I admit it, I suck at buying souvenirs. First, I often don’t have room in my luggage. Second, most souvenirs are not exactly useful and can be downright tacky. What’s the point of spending money on trinkets that will just collect dust at home?
Recently, a reader asked me what Canadian souvenirs I would recommend visitors buy. The question turned out to be trickier than he probably intended. It got me thinking—knowing Canada as I do now, what would I advise visitors to bring home?
Here are a few ideas (none of the links are sponsored, I just included them for reference).
Maple syrup…and maple everything
Maple syrup epitomizes Canada. The sweet syrup used to drench pancakes (and anything, really) is cheap, easy to find and easy to carry home.
Most bottles are made of thick glass and you can even find maple syrup in nice cans. Maple candies and maple toffees also make a great gift.
Peanut butter
Granted, you can abstain if you’re from the U.S. because peanut butter isn’t exactly exotic south of the border.
But this treat is virtually unknown in other parts of the world, such as Latin America, continental Europe or Asia. However, it is a bit of an acquired taste… It’s not my favourite but tons of people love it.
Ice wine
Canada is the world’s largest ice wine producer, which is hardly surprising considering the weather comes with plenty if ice.
Ice wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. Most wineries are located in the Niagara region and in British Columbia but the wine can be found anywhere in Canada.
Aboriginal art
Art from the First Nations, the Métis or the Inuits is often unique and beautiful. From Inuit inukshuk to wood carving, stone sculptures, jewellery, moccasins, intriguing prints, etc. you can find something for every budget.
In Ottawa, I’m a big fan of Snow Goose, a small family-operated store that has it all. These gifts are original and reveal another aspect of Canadian culture.
A piece of the Parliament
It’s unusual enough to be mentioned: for less than $10, you can buy pins crafted in part from the original copper which covered the roofs of Canada’s Parliament Buildings from 1918 to 1996.
This is definitely more fun than the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, which is somehow showcased in the Parliament Hill boutique!
Clothing
Canadian clothing can also be a nice gift and makes a useful souvenir. For Europeans, don’t forget that a lot of American brands are much cheaper in Canada than back home (think Levi’s Jeans around $40)—I know it’s not a real Canadian souvenir but your friends may appreciate the savings!
Popular Canadian brand includes Lois Jeans, Aritzia, Parasuco and, of course, Roots (check out their fleece jackets, I love them!). The Olympic collection at The Bay is also very popular, and you can pick up the famous red mittens for $10. Don’t forget that American sizing can be different though.
Canadian misc.
I always find lunch boxes make a great gift, especially for kids. The concept doesn’t really exist in Europe so these are unique. The best place I’ve seen so far for lunch boxes was Old Navy.
Coins also make a nice souvenir—the funky toonie is a good keepsake or you can even shop online at the Canadian Mint for more unique pieces.
And if you’re into sports, don’t forget to pick up a hockey puck (the cheap option) or the jersey of your favourite team (the expensive option)!
What Canadian souvenirs would you recommend visitors buy?
Butter tarts!
And I’ve always loved this souvenir t-shirt – “Evolution of a Canadian.”
Hope the link works.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwalsh/941167364/
Oh I love that t-shirt! 😆
The problem with butter tarts is that they may not make it home well (and I may eat them on the way anyway).
Great list. Smoked salmon is a very popular souvenir in Western Canada and it doesn’t take up much room. I rarely buy souvenirs either, no matter where I am.
I think you’re doing well. I hate collecting souvenirs these days too unless it’s clothing and it’s useful. The way I look at it, is are you going to have a use for it and do you really need to buy it is how I justify the purchase.
🙂 Great list!
That’s what I think too! No point in buying just for the sake of it, right?
I like to collect coins!! I did not know about Minto, I guess I will use my first pay cheque buying coins.
When I went to Banff and visited Lake Louise I took a little stone of it. That kind of things may be also souvenirs?
I like to collect coins in Canada too, they are so many fun designs! Especially on quarters.
Littles stones definitely count 🙂
The totem just reminds me of the movie “Inception”. XD
I’d prefer to buy eatable souvenirs to take back home. Less souvenirs, less dust, less house chores and more money! 😀
Eatable souvenirs are cool, althought some food is hard (and messy) to bring back.
Yes, I only knew of ice wine when I got to Canada. Although some of my friends tell me that wineries this side of the border also produce them. I tried it this past weekend (when Priyank and I and another friend went to NOTL) and I found it extremely sweet, perfect for a dessert wine.
I’m sure there is some U.S. ice wine too, same weather conditions across the border. Ice wine is a great dessert wine indeed, although a bit too sweet for me!
Yes..I got the maple syrup in a maple leaf for souvenir and yes I got the bells and plates as usual 🙂
Yo Pal..back from Hong Kong and it is hot!!!!
I know exactly what kind of maple syrup bottle you’re talking about 😉
Beavers! I love ’em and have a keychain one on my work bag. 🙂
(And yes I do mean the woodland animal, LOL!)
I don’t remember seeing beaver keychains! At Roots maybe?
*Another clarification* I also mean a stuffed toy beaver, not a real one. 🙂
i tend to buy postcards wherever i go and mail one home to myself lol! and i still love to collect them. (though it doesnt make much sense since i can take photos of the places i’ve been haha!)
tribal arts would intrigue me. not sure about the bigger souvenirs as i tend not to subscribe to the luggage service while flying!
I do that too 🙂 I don’t know, postcards are different than pictures to me… there is a different feel to them.
I travel a few times to my home country each year. Sometimes people are frustrated with what to bring home from Canada. Ice wine, maple syrup/candy, BC smoky salmon and aboriginal arts are great gifts to consider. But we forget one common thing -CANADIAN COINS, just in our pockets. We all know Canadian coins are well-designed, especially the unique TOONIE which has 2 colour tones – Gold and Silver. Simply grab a Canadian coin folder/holder from Ebay or somewhere else, insert your pocket change and give the beautiful gift which truly leaves a long-lasting impression.
Thank you for your input, and that’s great advice! Indeed toonies and loonies are lovely, and some quarters are very original too. A great gift idea to keep in mind!