Many local markets provide flavor to towns and towns around Canada, frequently more than just a place where you can buy fresh or local products. Instead, these markets have become key hubs in which people meet to unwind with food, music, art, and other activities during the weekend afternoon. In short, it won't be wrong to say that Canada shopping is an elite experience. The hockey, the maple and the severely frigid winters of Canada are well known. But you can bet your back bacon that Canadians love several unique products that are only accessible in the Great White North, many of which are completely unknown to its southern neighbors, at least outside of specialist importers.
Canada Shopping: Top 6 Things to Buy from the Country
Canada is a country with exemplary beauty. Here is a list of best things to buy from the country.
1. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is one of the most popular souvenirs in Canada. Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, and it's a product that almost every Canadian owns. On pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, and porridge, maple syrup is popular. It's also used in cooking and baking as a sweetener. The maple leaf-shaped bottles are among the most popular.
Where To Buy From - The best quality maple syrup can be bought from the shops in Quebec (it is also the primary producer), Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
2. Caesars
The iconic Canadian cocktail, similar to a Bloody Mary, is made with vodka, Caesar mix, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce and is served in a salt-rimmed glass garnished with celery. This popular drink may be found on the menus of many restaurants across the country, but some places offer jaw-dropping variations of this cocktail loaded with an incredible number of ingredients.
In some Canadian restaurants, you may order towering Caesars with so many garnishes that you could eat it as a meal. There are no restrictions on what you can use as a garnish. A Caesar can include anything from hamburgers to mac and cheese, waffles, or even prawns. If you're ready for a challenge, you can order a Caesar with ten different toppings at Score On Davie in Vancouver and Toronto. Their Checkmate Caesar is topped with a cheeseburger, chicken wings, and a delectable Canadian delicacy called the Nanaimo Bar.
Canada has always been one among the best places to visit in October in the world, the things like Caesar are the reason behind it. The American hangover remedy (and cause) is the Bloody Mary, but the Canadian hangover cure (and cause) is the Caesar. 1-2 ounces of vodka, two dashes of hot sauce (Tabasco is usually used), four dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 to 6 ounces of Clamato juice are typically called for in the recipe, which is similar to a Bloody Mary. Remember to season the rim with celery salt and pepper! The celery stalks, olives, limes, and other foliage that may accompany it serve as the crowning glory. Enjoy it over ice.
Where To Buy From - One Eighty, La, Terrasse, Hunters Landing, The Beltliner, Cilantro and Chive, Market Burger, Tavern on Whyte, The Merchant Tavern, L’Gros Luxe, Score on Davie, and Social Beer Haus
3. Laura Secord Chocolates
If you combine the name of a Canadian war hero with cocoa, sugar, and butter, you have a recipe for national chocolate-making success. During the War of 1812, Laura Secord, an American-born pioneer woman in what was then Upper Canada (the forerunner of Ontario), successfully warned Canadian and British forces of an impending Yankee attack. Her legacy did not end there, much to the joy of many Canadians with a sweet tooth. Frank P. O'Connor launched the first Laura Secord candy shop on Yonge Street in Toronto in 1913. Today, there are over 100 Laura Secord stores across Canada, and while the company does distribute to the United States, there are no locations south of the border.
Where To Buy From - Walmart, Laura Secord retail store at different malls, Ottawa, Montreal, Mississauga, Québec, Montréal, and Regina are the cities with maximum number of stores for Laura Secord Chocolate.
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4. Ice wine
Ice wine is a sweet wine prepared from frozen grapes that is typically served with dessert or at the conclusion of a meal. It is one of the most labor-intensive wines to produce, but the work is well worth the taste for wine enthusiasts all around the world. Frozen grapes are harvested and pressed when they are still frozen on the vine at roughly -7°C (20°F). Canada is the main producer of ice wine, though it may also be found in Germany and Austria.
