Shopping in the Kawarthas
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for The Kawarthas, Ontario.
The Kawarthas—the land of reflections—is set amongst the intense natural beauty of southern Ontario. This splendour brought people to these lands and waters 3,000 years ago. Early European explorers following in the footsteps of Samuel Champlain, who forged trails in the early 1600s, began trading supplies for animal pelts and other natural resources gathered by First Nations people. From humble trading-post roots, Ontario's economy has grown into a rich and diverse trade driven by agriculture, natural resources and manufacturing.
The Kawarthas region is close enough to major centres, including Toronto, to access all necessary goods, but far enough away to have its own characteristic stores and shops, escaping the overwhelming influence of large chain stores.
CLOTHING & JEWELLERY
Rather than big-city franchise retail outlets, the communities of the Kawarthas region are populated with eclectic boutiques and clothing stores that often specialize in one type of fashion or style.
Jake's of Cobourg boasts the trendiest sport and urban wear, especially for skaters and snowboarders. Children's shops are also popular among visitors who are keen to take home specialty wear for little ones. Over the Moon Kids, also in Cobourg, is a small shop with a big collection of children's clothing, toys and gifts.
Import jewellery as well as handcrafted pieces can be found in jewellery stores mostly concentrated in Peterborough. Laffin the Dark is a nice choice for casual pieces, offering sterling silver and semi-precious-stone jewellery. For a formal event, Charlotte Jewellers has diamond, gold and platinum jewellery and for something truly unique, visit Beadazzled, a studio featuring original works from beads, metals and stones.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Artistry and craftsmanship are common professions in the Kawarthas, so there are many art supplies and craft and hobby shops in the area. The themes and materials used in local visual arts are varied, though artists of this area are typically influenced in some way by First Nations culture and the natural environment. Paintings, sculptures, pottery and even stained glass works can be found in local art galleries, gift shops and souvenir stores. The Lynden Gallery in Port Hope features only original works by Canadian artists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to add a piece of Canadiana to their home.
A piece of furniture or home décor reflective of the local culture also makes a nice vacation souvenir. Like artisans, local craftsmen take a great deal of pride in their work, creating original, one-of-a-kind pieces. John Doyle Blacksmith in Port Hope creates old-fashioned ironworks with traditional, centuries-old methods of forging using a hammer and anvil. Through this process, John makes original furniture and accessories.
A little piece of Canadian history can be found in the many antique shops in the region. Perhaps the most unique is Cameron School House Antiques, a small shop actually set in an old schoolhouse in the hamlet of Cameron. This unique merchant has an assortment of memorabilia from the early days of the community, including furniture, lighting and jewellery. For those who enjoy the look of historic pieces but are on a budget, reproduction furniture, accessories and jewellery can be found at the Porch and Parlour in Marmora.
FUN & ADVENTURE
For novices as well as enthusiasts, sports stores and outfitters can help anyone prepare for an exciting activity or adventure. The Kawarthas' rolling hills, never-ending woodlands and blazing sunsets beckon visitors all year round. However, despite the beauty of the land, it is the lakes and rivers that draw the most attention. In spring, enjoy an invigorating swim in the cool waters, beat the summer heat with a waterskiing adventure, while away the lazy days of autumn on a fishing boat or enjoy a crisp morning skate along the edges of a frozen lake in winter.
All sports stores offer something for water-sport enthusiasts. The Headwater Wooden Boat Shop is an ideal destination for equipment and rentals and also sells beautiful custom-made boats, canoes and kayaks. Buckeye Source for Sports is well stocked for all types of sports and in any season. Buckeye has skis and snowboards in winter and swimwear and fishing gear in summer.
BARE NECESSITIES
Shopping malls are a good place to stock up on essentials and a pleasant way to browse shops on a cool winter day. Lansdowne Place in Petersborough has 70 retail stores and services, while the Lindsay Square Shopping Mall in the community of Lindsay is smaller but has all the necessities, housing a grocery store, department store, pharmacy and clothing stores.
Independent grocery stores are present in all towns and villages in the Kawarthas, as are specialty stores featuring locally grown and produced goods. Sobeys in Fenelon Falls is a great place to stock up on grocery essentials, including fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. For a more engaging experience, visit a specialty farm or dairy store for fresh produce. Three Roads Farms, a family-run meat market and deli in Peterborough, specializes in meat products, including locally raised poultry, and the Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon sells fresh milk, butter, yogurt and 20 flavours of premium ice cream, including Moose Tracks and Maple Walnut.
