George Boyle
If you're looking for souvenirs to commemorate a wedding in Ontario, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Maple syrup is a classic Canadian souvenir and can be found in many forms, such as maple cookies, candies, or lollipops. It is produced mainly in Quebec, but you can find it all over Ontario.
- Ice wine is a unique dessert wine produced in the Niagara region of Ontario. It is made from frozen grapes and has a sweet flavour. You can find it at most LCBO stores or try it at the Ice Wine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake during winter.
- Indigenous art and products: There are three groups of indigenous people in Canada (Inuit, First Nations, and Métis) who create beautiful and unique art. You can find these at Indigenous Gifts, an online retailer, or at local shops and galleries.
- Canadian amethyst products: Amethysts are mainly found in Ontario, especially on the north shore of Lake Superior. You can mine your own amethysts in Thunder Bay or purchase amethyst jewellery from local shops.
- Dream catchers: Traditionally made by indigenous people in Canada and the US, dream catchers are believed to catch bad dreams and protect your sleep. Look for dream catchers handmade in Canada at art galleries and museums.
- Canadian-made teas: Try ice wine tea or maple tea, which you can find at souvenir shops or local retailers.
- Canadian-themed fridge magnets: Fridge magnets are a great way to remember your trip, and you can find a variety of designs featuring Canadian symbols such as the maple leaf, wildlife, or the Inukshuk.
- Stuffed toys: Plush toys in the shape of Canadian wildlife, such as moose, bears, or beavers, can be found at souvenir shops across Ontario.
- Local products: For unique souvenirs, visit farmers' markets, small villages, or Christmas markets to find artisan products like jewellery, bath bombs, or local food items.
What You'll Learn
Maple Syrup
There are many maple syrup-based products that can be purchased as souvenirs from Ontario. Here are some ideas:
- Maple syrup in a glass maple leaf bottle.
- Whisky maple syrup - barrel-aged maple syrup with notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Bourbon maple syrup - maple syrup aged in award-winning Kentucky bourbon barrels, with flavours of vanilla, caramel, butter, and oak.
- Toasted oak maple syrup - maple syrup aged to perfection with lightly charred oak.
- Maple-flavoured milk chocolate.
- Maple latte chocolate.
- Maple crunch milk chocolate.
- Maple-filled chocolate bars.
- Maple syrup lollipops.
- Maple syrup popsicles.
- Maple syrup candies.
- Maple tea.
- Maple-glazed smoked salmon.
- Maple fudge.
- Maple cookies.
- Maple sugar.
These products can be purchased from local shops and markets, as well as online.
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Tim Hortons Coffee
Tim Hortons is a Canadian staple and a great souvenir to bring home from a wedding in Ontario. Here are some options for Tim Hortons coffee-themed souvenirs:
Coffee Beans
You can purchase Tim Hortons coffee beans from a local grocery store or Tim Hortons cafe in Ontario. They offer a variety of blends, including their original roast, French vanilla, hazelnut, and maple flavours. The beans can be purchased pre-ground or whole, allowing you to enjoy your coffee exactly how you like it.
Travel Mugs
A practical and memorable souvenir is a Tim Hortons travel mug. These mugs are perfect for enjoying your coffee on the go and come in a variety of styles. You can find stainless steel travel mugs that keep your coffee hot, or insulated mugs to maintain the temperature of both hot and cold beverages.
Mugs
If you prefer to enjoy your coffee at home, a simple ceramic Tim Hortons mug is a great option. You can choose between their signature red mug with a handle or opt for a festive Christmas mug, which they release every year. These mugs are a great way to remember your trip to Ontario every time you enjoy a cup of coffee.
Single-Serve Coffee Cups
For the coffee lover who wants a quick and convenient option, Tim Hortons offers single-serve coffee cups. These cups are perfect for those mornings when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious cup of Tim Hortons coffee. You can find them in packs of 12 or 24, so you always have some on hand.
Instant Coffee
If you're looking for a quick cup of coffee without the hassle of brewing, Tim Hortons offers instant coffee options. Their premium instant coffee comes in medium and dark roast, so you can enjoy the bold flavour of Tim Hortons anytime, anywhere.
