Quick guide: the best Ottawa souvenirs by recipient
Here are some ideas to help you find the right gift from Ottawa souvenir shops and boutiques.
- For your significant other: The Ottawa ring or necklace from Magpie Jewellery
- For kids: Canadian-made toys and clothing, a plane kit from the Canada Science and Technology Museum Boutique or a maple leaf plushy from Boogie + Birdie.
- For coworkers: Maple candies from Canada in A Basket, small bottles of maple syrup, Canadian specialty foods or locally made preserves that are easy to share.
- For a friend: Explore the ByWard Market’s shops for Ottawa stickers/magnets, home goods or an art print from a Canadian maker.
- For a history enthusiast: A maple leaf or Parliament-shaped pin made from copper reclaimed from Parliament's former roof.
- For an art lover: Indigenous art, locally made jewellery, prints or crafts from the Ottawa Art Gallery shop.
- For a foodie: Canadian maple products, preserves or locally brewed craft beer.
ByWard Market’s Canadian gift shops and maple treats
- Canada in a Basket: Shop for edible souvenirs and specialty products from across Canada, including maple syrup and maple-flavoured treats. Maple candies or a small bottle of maple syrup make an easy-to-share gift for friends, family or coworkers.
- Tickled Pink: Browse Canadian-made clothing, accessories and gifts for children and adults. This is a useful stop when shopping for a family or looking for an alternative to mass-produced souvenirs.
- Eclection: Discover a curated selection of hats, clothing and accessories, with an emphasis on locally made products. Choose a wearable accessory from an independent maker as a practical reminder of your visit.
- Adaawewigamig: Find gifts that showcase Indigenous creativity and craftsmanship, including beadwork and jewellery incorporating deer or moose antler and hide. For a particularly distinctive gift, look for the Kokumoon candles, Awazibi maple syrup and pemmican strips!
- ByWard Market outdoor stalls: Browse arts and crafts, maple products and seasonal produce from vendors surrounding the historic market building. The selection changes throughout the year, making the stalls a good place to discover small gifts and locally produced goods.
ByWard Market and Sussex Drive’s Ottawa-themed finds
- Crazy Moose of Ottawa: Pick up classic Ottawa- and Canada-themed merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and other recognizable souvenirs, on pedestrian-friendly William Street.
- Milk Shop: Browse cute clothing, jewellery and accessories from Canadian and international designers.
- Magpie Jewellery: Look for The Ottawa Necklace, a pendant shaped like Ottawa as it appears on a map, creating a heart-like silhouette. Available in small and large sizes with silver and copper options, it makes a meaningful gift for someone with a connection to the city.
- Local breweries and brewpubs: Explore locally brewed craft beer and check whether takeaway cans or bottles are available. A signature Ottawa beer can make a memorable gift for an adult friend or host, subject to applicable transport and import rules.
Downtown Rideau’s Canadian-made gifts and art
- Made in Canada Gifts: Browse décor, jewellery, artwork, artisan goods and food products made in Ottawa and elsewhere in Canada. Located at CF Rideau Centre, the shop is convenient when buying several types of gifts in one place.
- OAG Shop: Discover artwork, crafts, jewellery, toys and art supplies from regional and Canadian makers at the Ottawa Art Gallery, including products with Canadian and Indigenous roots. Consider a locally made accessory or print for an art lover.
- CF Rideau Centre: Combine general shopping with visits to Made in Canada Gifts and nearby gift shops featuring more locally distinctive products.
Parliament Hill and Sparks Street’s gifts with Canadian history
- Parliamentary Boutique: Shop for Canadian-made souvenirs, including maple leaf and Parliament-shaped pins made from copper reclaimed from the former roofs of Canada’s Parliament Buildings. These Ottawa-made keepsakes are an especially meaningful choice for history enthusiasts and collectors.
- The Snow Goose: Browse Indigenous and Canadian carvings, prints and jewellery made from materials such as Canadian-sourced wood, metal and stone. Look for information about the artist, community and origin of an individual piece when selecting a gift.
Elgin Street’s quirky gifts and local flavours
- Boogie + Birdie: Browse clothing, accessories, books and bath products, many of which come from local or Canadian makers. Solmate’s intentionally mismatched socks and stuffed jackalopes are two especially playful gift ideas.
- Top Shelf Preserves: Choose from seasonal preserves, pickles, jams and jellies produced in Ottawa and sold online and through local retailers, including Pot & Pantry. Pair a jar with other Canadian specialty foods to create a small host or coworker gift.
