, which makes it ideal for cold Canadian winters.
Some high-quality Canadian brands for goose down parkas are Canada Goose, Rudsak, Mackage, and Moose Knuckles. For home goods, try Canadian Down & Feather Company or Daniadown.
Botanical Skincare
If you are into organic skincare, you should know that Canada has some of the best natural, cruelty-free skincare brands. Drawing on influence from Canadian First Nations and the clean skincare movement, Canadian brands emphasize plant-based ingredients and sustainable practices. Check out Boreal Folk (shops across all provinces), Refresh Botanicals, and Three Ships (also available at Whole Foods in the US). I was amazed at the selection of products that I saw in organic grocery stores and drugmarts.
Boots
Once again, Canadian’s won’t steer you wrong when it comes to keeping your tootsies warm in the freezing tundra. My absolute favorite winter boots are made by Baffin. I bought a pair before our trip to Banff National Park and never felt the cold. Amazing boots! I also own a pair of Sorel boots that I always take with me to the Christmas markets in Europe.
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