Ground Coffee
For those who prefer to brew their coffee the traditional way, Tim Hortons offers ground coffee in a variety of flavours and roasts. Their premium blend is a perfectly balanced, medium-bodied coffee with a smooth finish, made with their unique blend of 100% Arabica beans. You can also find ground coffee in French vanilla, hazelnut, and decaffeinated options.
No matter which option you choose, Tim Hortons coffee is a delicious reminder of your time in Ontario and a great way to share a piece of Canadian culture with your loved ones.
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Ice Wine
You can find ice wine at most LCBO stores, which is Canada's largest alcohol retailer. If you are in the Niagara region in winter, you can also attend the Ice Wine Festival held every January in Niagara on the Lake. This festival is the perfect opportunity to sample ice wines and bring back a bottle or two as a memorable wedding souvenir.
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Indigenous Art
If you're looking for souvenirs from Ontario that centre Indigenous art, there are several galleries and shops you can visit. Here are some suggestions:
Northeastern Ontario
Ojibwe Cultural Foundation Gift Shop
Located on Manitoulin Island, this gift shop features a carefully curated collection of books, arts, crafts, and gifts. The foundation is dedicated to preserving and revitalising Anishinaabe culture, customs, language, and art.
Wikwemikong Tourism Gift Shop
Also on Manitoulin Island, this shop offers hand-crafted jewellery, beadwork, quill boxes, carvings, crafts, and paintings.
Mishibinijima Art Gallery
Visit the private art gallery of renowned artist James Simon Mishibinijima, located in Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island. Viewings are by appointment only.
Ahnisnabae Art Gallery
An Indigenous-owned and operated art gallery in Thunder Bay, home to one of the largest collections of Indigenous fine art and prints in Northwest Ontario.
Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre
Owned and operated by the Rainy River First Nations, this centre features a wealth of educational resources on Ojibwe history and culture. The gift shop offers unique beadwork, leatherwork, and jewellery crafted by local Indigenous artists.
Sister Bear Designs
Each piece of art created by Sister Bear Designs in Thunder Bay holds great significance, honouring the teachings of their ancestors and celebrating the resilience and connection between family and community.
Red Lake Regional Heritage Centre
This heritage centre is home to a museum with multimedia exhibits on Indigenous history, as well as the Cheeky Beaver Boutique gift shop, offering arts and crafts, books, apparel, and gifts.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
With a focus on contemporary Indigenous art, this gallery in Thunder Bay has a collection of over 1,600 works, including significant pieces by Norval Morrisseau, known as the "Picasso of the North."
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Serpent River First Nations Trading Post, Gas & Convenience
This rest stop between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie offers various locally made crafts and souvenirs, including jewellery, leatherwork, woodwork, and pottery.
Agawa Crafts and the Canadian Carver
Browse crafts like moccasins, pottery, soapstone carvings, and hand-carved items at Pancake Bay along Lake Superior's coast.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Woodland Cultural Centre
This multi-use attraction in Brantford serves as a cultural centre, library, heritage museum, and art gallery, showcasing over 25,000 artefacts and art pieces. They also host a three-day craft show and sale each spring, featuring handmade items by local artists.
Iroquois Beadwork and Crafts
Located in the Iroquois Village Plaza in Ohsweken, this gallery features stunning gold and silver jewellery crafted with ancestral materials and traditions by owners Dakota and Jesse Brant. They also offer commission work.
I & S Crafts & Supplies
On the Six Nations of the Grand River, discover a wide range of traditional and contemporary jewellery, clothing, crafts, and souvenirs at this shop.
Southeastern Ontario
Native North American Travelling College
Dedicated to preserving and promoting Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) heritage, this centre in Akwesasne provides immersive tours demonstrating Mohawk culture. Their gift shop offers books, posters, music, and more.
Maracle Gallery and Cafe
An Indigenous-owned and operated art gallery, gift shop, and cafe in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. They sell art, sculptures, moccasins, dream catchers, and gifts, featuring original and reproduction works by renowned artist and sculptor Thomas B. Maracle.
