There are some Canadian experiences you won’t find in any guidebook. To help you explore Canadian fashion like a local, we’ve asked friends from across the country to share their top spots from the cities they call home. This your local’s guide to stylish boutiques, and essential shopping stops.
Roots - Toronto
As Canadian as it get
If ever there was a brand that embodied the Canadian spirit, it would be Roots. From dressing the Canadian Olympic teams for decades, to creating clothes for the Weeknd and Drake, this brand has a cemented place in Canadian fashion history. It's a place to buy comfortable, warm outdoor clothing, stylish indoor wear featuring Canadiana, and all the plaid you can handle. There are Roots store across the country, but its headquarters is in Toronto.
Road Trip and Trust Fund - Ottawa
Capital fashion at the market
Road Trip and Trust Fund are sister stores located in Ottawa's famous ByWard Market. They both feature a diverse mix of men's and women's styles that range from casual to luxury. It's a great place to shop while adventuring through the neighbourhood's unique array of local food and fashion.
Coal Miner’s Daughter - Toronto
Loretta Lynn would be proud
The best dresses in Toronto, according to our insider, can be found at Coal Miner's Daughter, a high-quality women's boutique. The collections are simple and sophisticated, and lean heavily on local designers. Most items you can't find anywhere else. The shop's jewellery, too, is sure to turn heads.
Rowan Sky - Vancouver
A trendy footwear hub
The Black Market Boutique - Halifax
Colourful clothing from around the world
Walking into The Black Market Boutique is an eye-opening experience. The colourful shop features items handpicked by the owners from their travels in Southeast Asia and South America. It's a uniquely curated shopping experience for clothing, jewelry, and gifts -- stock up before heading home to impress friends and colleagues.
RYU - Vancouver
Adventure gear that rules
Respect Your Universe or "RYU" designs and produces high-quality athletic gear perfect for home, gym, or outdoor treks. The Long Sleeve Tech Tee is the perfect adventure shirt that you'll never want to take off.
Herschel Supply Co. - Vancouver
A bag for all occasion
This Vancouver-based brand has earned a global reputation for creating some of the most functional, stylish bags anywhere. Herschel designs backpacks you would be proud to walk into work with, duffles that look as appropriate being held by someone in a suit as someone in gym clothes, and accessories that are themselves a main attraction.
La Gaillarde - Montreal
Look good, do good
Head to Montreal's Saint-Henri neighbourhood to La Gaillarde for eco-friendly fashion. With a focus on recycled, organic, and vintage pieces, this shop is the place to go for unique finds. Carrying items for both men and women, you'll feel good about your purchase here as La Gaillarde is also a non-profit. You can even get involved in your fashion by checking out their monthly events, which often include sewing lessons.
Lowell MTL - Montreal
They’ve got style in the bag
Lowell MTL gets its name from an American manufacturing city where many French Canadians immigrated at the end of the 19th century. That history is then blended with designs inspired by the Montreal lifestyle. The result? Fashionable, functional leather bags and accessories.
Biscuit General Store - Halifax
Quirky local fashion
Biscuit General Store features fashion, cosmetics, and accessories from local designers that are both whimsical and cutting-edge. The store is independently and locally-owned so everything is totally unique and a can't-miss for fashion lovers. They even launched their own women's line, Bonanza, which features colourful ready-to-wear dresses and blouses.
Oak + Fort - Vancouver
Minimalist Canadian couture
Our local expert claims half their closet is from Oak & Fort. And it's no wonder: the Vancouver original's minimalist Scandinavian men's and women's clothing is fashionably simple and well-made for every season. Their accessories are also reasonably priced to really top off that sleek look.
Shopgirls - Toronto
Locally-designed body positivity
Shopgirls is an awesome women's boutique for every shape and style. From petite to curvy, Shopgirls is passionate about fashion, supporting local designers, and body positivity. Everything in the store is Canadian-made and beautifully designed.
One of a Few - Vancouver
Distinct women’s fashion
One of a Few is a beautifully curated women's clothing and accessory shop in Vancouver's Gastown. The collections are classic with a vintage-inspired edge. They also offer a small selection of cool secondhand goods and the most cover-worthy selection of shoes around.
Tate and Yoko - Montreal
All about that denim
A big part of what makes Canada so special is all the cultural influences that shape our culture, our food, and, of course, our fashion. Tate and Yoko is a prime example. Specialists in cult Japanese denim products, as well as uniquely North American denim, this is one of the best places in the world to find your next pair of jeans.
Hydrostone Market - Halifax
Open-air fashion and food
The Hydrostone Market in Halifax offers a historic European shopping experience with boutique shops, eateries, and caf?s. The market was constructed in 1917 with Hydro-Stone, a rare granite block technique designed to prevent fire, giving the market its name. Our tipster's favourite shops in the market include Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique, Lady Luck Boutique, and olive oil dispensary Liquid Gold Tasting Bar.
Fresh Collective - Toronto
Casually cool
Fresh Collective is another Toronto boutique dedicated to featuring local designer clothing. The casual styles are original, the prices reasonable, and the staff exceedingly helpful. Owner Laura-Jean Bernhardson started her own fashion line in 1994 before starting Fresh Collective and dedicating the shop to creating versatile wardrobes for individualists.
Foe and Dear - Vancouver
Sophisticated local jewelry
Vancouver jewelry shop Foe and Dear designs delicate, one-of-a-kind pieces. The selection from local designer Katherine Huie is impressive and every ring, necklace, earring, and bracelet adds a modern accent to any outfit.
Canada's boutiques offer an array of unique locally-designed and made clothing. Good hunting!
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