We don’t need a temperature check to know things are going south with our neighbours down below. Now, more than ever, it feels important to look closer to home and support Canadian brands and businesses whenever we can. Because where we spend our money matters. Supporting local businesses can help keep dollars in our communities, fuel economic growth, and reduce the environmental impact of shipping things halfway around the world.
So shop smart. Shop local. Better yet, keep it hyper-local.
As my dear mother-in-law used to say, “Brush your teeth — but only the ones you want to keep.” The same thinking applies to our local shops, stores and online retailers. Vote with your wallet.
With that in mind, we’ve been tracking, tallying and rounding up some of our favourite Canadian brands worth supporting.
Now tell us yours. Drop your favourite Canadian brands in the comments — we’re always looking for more to add to the list.
For Your Body, Your Face and Everything Canadian Beauty
Instead of Sephora or Amazon, shop at: BeautySense.ca, Kind Matter and The Detox Market
- Three Ships is Canada’s go-to for affordable clean beauty that actually works. Because beauty doesn’t need to break the bank! We love Three Ships‘ biodegradable hydrogel eye masks
- Everist is a leader in haircare, introducing Canadians to its sustainable tins of shampoo, conditioner and now body soaps and more. Add your own water to these gentle formulations that have beauty gurus switching teams
- Graydon Skincare is made right here at home, offering Canadians an intuitive approach to seasonal skin issues, like dehydration and UV and protection against pollution
- Vivier offers a luxe line of modern solutions, its serums are outstanding, and its SPF formulations are an actual alternative to wearing foundation
- Wildcraft brings ultra-hydrating body creams, serums and cleansers to the mix, with retinol-like alternatives that do double-duty
For the Heart, Canadian Brands to Bring Home
So instead of Crate and Barrel or Williams Sonoma, shop at…
- Linen Chest was founded in Montreal in 1961 by Sylvia Leibner. LC offers all the textures and textiles for the home, and lots of kitchen gadgets and small appliances
- Cookery is the one-stop shop for gourmands, with locations around the city. Shop owner Alison’s shop carries a concise and precise line of kitchen goodies, and all the advice you need
- Zest Kitchen Shop is Picton’s destination for anything culinary. We love the staff; the products are all high quality, and they deliver Canada-wide. Check out Ye11ow Studio for handcrafted pottery, vases and eclectic home goods
For Fashion, Footwear and Cold Weather Gear
Instead of Nordstrom, shop at…
- Danier the leather baddie in you is ready for a new coat, gloves, bag and now even blazers. The brand continues to build on its legacy, now offering technical outerwear and faux fur looks
- MEC is now safely back in Canadian hands. Shop for sporty clothing, camping gear, bikes and anything else outdoorsy
- This is J Bamboo loungewear you can almost leave the house in, founder Jaimie Harris has been making Canadians comfortable for over 20 years
- Simons has setup shop in many of the former HBC and Nordstrom locations. The chain, from Quebec, brings whimsical home finds and wearable fashion in one stop
- Kit & Ace Shannon Wilson (former lead designer of Lululemon) heads up this lifestyle look, with lightweight fabrics and technical textiles
- Vessi is a gamechanger for wet weather. We love this brand’s bright colours and bold vision; dry feet in any weather is a guarantee
- Pajar leaves little maple leaf footprints in the snow, adorable. Its premium ‘Heritage Line’ is made right in Montreal and built for Canadian winters
- ORAKI Known for its ECOMOVE legging, Montreal brand inspires both for its wearable clothing, and sustainable backbone
- SHAN is made in Laval, sharing men’s and women’s resort wear, swimsuits and more easy-to-love fashion
- Cougar Shoes conquers cold feet and meshes high fashion looks with cold-weather function
For Canadian Decor and Interiors
Instead of Restoration Hardware, shop at…
- Must Société may be a big box store, but don’t let the size fool you. The stores are Canadian and carry Romano (handcrafted in Montréal), Verbois (made in Quebec), Mobican, and Trica—are proudly manufactured in Canada
- Bouclair shares some lovely curtains, pillows and more for the home, at affordable prices
- Home Hardware is not just for cottage country, we love this company’s dedication to local-owners which bring local charm to each shop. The Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon locations are worth the drive
- Canadian Tire is our go-to for more than automotive finds. Bikes, batteries, blenders, it’s all at your local CT store
- West Coast Kids has been open since 1974, selling Canadian brands like carseats from Clek and Stonz for durable mitts and boots