The Glebe’s independent and practical gifts
- Escape: Shop for women’s clothing and accessories from quality fashion brands. A wearable accessory can make a practical gift for a partner or friend.
- Stomping Ground: Browse men’s clothing and accessories for a useful gift that feels less overtly touristy.
- The Papery: Find stationery and paper goods such as cards and notebooks. These practical gifts are well suited to coworkers, students, writers and friends.
- Hokum: A vintage-inspired gift shop of unique apparel, accessories, games, home goods and much more. Check out their Ottawa and Canada collections for iconic emblems of local culture.
- Octopus Books: Browse an independent selection of books and choose a title that reflects the recipient’s interests for a personal, lasting gift.
Hintonburg and Wellington West’s artisan gifts and sweet treats
- Maker House Co.: Discover Canadian-made homewares, art prints, candles, stationery and DIY kits from independent makers. A hand-stitched house hippo kit or a birch bark canoe dish makes a playful alternative to a traditional souvenir.
- Hello Dolly Pastries: Pick up creatively decorated sugar cookies for a sweet, locally made gift. Paint-your-own cookie kits featuring animals, video games and seasonal designs turn a treat into a hands-on activity, great for kids.
- Motif Boutique: Browse colourful gifts, jewellery, stationery and treats, including creations from local makers. Look for an Ottawa landmarks notebook or the boutique’s Hintonburg soy candle, with notes of tea, warm spice and vanilla, for a keepsake with a neighbourhood connection.
- JV Studios: Explore jewellery, home décor, bath products and gifts, with an emphasis on Canadian-made goods and independent designers. The boutique’s in-house jewellery collection, designed in Ottawa, includes necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets for a wearable reminder of your visit.
Ottawa museum shops’ gifts with a story
- National Gallery of Canada Boutique: Browse art-inspired gifts, books, prints and design objects connected to the gallery’s collections and exhibitions. A print or design object makes a fitting choice for an art lover.
- Diefenbunker Museum Boutique: Discover unconventional gifts inspired by Cold War and nuclear history in the museum’s underground setting. These items are particularly suited to history enthusiasts, teens and collectors.
Frequently asked questions about Ottawa souvenirs
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Ottawa?
Some of the best unique souvenirs in Ottawa are The Ottawa Necklace from Magpie Jewellery, copper pins made from Parliament's former roof, maple syrup and maple candies, Indigenous-made art and jewellery and Paperhood’s Ottawa collection, available at shops across the city including Hokum in the Glebe.
What are good Ottawa souvenirs for kids?
Consider Canadian-made toys and clothing, science kits from the Canada Science and Technology Museum Boutique or a Canadian toy from Boogie + Birdie. These options offer something more engaging than a generic keychain and can be matched to a child's age and interests.
What should I bring back from Ottawa for my coworkers?
Maple candies, small bottles of maple syrup, Canadian specialty foods and locally made preserves are practical gifts for colleagues. They're easy to share and distribute, making them especially useful when you're buying for a team.
What is a uniquely Ottawa souvenir?
The Ottawa Necklace and the copper pins made from Parliament's former roof are two standout options. Both have a direct connection to the city and make memorable gifts for people who want something more specific than a Canada-themed souvenir.
Where can I find Indigenous-made gifts in Ottawa?
Adaawewigamig in the ByWard Market area and The Snow Goose on Sparks Street are good places to start. Look for beadwork, jewellery, art, carvings and other handmade products. Adaawewigamig is particularly worth visiting for the Kokumoon candle collection and handmade jewellery incorporating beadwork or deer and moose antler and hide. Where possible, learn about the individual artist and the origins of the materials.
Where can I buy Canadian-made souvenirs in Ottawa?
Try Made in Canada Gifts at CF Rideau Centre, Eclection and Tickled Pink around ByWard Market or Boogie + Birdie on Elgin Street. The OAG Shop is another good option for regional and Canadian makers. Check product labels and descriptions if Canadian manufacturing is important to your purchase.
What is the best area in Ottawa for souvenir shopping?
ByWard Market is one of the most convenient areas because it combines food gifts, artisan vendors and independent boutiques within a walkable district. For historical souvenirs, explore Parliament Hill and Sparks Street. For independent shops and unusual gifts, visit Elgin Street and the Glebe.
Are Ottawa museum gift shops worth visiting?
Yes. Museum boutiques offer more specialized souvenirs than typical tourist shops. The National Gallery of Canada is a good choice for art-inspired gifts, the Canadian Museum of History for heritage-themed items and the Canada Science and Technology Museum for science kits and retro-inspired merchandise.