Ice wine is often twice as sugary as a regular Coke. Fermentation takes between 2 and 6 months since the juice is so delicious. Ice wines usually have an alcohol content of around 10%. Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Merlot are some of the ice wine varieties. A wine can be labelled as "ice wine" if it is prepared from naturally frozen grapes plucked from the vine. Wines made using commercially frozen grapes may be marketed as "dessert wine" or "iced wine."
As previously stated, ice wine is quite sweet. It can be found in a variety of tastes, including fruit and chocolate. This makes it ideal for sipping while eating dessert. Because of its sweetness, ice wine pairs well with richly flavoured meals such as cheese and foie gras. Fatty foods can help balance out the sweetness of the wine's taste character. If you wish to sip ice wine as a late-night snack or before or during a meal, choose a heavier, fattier food alternative.
Where To Buy From - Peller Estates Winery, Reif Estate Winery, Inniskillin, Strewn Winery, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Trius Winery, Ice House Winery, and Jackson-Triggs
5. Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are one of the most enchanting Canadian souvenirs to purchase. Christmas ornaments are inexpensive keepsakes that can be hung on your Christmas tree throughout the holidays. You'll be reminded of your trip to Canada every time you look at your Christmas tree, which is extremely pleasant.
Where To Buy From - Toronto Christmas Market and several other seasonal shops of the country
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6. Tim Hortons Donuts
It is no secret that Canadians adore doughnuts; Canada is one of the countries with the highest per capita consumption of donuts in the world. If you're in Canada, you must swing by Tim Hortons and have some doughnuts. And, while you're at it, purchase some for your friends and family as well — they'll appreciate it. Just make sure to buy them shortly before you leave the country so they stay fresh on the way back.
Where To Buy From - Visitors can buy it from any Tim Hortons eatery all across Canada.
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Canada Shopping: Top 6 Markets in Country for an Extravagant Shopping Spree
Wondering where to meet the local Canadian culture? Well then, these street and flea markets and store are definitely going to be something that you will like.
1. St. Lawrence Market
It's one of the world's great markets, and one of the best places to visit in Canada, with each seller represented by a square on a vibrant and genuine patchquilt. The moms, sons, fathers, and daughters whose hard labour and passion for food and their art comprise the Market's collective storey. You're here, and you're a part of the storey. There's so much to see, taste, and learn — where do you even begin? Today, the St. Lawrence Market Complex consists of three primary buildings: The South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall are all worth a visit.
Over 120 specialised vendors are located on the main and lower levels of the South Market, and they are noted for the variety and freshness of their fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cereals, baked goods, and dairy products, as well as the distinctiveness of their non-food items for sale. The North Market is well renowned for its Saturday Farmers' Market, which began on this site in 1803 and is still going strong today, as producers across Southern Ontario bring their seasonal produce to market in the city.
Built in 1850, St. Lawrence Hall now contains retail companies on the ground floor and City offices on the second floor. The third storey, which was rebuilt in 1967 as part of the City of Toronto's Centennial project, has the Great Hall, which, together with the ancillary rooms, can be rented for weddings and other special events.
Location - 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada
Timings -
- Tuesday to Friday – From 9: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM
- Saturday – From 5: 00 AM to 4: 00 PM
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Famous For - Travel accessories, gifts, toys, cards, hats, novelties, smokes and they have more than 50 different kind of animal hats, gloves and stuffed animals.
2. Leslieville Flea Market
Fan of flea markets? Well the, you should know that Canada is big on flea markets, in fact shopping from these markets is one of the best things to do in Canada, and one such market is Leslieville Flea Market. From June to October, the Leslieville Flea Market is held on the third Sunday of each month at the gorgeous and historic Ashbridge Estate, with more than 50 merchants selling a wide range of thrift, artisan, upcycled, and salvaged goods—from furniture to clothing.
If you miss the third Sunday at the Ashbridge Estate, you can find the Leslieville Flea at the Harborfront Centre on the first Sunday of the month during the same hours. During the summer, they also have "pop-up fleas" in the Distillery District, which also serves as their indoor winter site.
