The holiday season is here, and many of us are wondering how to find memorable, meaningful gifts for friends and loved ones. Sure, you could fill up the cart faster at an online megastore, but shopping locally offers the chance to support artisans and entrepreneurs in your area while choosing gifts that are genuinely unique. As a bonus, you can also treat yourself to a little tour of the region at a picturesque time of year.
The Trent-Severn Trail Towns are communities along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway that are notable for their friendly atmosphere and charming downtowns. Doing your shopping in the Trail Towns is a great way to explore the region while taking care of the holiday necessities, so we’ve compiled a list of places where you can do just that. All of the businesses below are certified Trail Town Friendly, earning our highest recommendation for service and quality.
Bobcaygeon
Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing has been in operation since 1911. You might expect a small town store to have a correspondingly modest selection, but Bigley’s boasts over 40,000 pairs of shoes. In addition to fashionable footwear, you’ll also find a generous collection of clothing, accessories, and giftware. 39 Bolton St
Globus Theatre is a perfect choice for anyone on your list who prefers experiential gifts over material ones. Treat them to theatre tickets and they’ll be able to choose from Globus’ upcoming season of professional entertainment, from comedies to mysteries. Box Office: 2300 Pigeon Lake Rd
Buckhorn
The Buckhorn Welcome Centre is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11-4. If anyone on your gift giving list looks good in cottage chic, it’s well worth finding time to stop in on a weekend before the holidays. Hoodies, t-shirts, ball caps and other Buckhorn-branded apparel allow locals to show off their hometown pride, and make great souvenirs from the Kawarthas for anyone visiting from out of town. 1993A Lakehurst Rd
Style Your Nest Home Décor may close their brick-and-mortar store after October, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop local year-round. Order online and you’ll find a tasteful selection of giftware like candles, bath products, and charcuterie boards, as well as apparel and other needful things for cottage life. (online only in winter)
Campbellford
Dizzy Goose Toys, Games and Curiosities will appeal to the kids on your list, as well as the adults who appreciate a bit of whimsy in their life. A well-curated selection of board games, retro toys, and colourful puzzles offer great options to while away a snowy holiday. 27 Front St S
World’s Finest Chocolate might just mean one-stop shopping for stocking stuffers. You’ll find everything from individually wrapped chocolates to overflowing gift baskets, all at factory outlet prices. Just be sure not to overdo it on their irresistible chocolate almonds. 157 Cockburn St
Coboconk & Rosedale
Curious Bear Marketplace is a multi-vendor shop where you’ll find unique creations by artisans from Kawartha Lakes and beyond. Jewelry, apparel, wood carvings—there’s a huge variety here, and a story behind each item. 5584 ON-35
The Prospector’s Daughter offers up seriously positive vibes with its selection of crystals, stones, artwork, and other gifts. A must-visit if there’s anyone on your list whose tastes tend towards the mystic and ethereal. 6668 ON-35
Fenelon Falls
The Barn & Bunkie’s selection of giftware will allow you to decorate the house or the cottage with genuinely one-of-a-kind items. If you can’t decide, they even offer a Holiday Bag with seasonally themed ornaments and other soothing inclusions. 41 Lindsay St
Colborne Street Gallery is your go-to if you’re shopping for a serious art lover. Striking work is available by local and international artists, and their Holiday Art Market also makes it easy to find something smaller but meaningful. 36 Colborne St
Hastings
River’s Edge on Front has beautiful modern décor as well as a selection of antiques and collectables. You can rest assured the owner Julie Whiteman takes her selection seriously, having honed her decorative sense staging homes for the real estate industry. 9 Front St E
McGillicafey’s Pub & Eatery is another excellent choice if you prefer an experiential gift. The Hastings institution is located steps from Lock 18, offering beautiful views across the water in all seasons. With a varied menu and ten craft beer taps, foodies and beer lovers alike are sure to appreciate a gift card. 13 Bridge St. N
Lakefield
Stuff offers a wide selection of giftable items bursting with unpretentious charm. Many of their products are certified made in Canada, so you can shop knowing you’re supporting local in more ways than one. There’s also a sweet and fun kid’s section. 49 Queen St
The Chocolate Rabbit is overflowing with delicious options for the chocolate lover, from truffle boxes to Christmas-themed molded bars. You’ll also find tea, coffee, stuffies, and other eminently giftable products rounding out their selection. 11 Queen St
Lindsay
Tradewind Toys & Gifts has been providing fun and games to the Lindsay community since 1996. From Playmobil to puzzles, the shop abounds with artistic, educational, playful gifts for people of all ages. 110 Kent St W
Down to Earth Outfitters caters to the outdoorspeople on your list. With a specialization in cycling, they offer a wide selection of bikes and service options, as well as outdoor clothing and gear to keep your lover ones healthy and happy through the winter season. 22 Kent St W