Rebecca Maracle Mohawk Feathersmith
An artist and Traditional Medicine Healer, Rebecca Maracle creates beautiful featherwork, leatherwork, and artwork inspired by nature and her Haudenosaunee heritage. Her studio is located in Deseronto, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Eagle Pod Gallery: Native Expressions
This intimate pop-up gallery in Deseronto, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, showcases one-of-a-kind sculptures made from natural materials like stone, bone, and wood by artist David R. Maracle. Book a private viewing to meet the artist.
Soaring Eagle Native Arts & Crafts
Founded by Mohawk artist Tonya Maracle, this shop in Deseronto offers valuable, handcrafted arts and crafts, including leatherwork, beadwork, dreamcatchers, wood products, and wall hangings.
Southwestern Ontario
Thunderbird Crafts & Trading Post
This shop in Lambton Shores showcases an extensive selection of authentic, high-quality First Nation crafts and supplies, including handcrafted blankets, jewellery, and artwork.
Turtle Soul Native Arts and Gifts
Located in Wallaceburg, this shop offers a wide range of Indigenous-made art, beadwork, baskets, drums, earrings, dreamcatchers, clothing, paintings, and more.
Greater Toronto Area
Bay of Spirits Gallery
This Toronto gallery has specialised in Indigenous art for over 25 years and features paintings and sculptures by notable Indigenous artists such as Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig, and Qiatsuq. They offer curbside pickup, local delivery, and international shipping.
Gallery Indigena
Located in Stratford, Gallery Indigena has been promoting Inuit and Haudenosaunee sculptures, paintings, masks, and wood art for over 50 years.
Mādahòkì Farm Indigenous Marketplace
The Mādahòkì Farm Indigenous Marketplace in Nepean showcases original artwork, beadwork, jewellery, mittens, moccasins, and children's toys. They are open for in-person shopping from Thursday to Sunday and also offer online shopping.
Indigenous Experiences Ontario
Specialising in Inuit and First Nations arts and crafts for over 50 years, this gallery in Ottawa offers sculptures, drawings, carvings, and beadwork.
National Gallery of Canada
Explore nearly 800 works of Indigenous and Canadian art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs. The Gallery Shop offers gifts, books, and prints.
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Located in Kleinburg, this gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Inuit, First Nations, and Iningat Ilagiit art. Their gift shop offers books, posters, media, and other merchandise.
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Canadian Diamonds
When purchasing Canadian diamonds, it is important to prioritise ethical sourcing. The Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct, established by the Canadian government, requires all diamonds mined in Canada to be certified as conflict-free. To ensure you are getting a genuine Canadian diamond, it is recommended to buy from local jewellers.
In addition to Canadian diamonds, there are several other souvenirs that are unique to Canada and Ontario. These include:
- Maple syrup and maple-themed products like cookies, candies, tea and lollipops
- Indigenous art, books and dream catchers
- Inukshuk gifts, traditionally used by Inuit people and other Arctic tribes
- Ice wine, a dessert wine made from frozen grapes
- Local Canadian cider
- Canadian beer, such as Molson Canadian
- Canadian-made teas, including ice wine tea and maple tea
- Canadian brand clothing, like Roots and Aritzia
- Canadian literature by authors such as Margaret Atwood and Yann Martel
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Frequently asked questions
Ontario is known for its natural landmarks, wildlife, and sports, so consider getting a souvenir that reflects these aspects of the province. For example, you could get a small replica of an Inukshuk, which is a traditional Inuit structure, or a bottle of ice wine, which is a type of dessert wine produced in the Niagara region. You could also get a dream catcher, which is a traditional Indigenous craft, or a piece of Aboriginal art.
You can find souvenirs in many places in Ontario, including museums, tourist attractions, grocery stores, liquor stores, and department stores. If you're looking for something more unique, try visiting local farmers' markets, small villages, or Christmas markets. You can also find souvenirs at local events and festivals, such as the Ice Wine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Yes, there are several food items that are unique to Canada and Ontario that would make great souvenirs. Maple syrup is a classic choice, and you can find it in various forms, including maple cookies, candies, and tea. Other food souvenirs include Nanaimo bars, which are a type of dessert bar, and ketchup chips, which are a unique Canadian snack. If you're looking for something more savoury, consider Canadian dried meat or smoked salmon from the West Coast.
