'Tis the Season: 7 Festive Small Town Shopping Escapes

Thinking about holiday shopping conjures images of small town streets crowded with boutique shops, window fronts sparkling with holiday lights, and with festive music tinkling in the air.

Sounds like shopping bliss, doesn’t it? Contrast this vision with the trauma-inducing big box store or three-story mall shopping filled with ALL THE PEOPLE trying to get just one last thing for that ONE PERSON THEY FORGOT on their list, while you sweat and shove and try to find the one washroom that has a line stretching around the corner.

Pro tip: If you have to choose one, pick door number one.

Do holiday shopping right this year and combine a festive getaway with the magic of small town holiday shopping. 

Festive Bliss in Pembroke

Downtown Pembroke is filled with cute shops, cozy cafes, and great eateries, all in a one-kilometre stretch in one of Ontario’s prettiest small towns. The downtown is adjacent to the Ottawa River, with beautiful walking trails to stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air after a day of holiday retail therapy. 

Unique Gifts: Find the latest fashions and styles at West on Main or Dot. or cute home décor at Pick-it-Fence. Coffee lovers will love to brew a cup of local coffee from Madawaska Coffee Co. (they have some pretty cool swag, too). Shopping will seem just a little bit sweeter with a sweet pick-me-up from 7th Heaven Sweets (pro tip: their cupcakes make a great gift to bring to a holiday party). 

Holiday Movie Set in Almonte

If you think the small town of Almonte looks like a holiday movie set, you would be right! This cute-as-a-button town has been featured in numerous Hallmark specials due to its unusually Christmas-y vibe. With tons of boutique shops decked out in lights and tinsel, you won’t miss out on the festive vibe here.

Unique Gifts: Head to Mill Street for maximum shopping opportunities! A few of our favourite shops are The Tin Barn Market for cozy and cute home décor finds, Grace and Sparrow for unique ladies clothing, and Threadwork for authentic Celtic wool sweaters (and more) that will look like they came straight from Ireland (which they may have).

Holiday Cheer in Perth

The historic downtown in Perth will make you feel like you’re wandering in a town of yesteryear. The shops here go above and beyond when it comes to twinkling lights and greenery, and holiday music tinkles through the air from outdoor speakers to complete the experience. 

Unique Gifts: There are so many fabulous shops here! Head to Red Brick Emporium for fun and unique housewares, fine art, pottery, and textiles at Riverguild, and soft and cozy clothing from Flint & Honey. The Perth Cheese Shop has unusual cheeses and goodies that make the perfect hostess gift for a holiday party. Swing past The Rideau Candy Shoppe to pick up hard-to-find candy for kids (and adults). 

Bells are Ringing in Bancroft

Located in the Mineral Capital of Ontario, Bancroft is set on rolling terrain with a picturesque iron-foot bridge thrown in to keep things interesting. The York River will be the centrepiece for a holiday stroll through the downtown.

Unique Gifts: The Old Tin Shed has fun giftware you won’t find anywhere else, or if you’re looking for great art, the Art Gallery of Bancroft highlights fabulous local artists, while The Muse Gallery & Café has the best of both worlds – great coffee and artisanal products from local artists and artisans. The Bancroft General Mercantile has the largest selection of retro candy in Ontario, in case you have a few people on your list who love candy (aka everyone). 

Deck the Towns in Haliburton Highlands

Why settle for one small town when you can do your holiday shopping in three? When you stay in one of the small towns in Haliburton Highlands, like Haliburton Village, Carnarvon, or Minden (only a short drive between each destination), there are endless gift buying opportunities to be had. From mittens to musical instruments, Haliburton Highlands has it all.

Unique Gifts: Head to HaliUkes in Abbey Gardens to find quality made ukuleles, guitalele, and other musical accessories. And yes, they are adjacent to Haliburton Highlands Brewing Co. so why not get some beer while you’re there, too?  Visit Up River Trading Co. for – well, just about everything you could possibly be looking for in a gift! For antiques and collectibles, Castle Antiques & Café is well stocked in both. For someone who has everything already, consider a locally made preserve or artisan product from the nearby Abbey Gardens.

Experience a Real-Life Hallmark Setting in Carleton Place

Each year, Carleton Place transforms into a holiday shopper's dream, where historic architecture and twinkling lights set the scene for discovering one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you're searching for handmade goods, stylish home decor or locally crafted treats, Carleton Place delivers. 

Unique Gifts: There are so many fun shops to explore here! In the downtown, The Dress Shop is a must visit for handmade designer clothing, while Coastal can be the spot for great consignment and vintage finds. Near Highway 7, Acquisti Life is a trendy boutique shop that offers brand name women's clothing, footwear, home decor and more! For special finds perfect for everyone on your list, visit The Real Wool Shop for unique wool, alpaca, mohair clothing and accessories. 

Make Merry in Maynooth

Tucked between Bancroft and Algonquin Park, Maynooth is a small village with big character. This is where you want to go to decompress from the holiday fever and still have a chance to do some shopping while you relax. Explore cozy cafes, antique shops, and an old fashioned general store before heading back to relax under the stars at your accommodation. 

Unique Gifts: The Maynooth General Store is packed with so many unique items you could spend hours in there. From clothing (including moccasins and handknit items) to food and drink, this shop literally has it all. When you're feeling peckish head to the Sun Run Cafe for homestyle sandwiches, soups and baked goods.