20 Places to Shop Local on the North Shore

From Thunder Bay to Marathon and everywhere in between, these 20 local spots offer the perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

Why shop local? It's a chance to support businesses and business owners within your community while reducing your environmental impact. Compared to the national chains, you’ll often find better service too. Local business owners do what they do because they’re passionate about their products and services.

Luckily for residents looking to shop local on the North Shore, this area is packed with amazing shops, services, and unique arts and crafts. Here are 20 places to shop local in Superior Country. 

Thunder Bay

Amethyst Gift Centre

Conveniently located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at 400 Victoria Avenue E. is the Panorama Amethyst Gift Centre. Although the mine itself is closed during the winter seasons, you can patronize the gift shop. For any crystal lovers or science enthusiasts in your life, these locally-mined quartz pieces make the perfect gift. Amethyst is also the birthstone for the month of February—so anyone with loved ones born in that month, take note! If you’re looking for a keepsake item to gift, the Amethyst Gift Centre has you covered.

For more information visit:
Online: Amethyst Gift Center

Sweet & Savoury Grazing Co.

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the Goods & Co. Market and online at
Sweet & Savoury Grazing Co., this mother-daughter business specializes in lush grazing experiences. Their platters are perfect for celebratory get-togethers and dinners or to gift to your food lover. They offer vegan, vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-free options. By ordering a Sweet & Savoury charcuterie box you are not only supporting this one local business but several local businesses including GOTT Cupcakes, Dolce Coffee house, Fresco’s Deli, and many others.

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @sweetandsavourygrazongco
Online: Sweet & Savoury Grazing Co.

R Studio Ceramics

Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario and available on Etsy.
R Studio Ceramics is owned and operated by artist Robyn Larsen. She creates marvellous handmade ceramics either wheel thrown or slab built. Visit her shop to discover everything from coffee mugs, pet food & water dishes, ring cones, nesting bowls, and much more. Made with love, Robyn is focused on producing functional ware to be used and loved daily.

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @rstudioceramics
Online: R Studio Ceramics

Finn Origins Sauna Lifestyle

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the Goods & Co. Market as well as online, Finn Origins is a proud sauna lifestyle and wellness brand. They feature a range of products, at various price points, ensuring you’ll be able to find something for the sauna lover or cottage enthusiast in your family. From sauna textiles, thermometers, and body care accessories to buckets and ladles, let them help you relax, restore and refresh!

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @finnorigins
Online: Finn Origins

11/17 Apparel

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and available online. 
11/17 Apparel is a fashion brand popular with locals. Their designs are featured on sweaters, flannels, hats, and more. They have a variety of collections including but not limited to the Lake Superior Collection and the Shebandowan Collection. 11/17 Apparel also offers options for customized clothing and camp signs too!

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @1117apparel
Online: 11/17 Apparel

The Superior Life

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario at multiple winter markets and online.
The Superior Life is a nautical lifestyle brand, featuring a variety of sweaters, shirts, and hats. If you’re looking for a gift for a Superior lover, this is a great brand to support. To get a complete list of all the markets they’ll be located at for an in-person shopping experience, check out their Instagram page.
The Superior Life also offers free local delivery in Thunder Bay!

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @thesuperiorlifeclothingco
Online: The Superior Life

Goods & Co. Market

Located in Thunder Bay, Ontario at 251 Red River Road.
The city's new Goods & Co. Market is your one-stop shopping destination. Featuring a variety of local food and merchandise vendors including Superior Seasons Farm Store, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co., Humble Fish, and many, many more, this innovative economic development project is women-led and sure to impress. Be sure to check the market out and support the local vendors.

Hours of Operation:

Mon – Tues: CLOSED
Wed – Fri: 11AM – 7PM
Sat – Sun: 10AM – 4PM

Special Dates:
Dec 31st: 11AM – 3PM

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @goodscomarket
Online: Goods & Co Market

Dorion, Hurkett, Red Rock

Hurkett Hill Farms

Located in Hurkett, Ontario, at 726 Highway 582 off Highway 11/17.
Hurkett Hill Farms is a family-owned small-scale farm. They raise their own chickens, turkeys, and goats as well as grow their own vegetables. This makes them the perfect spot for fresh, locally-sourced gifts. The Hurkett Hill Farm Honey is a fan favourite and makes the perfect hostess offering or gift for the foodie in your life. 

Some of their products can be found in Hurkett at the Canyon Country Coop or in Nipigon at Twigs in Bloom.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Hurkett Hill Farm

Canyon Country Coop

Located in Hurkett, Ontario, at 920 Highway 11/17.
The Canyon Country Coop is an all-in-one local shopping destination. You can find everything from adult and youth clothing, household items and décor, farm fresh local foods, and much more. With vendors from Dorion, Hurkett, and Red Rock you will be sure to find a surplus of gift ideas. The coop also features daily soups and sandwiches as well as chili on Thursdays.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Canyon Country Co-op

Boozhoo Flowers & Gifts

Located in Red Rock, Ontario.
Boozhoo Flowers & Gifts is a home-based floral business that offers delivery. Their arrangements can also be found at Saunders Foodland. Whatever the occasion, a personalized flower arrangement never fails to please. Choose from a variety of arrangements and bring joy and a touch of spring/summer to your loved one this season.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Boozhoo Flowers & Gifts

Nipigon and Lake Helen Reserve

Twigs in Bloom

Located in Nipigon, Ontario, at 20 Riverview St.
Twigs in Bloom is known to the locals as “the plant shop”, featuring a variety of house plants—from ivy to succulents and air plants, you can find an abundance of gift ideas for that plant lover in the family or friend group. Aside from house plants, they also sell home décor and personal items. Handmade jewellery, woodworkings and clothing are just the tip of the iceberg!

