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Where to Buy Souvenirs in Toronto: A Shopper’s Handy Guide

Toronto, rich in history and cultural diversity, is a bustling hub for souvenir shopping, whether you're looking for an art piece from an independent artist or a piece of Maple Leafs sports memorabilia. Here's your guide to the best locales for finding souvenirs in Toronto.

1. The Distillery District

Immerse yourself in historic Victorian charm as you stroll along the cobblestones of the Distillery District. Shop at unique boutiques like Bergo Designs for contemporary home items, Cube Works for cubist-inspired art, or Corktown Designs for one-of-a-kind Toronto-designed jewellery. These stores offer locally-made products, making for truly special mementos.

2. Blue Banana Market

Located in Kensington Market, Blue Banana Market is a one-stop-shop for quirky Toronto souvenirs. This shop has a broad selection of artisanal gifts, quirky novelties, locally-crafted accessories, and Canadian-inspired goods like Maple syrup or t-shirts sporting moose prints. It’s a perfect mix of the odd, the eclectic, and the iconically Torontonian.

3. Yonge-Dundas Square

In the heart of downtown Toronto lies Yonge-Dundas Square, an epicentre of retail shops and malls like the Toronto Eaton Centre. Here, you’ll find posters, hats, jerseys, and more, from sports franchises like the Toronto Raptors or the Toronto Maple Leafs. For something more refined, search for Canadian made crafts and Indigenous artworks at the local art stores.

4. Drake General Store

If you’re after quirky, distinctly Canadian gifts, visit the Drake General Store. They stock a diverse array of products from clothing and home accessories to gourmet snacks. With its hip and modern twist on the traditional souvenir shop, the Drake General Store is a great place to purchase unique keepsakes and gifts.

5. St. Lawrence Market

For foodie tourists, the historic St. Lawrence Market in Old Town Toronto is a must-visit. You can pick out a delicious edible souvenir, from Canadian cheeses to artisanal bread and locally-cured meats. For non-edible tokens, check out numerous stalls offering hand-crafted gifts, antique goods, and artwork inspired by the local scenes.

6. Spacing Store

For unique, city-centric memorabilia, check out the Spacing Store. They offer merchandise decorated with the Toronto transit system design, subway station pillows, and toques decorated with famous Toronto icons. It’s a shop made by Torontonians for lovers of Toronto.

7. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Shop

The AGO Shop offers more than just admission tickets to view the vast collection of indigenous and international art. Its shop sells beautifully designed stationery, art reproductions, and curated gifts. If you appreciate art and design, it is worth dropping by for a memento of your cultural visit. Whatever your style or taste, Toronto's various districts and quirky boutique stores have you covered. Each area of the city brings a different shopping experience, catering to sports enthusiasts, art lovers, foodies, and those who appreciate the unique and eclectic. Walking around, exploring, and discovering is part of the charm. Happy souvenir shopping!