Location - Ashbridge Estate, 1444 Queen Street East, Toronto, Canada
Timings - Once a month – From 10: 00 AM. to 4: 00 PM
Famous For - Thrift, artisan, upcycled and salvaged goods—from furniture to clothing
3. Toronto Christmas Market
The largest and most popular Christmas Market in Toronto is located in the historic Distillery District. In 2016, Fodor's Travel called it one of the top Christmas markets in the world. The market appears to be very pleasant, with handcrafted ornaments, carolers, and a classic carousel. While the youngsters are rushing to meet Santa, adults can indulge on schnitzels and other delectable dishes.
The Christmas market includes one of Toronto's largest Christmas trees, as well as magnificent illumination, seasonal decor, and a variety of entertainment. There are over 350 theatrical performances, as well as vendors offering locally handcrafted crafts and a beer garden.
The Toronto Christmas Market, located in the historic Distillery District and ranked one of the top ten Christmas markets in the world by Fodor's Travel, USA Today, Mashable, and others, is a beautiful and wonderful holiday tradition. There will be traditional music and carols, dancing performances, and family-friendly activities in addition to the numerous vendors. Traditional European street cuisine is available, as well as Canadian holiday goodies, like as cold and warm beverages that can be savoured in the beer gardens.
Location - The Toronto Christmas Market at the historic Distillery District, Canada
Timings - Will be organized in the month of December
Famous For - Largest Christmas trees in Toronto plus, stunning illumination, seasonal decor, and lots of entertainment
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4. Byward Market
The pedestrian-friendly and historic ByWard Market neighbourhood is popular with foodies, fashionistas, and revellers. The region is brimming with so many one-of-a-kind stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs that you'll need to return to Ottawa's oldest and most densely populated neighbourhood! The ByWard Market Square is home to indoor food vendors and unusual businesses, as well as a year-round outdoor market teeming with handcrafted goods by artisans, seasonal fresh farmers' produce, and flowers. Look up after you're inside the main part of the building to see the giant papier mâché sculpture hanging from the ceiling.
Around every corner in the ByWard Market district, there are independently owned boutiques, shops, and galleries. Stroll down high-end Sussex Drive and look for international brands at Schad or Trustfund; one-of-a-kind creations at Kaliyana and Farah Studio; works of art at the Gordon Harrison Canadian Landscape Gallery; and home designs at The Modern Shop and Zone.
Whatever gastronomic experience you seek, you'll find it in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. Gourmet dining at Restaurant e18hteen; high-end dining in a relaxed setting at Play Food & Wine; Middle-Eastern delicacies at Fairouz Café; inexpensive international meals in ByWard Market Square; and 24-hour diner fare at Zak's Diner. And, at its original location, no one can resist a sweet or savoury Beavertail pastry.
Location - 55 ByWard Market Square; Ottawa, Ontario; K1N 9C3, Canada
Timings - Monday to Sunday – From 9: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM
Famous For - Handcrafted goods, seasonal fresh farmers’ produce and flowers.
5. St. Jacobs Farmers Market
The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is a beloved Waterloo Region tradition. Farmers coming to the market by horse and buggy are common on local roads, as it is still home to the biggest community of Old Order Mennonites in Canada. Hundreds of sellers offering everything from food to art, collectibles, and more can be found at the Market.
From June to October, the Leslieville Flea Market is held on the third Sunday of each month at the gorgeous and historic Ashbridge Estate, with more than 50 merchants selling a variety of thrift, artisan, upcycled, and salvaged goods ranging from furniture to clothing. If you miss the third Sunday at the Ashbridge Estate, you can find the Leslieville Flea at the Harbour Front Centre on the first Sunday of the month during the same hours. During the summer, they have "pop-up fleas" in the Distillery District, which also serves as their indoor winter site.
Don't forget to stop by Market Road Antiques and the St. Jacobs Outlets for even more bargains and one-of-a-kind finds.
