Canada has a long history of creating world-class products that can easily go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in the United States and here are 15 of the greatest ones.
Naked & Famous
Before you buy that classic pair of Levi’s from across the border, consider Naked & Famous. They’re a Montreal-based denim company that prides itself on top-quality Japanese fabric and made-in-Canada stitching.
All their jeans are sold raw, which means they come undistressed from the factory. Instead of shrinking and fading quickly like most jeans from the mall, Naked & Famous denim adapts to your body and will last for years.
Kotn
Skip the GAP and J.Crew, and check out Kotn for stylish basics made right here in Toronto. They specialize in t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and loungewear using Egyptian cotton.
One major difference between Kotn and US brands is their farm-to-table approach. Kotn works directly with farmers in Egypt to ensure they are paid well and provide schools in their community.
Aritzia
Vancouver-born brand Aritzia has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular high-end retail brands available today. They house a handful of in-house brands designed to fill every closet need, from sharp work clothes to cozy loungewear sets.
Aritzia even has its own fashion icon in the Super Puff jacket. For shoppers looking for an alternative to Zara or H&M, Aritzia offers trendy Canada-made fashion that feels a little more exclusive.
EQ3
Before you order some furniture online from West Elm or Pottery Barn and pay extra to have it shipped up north, consider Canada-made EQ3. This Winnipeg-based furniture company designs and manufactures its line of modern furniture with you in mind.
The majority of their upholstered furniture (such as sofas, armchairs, chairs, etc.) is designed and sewn in Canada. You get to select your own fabric and leather options to create that custom feel, all while paying less than you would buying directly from the States.
Kicking Horse Coffee
Next time you’re in the mood for coffee, skip Starbucks and try Kicking Horse Coffee instead. Roasted in the British Columbia Rockies, this Canadian coffee company has been voted one of the best organic, fair-trade coffee brands in the nation.
They offer whole beans as well as ground coffee that’s known for having a bold flavour. Not only will you get an amazing cup of coffee to start your day, but you’re also helping out Canadian roasters and sustainable farmers around the world.
Old Dutch
There’s a reason why Lays might be a global brand, but Canadians swear by Old Dutch. Based out of Winnipeg, this snack company is all about that classic potato chip.
They’re also known for offering Canuck favourites like Ketchup and all-dressed chips. Their chips are usually crunchier and more nostalgic than their American competitors.
BioSteel
For decades, Gatorade was the only game in town if you were looking for a sports drink. Enter BioSteel, the Toronto-born sports drink company.
BioSteel was founded as an alternative for professional athletes who wanted hydration without sugar or artificial colours found in most sports drinks. Today, BioSteel is used by NHL players, weekend athletes, and everyone in between.
The Ordinary
Owned by Toronto-based skincare company DECIEM, The Ordinary changed the way we think about skincare products. Before The Ordinary, high-end skincare was expensive and marketing-heavy.
The Ordinary flipped the skincare model on its head by providing high-quality ingredients such as Vitamin C and Retinol for extremely low prices in simple packaging. They proved you didn’t need an American or European brand to get clinical skincare results.
Tentree
Patagonia has been a favourite for the environmentally conscious camper for years, but now there’s a brand just for Canadians. Tentree isn’t just another outdoor apparel company. It plants ten trees for every item of clothing you buy. They’ve planted over 100 million trees worldwide so far.
In addition, their clothes are sourced from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, giving you trendy, comfortable hoodies and outdoor apparel while helping save the planet.
Saputo
Searching for delicious cheese or fresh milk? Don’t buy American when you can support Canadian dairy farmers instead. Saputo is one of the biggest dairy producers in the world, and they’re based right here in Montreal.
From cheddar to milk, yogourt to brie, Saputo owns tons of familiar Canadian brands like Armstrong and Alexis de Portneuf. There’s something for everyone and every meal when it comes to Saputo dairy.
Indigo
Amazon and Barnes & Noble may have cornered the U.S. market, but Indigo is Canada’s version of the cultural department store.
Each Indigo contains not just books but Canadian-made home decor, journals, gifts, and so much more. When you want to shop for curated furniture and design items that are uniquely Canadian, there’s no place like Indigo.
Canada Dry
This soda company is now international, but it started in Toronto. Created by a pharmacist in 1904, Canada Dry became famous for its signature Pale Ginger Ale. To this day, Canada Dry ginger ale is the standard that all other ginger ale manufacturers are compared to.
Province of Canada
True to their name, the Province of Canada only makes products in Canada. When you buy clothes from most retailers, they might be designed in Canada but manufactured in China, but not so with Province of Canada.
All of their clothes are knitted, cut, and sewn in Canadian factories. Their clothes consist mostly of cozy sweats, tees, and socks that showcase Canadian pride in a laid-back way.
Guru
Everyone loves Monster and Red Bull, but those ultra-caffeinated drinks are packed with scary chemicals. Instead, try Guru, a Montreal-based energy drink that will give you your fix with none of the guilt. They use organic, plant-based ingredients such as green tea and guarana to give you a natural boost.
Not only will Guru give you more energy to finish your day, but you’ll also be helping a small Canadian company that has earned major cult status with Canadians.
Maguire
Don’t buy your next pair of shoes from American retailers. Look to Maguire instead. Founded by two sisters in Montreal, Maguire set out to make luxury Italian shoes affordable for everyone.
Transparent about their pricing and where their footwear is made, Maguire skips the middlemen to keep prices low without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re looking for boots, heels, or flats, you can feel good about buying Canadian-made Maguire shoes.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.