For more information visit:
On Instagram: @twigsinbloom
On Facebook: Twigs in Bloom

Pelletier’s Gas Bar & Native Art Gallery

Located in Lake Helen Reserve, Nipigon, Ontario at 117 New St.
Pelletier’s Gas Bar & Native Art Gallery features homemade baking, hanging wall art, leather work, moccasins, beaded items, and much more! Support local, traditional crafters this holiday season. Various local vendors supply the Gas Bar & Art Gallery such as Deep Roots Candles, a Thunder Bay-based, hand-poured candle company. You will find many great gifting opportunities at Pelletier’s Gas Bar & Native Art Gallery.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Pelletier’s Gas Bar & Native Art Gallery
Online: Pelletier’s Gas Bar & Native Art Gallery

Rossport

Island Pottery

Located in Rossport, Ontario, on Nicol Island.
The views alone make a visit to Tim Alexander's scenic Island Pottery shop worth the trip. The artist fires his pottery in a two-chambered Japanese-style climbing kiln which requires 20 hours of stoking for each batch. Shoppers can browse woodfired stoneware and porcelain handmade wares such as teapots, bowls, serving dishes, plates, and much more. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, Island Pottery is sure to have the perfect piece for you.
There is also a Thunder Bay gallery location at 14 College Street.

For more information visit:
Online: Island Pottery

Schreiber

Douglas Hunt

Located in Schreiber, Ontario, at 103 Simon Street.
Influenced by the Group of Seven, Ken Danby, and Andrew Wyeth, artist Doug Hunt has a passion for painting and photographing scenes along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Drawing on his original photographs, Hunt recreates the shots into marvellous watercolour paintings. Visitors can purchase these one-of-a-kind pieces and give the gift of local art inspired by nature—a piece sure to be the focal point of any room.

For more information visit:
Online: Douglas Hunt

Hollywood Filane Sportwear & Embroidery

Located in Schreiber, Ontario, at 305 Scotia St.
Hollywood Filane Sportwear & Embroidery is a perfect shopping destination. The shop offers personalized embroidered clothing and souvenirs which lets you give a truly original gift. They also offer merchandise from local spots like Slate Island Brewing Company, Casque Island Hiking Trail, Mighty Mitch & Jungle Joe’s Jigflies, and more!

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Hollywood Filane Sportwear & Embroidery
Online: Hollywood Filane Sportwear

Terrace Bay

Strawberry’s Floral Boutique

Located in Terrace Bay, Ontario, at 19 Simcoe Plaza off Highway 17.
Strawberry’s Floral Boutique offers a range of floral arrangements, wreaths, house plants, Brumate items, and much more! You can even order a Christmas tree from them! They offer flower delivery as well as gift baskets.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Strawberry’s Floral Boutique
Online: Strawberry’s Floral Boutique

Trestle Ridge Ski Hill

Located in Terrace Bay, Ontario.
Trestle Ridge Ski Hill is the perfect winter destination to spend weekends and days off getting out, enjoying the beauty of Superior Country. For the skier/snowboarder in your family/friend group, consider gifting them season passes, rentals, stocking stuffer merchandise, and more!
Passes are available for purchase until December 31st, at the Terrace Bay Town Office, located at 1 Selkirk Avenue.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Trestle Ridge Ski Hill
Online: Trestle Ridge Ski Hill
On Instagram: @trestle_ridge_ski_hill

Marathon

Northern Cozy Soap Co.

Located in Marathon, Ontario, at 17 Chisholm Trail.
Northern Cozy Soap Co. features handcrafted cold process soaps, bath truffles, bath bombs, and much more. Find a perfectly scented gift for the wellness guru in your life! They also offer pre-packaged gift baskets in a range of sizes. Carol is a passionate business owner and is happy to help you choose a personalized gift for that special someone.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Northern Cozy Soap Co
On Instagram: @NorthernCozy_Soap_Co

Mays Gift Shop

Located in Marathon, Ontario, on Highway 17.
Mays Gifts is a one-stop shop for your shopping needs. Find warm offerings from local artisans such as hats, fleece slippers, and blankets. Shopers can also discover local art pieces as well as items from Gourmet Du Village, Northern Cozy Soap Co, and more. From home décor to wellness soaps, recipe books, and candles, Mays Gifts has something for everyone.

For more information visit:
On Facebook: Mays Gifts (Mays Gifts)

Marathon Community Stocking Stuffers

Located in Marathon, Ontario, at 4 Hemlo Drive.
The Marathon Community Stocking Stuffers is your opportunity to purchase any combination of individual passes at a 25% discount for the following activities: Swimming, Skating, and Fitness. The passes can only be used after December 25th, making them ideal stocking stuffer items.

For more information visit:
Online: Marathon Community Stocking Stuffers

Aside from the 20 destinations above, be sure to check local township pages for other Christmas markets, craft markets, and local business highlights for holiday shopping. Support your community and local business owners by shopping local!

About Brooke Russell

Born and raised in Nipigon Ontario, Brooke spends her time fishing, hunting and trapping with her guiding mentor Bobby Bearman. She is an avid lover of Northern Ontario and ready to take on any adventure year-round—whether it be hiking, canoeing, and camping in the summer or braving the cold snowshoeing and skiing in the winter. She has a passion for sharing memories to inspire others to fall in love with the north.

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