Location - 878 Weber St N, Woolwich, ON N2J 4A9, Canada
Timings -
- On Thursday – 8: 00 AM to 3: 00 PM
- On Saturday – 7: 00 AM to 3: 30 PM
- Closed on rest of the days
Famous For - Thrift, artisan, upcycled, and salvaged goods ranging from furniture to clothing
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6. Cottonwood Community Market
Cottonwood Market offers everything from bedding plants to locally grown vegetables, delectable ready-to-eat foods to organic meat and eggs, handmade artisan gifts to locally created body care products. The mix of drop-in vendors and full-season sellers creates an exciting shopping experience that changes every week. Cottonwood Falls Park is the setting for this event.
From May to October, this market is held every Saturday in Cottonwood Falls Park and boasts live music and a cheerful, creative atmosphere. Over 40 exhibitors sell everything from fresh vegetables and juice to eggs, honey, home-brewed root beer, natural meats from local farms, and a selection of prepared baked items and savoury alternatives.
Location - HFH8+36J, CB Block (New town), Action Area I, New town, New Town, West Bengal 700156
Timings – Monday to Sunday - From 7: 00 AM to 10: 00 PM
Famous For - Bedding plants, locally grown produce, delicious ready to eat foods, organic meat and eggs, handmade artisan gifts, and locally made body care products.
Shopping in Canada is definitely about more than simply buying and bargaining; it is also about having a good time while looking for some amazing trinkets. Canada has some of the best shopping in the world, with everything from charming boutiques to one of the world's largest mega-malls. Together it makes shopping in Canada an experience that you should definitely witness. So, if you are an avid shopper and want to go shopping in Canada, the markets mentioned in the blog are 100% worth it. What are you thinking about, then? Book your plane tickets to Canada and enjoy the Canadian atmosphere.
FAQs
The best street markets in Canada are Fredericton Boyce Farmers' Market, ByWard Market, Granville Island Public Market, Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers' Market, Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, Crossroads Market, Lachute Farmers' Market, and Saskatoon Farmers' Market.
The best flea markets in Canada are Curiosity Inc., Blue Jar Antique Mall, Rocky Mountain Antique Mall, Antiques on Highway 48, The Antique Warehouse, Iron Crow Antiques, Vintage Redefined Market, Old Strathcona Antique Mall, The Old House Revival Company, Encans Gelineau & Fils, Marché aux puces de Sainte-Foy, Montreal Antique District, Quebec City’s Antique District, Eco Depot Montréal, and Grand Central Inc
The best things to buy from Canada are Ice wine, christmas ornaments, totem poles, Tim Hortons Donuts, Maple syrup, Laura Secord Chocolates, Ceasars, Canadian Smoked Salmon, Aboriginal art, Wool blanket, and Canadian sports gear
Ice wine is a sweet wine prepared from frozen grapes that is typically served with dessert or at the conclusion of a meal. It is one of the most labor-intensive wines to produce, but the work is well worth the taste for wine enthusiasts all around the world. Frozen grapes are harvested and pressed when they are still frozen on the vine at roughly -7°C (20°F). Canada is the main producer of ice wine.
The best malls in Canada are West Edmonton Mall, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Upper Canada Mall, Metropolis at Metrotown, Square One Shopping Centre, Yorkville Village, Dufferin Mall, Bayview Village Shopping Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and Queen's Quay Terminal
The best things to buy from St. Lawrence Market are Travel accessories, gifts, toys, cards, hats, novelties, smokes. Plus they also have more than 50 different kind of animal hats, gloves and stuffed animals, which can also be purchased.
The best hotels to stay near Byward Market are Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, Le Germain Hotel Ottawa, Novotel Ottawa City Centre, Les Suites Hotel Ottawa, Alt Hotel Ottawa, The Westin Ottawa, Byward Blue Inn, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa, and Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The best time to visit Canada is in the months of September and October. These months are considered as the best months to visit Canada because the weather is frequently very pleasant and the crowds have dispersed and the accommodations cost less compared to other months.
