Want a souvenir that truly tells the story of your Canadian getaway? Go for the “Tire d’érable” maple syrup 🍁, an Indigenous dreamcatcher, a Cirka gin from Montreal, Westmount Wool wool socks, or a Montreal Poutine DIY kit: five guaranteed gifts to make your loved ones’ eyes shine.
5 original Canadian souvenirs to pack in your suitcase
Each idea combines taste, history, and a touch of Canadiana. The goal? To offer an item that won’t end up at the bottom of a drawer.
| 🎁 Souvenir | Why is it unique? | Average price | Where to buy it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. “Marois” ice cider | Frozen apples pressed at -8 °C, awarded in 2025 | $35 | SAQ, farmers’ markets |
| 2. “Tire d’érable” 🍁 kit | Everything to roll the snow and create the famous tire | $18 | L’Artisan sugar shack, Saint-Eustache |
| 3. Cirka 375 gin | Distilled from Quebec corn and cranberries | $46 | Cirka Distilleries, 2075 Rue Cabot, Montreal |
| 4. Westmount Wool socks | Recycled wool, “Maple Leaf” design | $22 | Jean-Talon Market, Westmount Wool booth |
| 5. “Montreal Poutine & Baked Beans” box | Sauce, Dulci cheese curds, organic baked beans | $29 | Dulci Grocery, 351 Rue St-Paul West |
- 🍁 Taste tip: pair the ice cider with aged cheddar.
- 🛡️ Transport: slip the bottles into an inflatable insulated case to avoid breakage.
- 📚 Culture: each box includes a mini booklet “Flavors of the North” written by the Marois foundation.
Why do these gifts always please?
They tick three boxes: usefulness (you consume or wear them), authenticity (certified “Made in Canada” products) and history (each item supports a local craftsman).
Where to buy these typical gifts without falling into traps
Tourist streets are full of generic products; favor these addresses identified for their traceability and convenient hours.
| 🏬 Store | Address | Specialty | 2025 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Délices Érable & Cie | 84 Rue St-Paul E., Montreal | Tire d’érable, maple butter | 10 am–7 pm |
| Marché des Saveurs | 7070 Henri-Julien Ave., Montreal | Baked beans, premium syrups | 8 am–6 pm |
| Cirka Distilleries | 2075 Rue Cabot, Montreal | Cirka gin, maple whisky | 12 pm–8 pm |
| Indianica | 79 Rue St-Paul W., Montreal | Certified Indigenous art | 9 am–6 pm |
| Galerie Brousseau | 35 Rue St-Louis, Quebec City | Inuit art, lithographs | 10 am–5 pm |
- 📸 Photo tip: scan the “Authenticity” QR code stuck on Indigenous pieces to verify provenance.
- 🚇 Access: all these addresses are less than 5 minutes from the metro.
5 useful links to prepare your shopping tour
- 🔗 21 must-have Canadian souvenirs
- 🔗 Selection of specialties to bring back
- 🔗 Authentik Canada tips
- 🔗 Minimalist checklist
- 🔗 “Small budget” ideas
Customs, transport and sustainability: the 2025 practical guide
There’s nothing worse than a souvenir confiscated at the airport! Here are the rules updated for 2025 and zero-breakage tips.
- 🛄 Liquids: maximum 2 L of alcohol per adult; Duty-Paid packaging must remain sealed until arrival.
- ✈️ Wooden objects: ensure they carry the “heat treated” stamp to cross the European border.
- 🌱 Ecology: favor B Corp certified brands like Westmount Wool for a sustainable souvenir.
- 📦 Protection: reuse “air-cell” boxes provided by shops, guaranteeing 40% less breakage.
- 💡 Bonus tip: activate the “express declaration” option on the ArriveCAN app to save 15 minutes in line.
Want more gift inspirations?
Go explore:
- 🌎 The Newfoundland guide for bakeapple jams.
- 🏖️ The souvenirs from Mauritius Island if you’re aiming for the exotic.
- 🎨 The Bordeaux souvenir shops to compare craftsmanship.
- 🕌 The treasures of Marrakech for other spices.
- 🎁 The how-to find the perfect gift idea.
FAQ
- What is the lightest edible souvenir to bring back?
Dried cranberries: 100 g weighs less than a smartphone and easily passes customs. - Can I transport cheese curds?
Yes, if you travel within 24 hours and the packaging is insulated. Beyond that, prefer dehydrated cheddar powder. - How to verify the authenticity of a dreamcatcher?
Look for the label “CRAFTED by First Nations” or scan the hologram provided by the Indigenous Arts Council. - Is there a free souvenir?
Ask for a recycled license plate: some garages offer them free when changing plates. - An unusual souvenir for athletes?
A mini hockey stick signed by the junior Cirka-Lions team, sold for $15 at the Bell Centre shop.
