Wondering what to buy in Canada, what are the best souvenirs to bring back for family and friends (yourself included, of course!)?
While souvenirs can often become knickknacks, left unwanted and forgotten, there are others that can become your treasured favourites. I’ve included some of my recommendations that as a Canadian I often recommend friends/family to buy when they are here, or as gifts to bring abroad when travelling. I also reached out to some fellow travel bloggers for some of their best souvenir purchases in Canada as well!
So wherever your Canadian travels may lead you; whether for high tea in the nation’s capital or searching for the top Canadian landmarks, you’re bound to come across these awesome souvenirs!
Anything Maple
Well of course this has to be here because Canada is famous for their maple syrup across the world. Whether it’s maple cookies, maple tea or good old fashion maple syrup itself, there’s something maple flavoured worth trying.
Definitely one of the most popular Canadian gifts to buy is the maple syrup in the maple leaf shaped containers, you can even use them as decor later on!
Roots clothing
Recommended by Carly from Fearless Female Travels
In my opinion, the best Canadian souvenir is activewear or loungewear from the famous Canadian fashion brand Roots. Roots has been around for almost fifty years, and every Canadian is familiar with their super-cozy sweatshirts, sweatpants and jackets, all adorned with discreet Canadian symbols like maple leaves and the brand’s recognizable beaver logo. Whenever I go overseas, friends and family always ask me to bring them a little something from Roots. The best place to shop for souvenirs from Roots is at one of their five Canadian flagship stores (in Toronto. Vancouver and Montreal) or at one of their smaller stores (which can be found in almost any Canadian shopping mall). If you forget to pick up your Roots souvenirs during your trip (or if you don’t have room in your bag for all those toques and mittens) then you can also shop online for Roots gear. While other souvenirs can easily end up in a pile of trinkets, Roots activewear and loungewear are so useful and high-quality that they’re sure to be used, and loved, for years.
RCMP stuffed animal keychain
Recommended by Elizabeth from Three Week Traveller
I bought this Royal Canadian Mounted Police stuffed keychain from a souvenir shop in Calgary. I don’t remember the name of the store but it was right after I explored the city by walking around. I saw this photo of RCMP in front of another shop and found the uniform really unique.
While in the store, I just mindlessly browsed until I found this stuffed keychain. When I bought it, I wasn’t really thinking about what would I use it for. I already have a keychain for my keys. When I got home, the souvenir sat inside a work drawer for a few months. Until I realized that I need something to keep my USB sticks in one place. That was nearly 7 years ago and today, my RCMP stuffed keychain is still holding my USB sticks together. Every time I looked at the keychain, it reminds me of my trip.
Christmas ornament
Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravels
During our Toronto to Halifax road trip we bought a few Christmas ornaments. We came across the Tinseltown Christmas Emporium in Ottawa. Since I’m fond of Christmas we had to go inside this Christmas shop. I fell in love with this cute ornament. Two mice inside an open ball, with the words “Christmas Together” written on the back.
Every Christmas I get reminded of our fantastic road trip in Canada, when I hang it in our Christmas tree. We collect ornaments from each country we visit and this is the one that says Canada to me.
The ornament is from Fitz and Floyd and they produce high quality handcrafted Christmas decor among other things.
Cable Knit Jumper
Recommended by Linda from Muy Linda Travels
I brought lots of souvenirs back from Canada, but my favourite by far is a warm, cable knit jumper I bought at Niagara on the Lake near Niagara Falls. It’s made from warm chunky wool in a classic design with a turtle neck collar to keep out the cold. Canadians know how to stay warm!
Niagara on the Lake has a great selection of gift shops, and I found my jumper in a shop on the high street that specializes in warm woollens. I bought other souvenirs as well, but they didn’t last. The maple syrup, ice wine and tea have long gone. But I’m still wearing and enjoying the jumper, and I’ll wear it when I head to the mountains this weekend. I expect my Canadian jumper will still be a favourite in my wardrobe for many years to come. It was the perfect souvenir!
Tim Horton’s Mug
Recommended by Lotte of Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog
One of my most beloved souvenirs is my Tim Hortons reusable coffee cup. During our 5 month trip around North America we spent 3 months exploring Canada and getting our caffeine fix at Timmies was part of our daily routine.
Canada Day was coming up and it was the 150th anniversary (1st of July 2017) and one Tim Horton’s in Calgary we noticed a couple of bright red coffee cups decorated with all things Canadian (bevers, maple syrup, Inuksuk, Timbits, trees, and more).
We bought them on the spot (I think they were only a toonie) and in hindsight I regret not bringing a couple more for family back home.
I think our Tim Horton reusable coffee cup is a great souvenir because it’s something we use every day. It’s not something you buy and put on a shelf gathering dust but these cups are so useful, both during road trips as well as at home.
Inukshuk
Contributed by Nick Kembel of Fun World Facts
Inuksuit (singular: Inukshuk) are piles of stones made to look like the human form. Traditionally, Inuit people in Northern Canada made them as a means of communication. In the vast Arctic region, much of which is covered with snow and ice for more than half the year, inuksuit conveyed messages such as telling hunters to go in a different direction. Over time, inuksuit have become a symbol of Canada. When the new territory of Nunavut was created in 1999, an inukshuk was chosen to appear on its flag. Moreover, when the Canadian military tried to claim Hans Island as its own, it placed an inukshuk on the island to mark its claim.
Although inuksuit are associated with the Arctic, you can find them for sale at tourist attractions across Canada, especially ones associated with indigenous culture. I purchased mine at a heritage site in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
First Nations Artwork
Contributed by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
A fantastic souvenir while you’re in Canada is a piece of authentic artwork created by an Indigenous artist, like a carving, jewelry, or painting. Not only will this be a useful souvenir that can possibly be displayed in your home and admired for many years to come, but it will also support the livelihood of Indigenous artists. Many art galleries and shops in Canada are owned by Indigenous people, which is the best place to learn about the cultural and contextual stories behind this kind of work of art. For example, I bought a beautiful necklace from the Samson Native Gallery in Banff, Alberta- not only is it a beautiful piece, but it reminds me of my time exploring the breathtaking Canadian Rockies- plus my purchase directly supported local artists. You can also find other Indigenous-owned galleries across Canada, like Skwachays Lodge in Vancouver or daphne in Montreal, where you can pick up a gorgeous painting or other piece of artwork and take a small piece of this stunning country home with you.
Canadian Snacks
While travelling through Canada, you should definitely try munching on some of the countries favorite snacks and unique items that for the most part can only be found here. My favorites would be ketchup chips (Lays brand is best), Smarties (similar to m&m’s) and Miss Vickies chips (any flavor is delicious, but start with salt & vinegar flavor).
Whether they will actually make it home with you or not is a different question, definitely pack extra!
Looking for more guides for your trip to Canada?
- 16 Incredible Ontario road trip destinations
- Top instagram spots in Ottawa
- Feel like royalty at the Chateau Laurier High Tea
- 15 Delicious Halal restaurants in Ottawa
- Local’s Guide to a weekend in Ottawa
- 20 Landmarks you must see in Canada
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