*Photo above: Canada Trading Company*
Travelling to Niagara Falls brings millions of people to this city each year. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of one of the natural wonders of the world, and after their visit to this city, they want to bring a piece of their stay here home with them.
Whether it be a uniquely Canadian piece, or a strictly Niagara Falls-based souvenir, here are three of the most popular Niagara Falls gift shops that specialize in producing and selling quality merchandise for the international traveler:
Canadian Treasures, Table Rock Welcome Centre , 6650 Niagara Parkway
One of the top attractions to go to when you visit the Niagara Falls is the Journey Behind the Falls. Elevators descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead and to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one-third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the Falls for pictures that are literally as close to the Falls as you can get. After your tour, you exit directly into a top-notch Niagara Falls gift shop aptly named “Canadian Treasures“.
I spoke to Nancy Jackman, the Retail Purchasing Manager for the Niagara Parks Commission, about the types of products that international consumers can purchase here and I took a few photos myself of my visit.
Pre-packaged, easy to store in luggage products are the best-sellers. These are things that are unique to Canada such as their Canadian prints from local Niagara Imaging Artist, Paul Albert Augustino, Maple Syrup and Maple Syrup cookies, and Canada or Niagara Falls printed t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Nancy also creates displays that hone in on specific international markets, while still being able to take home a relevant “Niagara Falls” souvenir, such as snow globes that feature the Niagara Falls in the Winter-time, but with colours specific to their own culture. For example, one of the photos above features products with a “Mexican”-type flair — piggy banks, coffee mugs, and shot glasses, etc.
The store is a surplus of everything that is relevant to Canada. Native carvings and collectibles, Royal Canadian Mounted Police souvenirs, jewellery and glassware are just a few products sold here.
For the traveler on the go looking to buy in bulk, they love the sale items like the “3 for $9.99” boxes of Maple Cookies. They are cheap, purely Canadian and the perfect gift for friends and co-workers that always say “bring me back something from Canada!”
Table Rock is fully wheelchair accessible, and the Canadian Treasures store is open daily except on Christmas Day. Currently they are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing as late as 11 p.m. during summer months.
Canada Trading Company, 4950 Clifton Hill
The leading tourist hotspot in Niagara Falls is without a doubt, Clifton Hill. Besides the Niagara Parkway, the only way to view the Falls is to funnel through this very popular entertainment district. The street is alive with attractions, dining, nightclubs, and many retail outlets — with the Canada Trading Company being a leader in selling any kind of Canadian-made products that you can think of. There is something for everyone to take home from this store.
There is a large selection of top quality souvenir clothing, figurines, water globes, wind spinners, handcrafted jewellery, as well as an impressive display of Native area artwork, totems, Inukshuks & Moccasins, dream catchers, masks and statues. Maple cookies, Canadian teas and chocolates, toys, and various Canada and Niagara Falls printed purses, coffee mugs, key chains, etc. are sold here. The list is endless!
A large majority of the customer base fly here from Japan and South America. Our Canadian made jewellery and clothing are huge sellers here. During the Winter months, the ladies love the warm, wool shawls and infinity scarves, and during the Summer, expect to see a full range of ladies and men’s latest fashions, including footwear . Of course the postcards, pens, key chains, mugs, and other “Niagara Falls” featured souvenirs are always top of the list as well.
Here are a few photos of some products that you can expect to see here:
The Canada Trading Company is open 7 days a week, all year-long — open as late as 2:00 am in the Summer months and during busy holidays.
Souvenir City, 4199 River Road
Souvenir City is located on the scenic Niagara Parkway, just North of the Whirlpool Bridge and features 15,000 square feet of Canadian items and gifts. They have many motor coach companies who visit the store for shopping, snacks, and a rest break on the way to the popular Niagara Parks attractions such as the Butterfly Conservatory and the Whirlpool Aero Car, and for winery and scenic visits to beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The facility was designed specifically as a motorcoach attraction and offers friendly, professional and multilingual staff. We offer free ample reserved bus parking.
I spoke to Rebeka Janzen from Souvenir City and she had this to say:
“International groups are very important to Souvenir City because it gives them a chance to experience The One-Stop-Shop in Niagara Falls. By visiting Souvenir City, they have the opportunity to see, taste, and feel a lot of products which they cannot get in their local countries. It also gives them a chance to experience a beautiful scenery while shopping, as well as take advantage of plenty of free photo opportunities with our larger-than-life Canadian icons. We have the largest assortment of Maple products in Niagara Falls, which includes everything from candies, syrup, tea, coffee, and chocolates! Maple Syrup is exclusive to North America and its products are most popular with our International customers. Other popular items include native crafts, mugs, key chains, magnets, t-shirts, and plush animals”.
For more information on what they have to offer motorcoach companies and to book groups please call 1-866-344-0985.