Ontario specialties are enjoyed by locals and visitors; beautifully packaged maple syrup, honey and preserves make delightful souvenirs or thoughtful gifts for friends and relatives back home. Enjoy local honey from Burke's Honey Farm in Omemee, which has been in business for over a hundred years, or from Heritage Hollow Honey and Herbs, which offers many gourmet flavours, including cinnamon and wild blueberry.
The Kawarthas region is close enough to major centres, including Toronto, to access all necessary goods, but far enough away to have its own characteristic stores and shops, escaping the overwhelming influence of large chain stores.
CLOTHING & JEWELLERY
Rather than big-city franchise retail outlets, the communities of the Kawarthas region are populated with eclectic boutiques and clothing stores that often specialize in one type of fashion or style.
Jake's of Cobourg boasts the trendiest sport and urban wear, especially for skaters and snowboarders. Children's shops are also popular among visitors who are keen to take home specialty wear for little ones. Over the Moon Kids, also in Cobourg, is a small shop with a big collection of children's clothing, toys and gifts.
Import jewellery as well as handcrafted pieces can be found in jewellery stores mostly concentrated in Peterborough. Laffin the Dark is a nice choice for casual pieces, offering sterling silver and semi-precious-stone jewellery. For a formal event, Charlotte Jewellers has diamond, gold and platinum jewellery and for something truly unique, visit Beadazzled, a studio featuring original works from beads, metals and stones.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Artistry and craftsmanship are common professions in the Kawarthas, so there are many art supplies and craft and hobby shops in the area. The themes and materials used in local visual arts are varied, though artists of this area are typically influenced in some way by First Nations culture and the natural environment. Paintings, sculptures, pottery and even stained glass works can be found in local art galleries, gift shops and souvenir stores. The Lynden Gallery in Port Hope features only original works by Canadian artists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to add a piece of Canadiana to their home.
A piece of furniture or home décor reflective of the local culture also makes a nice vacation souvenir. Like artisans, local craftsmen take a great deal of pride in their work, creating original, one-of-a-kind pieces. John Doyle Blacksmith in Port Hope creates old-fashioned ironworks with traditional, centuries-old methods of forging using a hammer and anvil. Through this process, John makes original furniture and accessories.
A little piece of Canadian history can be found in the many antique shops in the region. Perhaps the most unique is Cameron School House Antiques, a small shop actually set in an old schoolhouse in the hamlet of Cameron. This unique merchant has an assortment of memorabilia from the early days of the community, including furniture, lighting and jewellery. For those who enjoy the look of historic pieces but are on a budget, reproduction furniture, accessories and jewellery can be found at the Porch and Parlour in Marmora.
FUN & ADVENTURE
For novices as well as enthusiasts, sports stores and outfitters can help anyone prepare for an exciting activity or adventure. The Kawarthas' rolling hills, never-ending woodlands and blazing sunsets beckon visitors all year round. However, despite the beauty of the land, it is the lakes and rivers that draw the most attention. In spring, enjoy an invigorating swim in the cool waters, beat the summer heat with a waterskiing adventure, while away the lazy days of autumn on a fishing boat or enjoy a crisp morning skate along the edges of a frozen lake in winter.
All sports stores offer something for water-sport enthusiasts. The Headwater Wooden Boat Shop is an ideal destination for equipment and rentals and also sells beautiful custom-made boats, canoes and kayaks. Buckeye Source for Sports is well stocked for all types of sports and in any season. Buckeye has skis and snowboards in winter and swimwear and fishing gear in summer.
BARE NECESSITIES
Shopping malls are a good place to stock up on essentials and a pleasant way to browse shops on a cool winter day. Lansdowne Place in Petersborough has 70 retail stores and services, while the Lindsay Square Shopping Mall in the community of Lindsay is smaller but has all the necessities, housing a grocery store, department store, pharmacy and clothing stores.
Independent grocery stores are present in all towns and villages in the Kawarthas, as are specialty stores featuring locally grown and produced goods. Sobeys in Fenelon Falls is a great place to stock up on grocery essentials, including fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. For a more engaging experience, visit a specialty farm or dairy store for fresh produce. Three Roads Farms, a family-run meat market and deli in Peterborough, specializes in meat products, including locally raised poultry, and the Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon sells fresh milk, butter, yogurt and 20 flavours of premium ice cream, including Moose Tracks and Maple Walnut.
Ontario specialties are enjoyed by locals and visitors; beautifully packaged maple syrup, honey and preserves make delightful souvenirs or thoughtful gifts for friends and relatives back home. Enjoy local honey from Burke's Honey Farm in Omemee, which has been in business for over a hundred years, or from Heritage Hollow Honey and Herbs, which offers many gourmet flavours, including cinnamon and wild blueberry.
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