The Best Items to Buy While in Canada

If you are planning a trip to Canada, you will run across glaciers that will make the vehicle that you are driving look small and see picturesque scenery and wildlife. While visiting Canada, you can travel to Prince Edwards Island or Newfoundland with their endless sea shores, drive through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, explore the historic Quebec City and the architecture of Montreal, or drive through Ontario and the capitol of Ottawa to one of the biggest cities in Canada, Toronto. You can view the expansive plain provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, stoping in Winnipeg and Regina. You can chose to visit Alberta and British Columbia, hitting Edmonton, Calgary, and Prince George along the way.

In every place, there will be opportunities to gather Canadian souvenirs to remind you of the memories you make. Whether you decide to visit Niagara Falls, Toronto, or Winnipeg, there will be t-shirts available to mark each place you have been, along with hoodies and jackets as well. With gift shops and specialty stores aplenty, this is a good time to make a list of souvenirs you definitely want to bring back in memory of your holiday or to gift to friends and coworkers.

The following are our top six recommendations of iconic Canadian souvenirs to buy on your visit.

World's Best Maple Syrup

Canada has the reputation for the best maple syrup in the world, with around 85% of the world's maple syrup being produced in Canadian provinces. Many spring festivals surround the extraction of the xylem sap of red maple, sugar maple, or black maple trees to make this sweet syrup. This gourmet item is a must-have for a Canadian souvenir.

Tim Hortons Coffee

Getting coffee in Canada is synonymous with visiting Tim Hortons Coffee. Founded by hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade, Tim Hortons has been a Canadian staple for their coffee, delicious donuts, and smiley cookies for over 50 years. Just bringing home a Tim Hortons coffee mug will remind you of the good times and coffee you enjoyed while in Canada.

Inukshuk Figures

Made from stone, Inukshuk have been found in archeological digs and served the Inuits as spiritual symbols as well as guides for the best routes across the frozen tundra in northern Canada. The flag of Nunavut, the newest and largest territory in Canada depicts an Inukshuk. Inukshuk figures now stand as a symbol of human interconnectedness, and they make meaningful Canadian souvenirs and gifts.

Hudson Bay Blankets

Established in 1771, Hudson Bay is North America's oldest blanket house. Since Canada is known for its freezing winters, their blankets make useful souvenirs. Most of Hudson Bay's blankets are patterned in traditional Canadian colors to remind you of where you've travelled.

Ice Wine

Although Canada is not the only country to produce ice wine, a super sweet wine, Canada has become a world leader in making ice wine due to the methods and temperatures needed to produce it. The grapes are left on the vine and picked at -10C, or 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and very little juice comes from each grape. Canada has become so popular for its ice wines that over 900,000 liters, or almost 238,000 gallons, are produced each year, with most of the wine being made in Ontario. If you get a chance to visit Canada during or after New Years, you may be able to visit festivals and see the wine-making process. Whether you go with a bottle of Inniskillin or something from a smaller winery, you will own a Canadian souvenir that is unique and a great talking point over dessert.

First Nations Souvenirs

Canadians take pride in their heritage, and a large part of that involves the First Nations. Over 630 First Nations communities exist in Canada, representing over 50 tribes and over 1.6 million Canadians. When visiting Canada, you can learn about the unique history, spiritual beliefs, and cultures of these groups. Then, you can pick from items such as dream catchers, hand-carved figures, and art pieces to bring home as a special souvenir of your learning experience.

No matter what you decide to bring back with you as Canadian souvenirs, make sure you have enough room. You'll be sure to find these and may more items to your liking while on your journey.