Shop Like a Local This Holiday Season

For many locals and tourists alike, winter in Alberta evokes images of champagne snow being brushed off freshly waxed skis, melty s’mores toasting over a crackling firepit and the sound of skates carving through newly formed ice. But while Albertans know how to make the most of the cold outdoors, they also know all the best ways to warm up in between, like perusing some of the region’s most sought-after shops and local hidden gems.

From mountain apparel and bird watching to candle making, map pinning and everything in between, Alberta is home to some incredibly unique artisans. Get out of the cold and into one of these local hot spots so you can shop like a local this season.

Western Alberta (Canmore & Banff)

Big Bear Trading Company

Banff National Park-inspired products, curated apparel, gifts, souvenirs, books and local art.

Known for its premier mountain lifestyle shopping experience, Big Bear Trading Company has been a staple in Banff since 2021. Their rustic store design and collection of mountain-inspired gifts and apparel was so well received, they were able to open a second location in Canmore less than a year and a half after their first location. More than just a store, this locally owned and operated gem embodies Rocky Mountain living and delivers a truly local Banff and Canmore experience. Take a piece of the Alberta Rockies home with you this season with a curated gift from their local collection or branded apparel for adults and kids from the iconic Big Bear Trading Company.

Monod Sports

The ultimate Canadian outdoor sportswear store.

If you’re on the hunt for high quality mountain gear and apparel, look no further than Monod Sports. Family owned and operated since 1949, Monod Sports is conveniently located on Banff Avenue and has been outfitting mountain sport enthusiasts with premium gear for 75 years. Passed down through three generations, this legendary store has earned a reputation for delivering the highest quality outdoor gear and specialized customer service in the Bow Valley Region. From top of the line alpine and touring skis, boots and bindings to the latest winter jacket collections designed to beat the cold, this iconic destination hand picks its product selection to best cater to the Banff lifestyle each season. Check out their 2024 holiday gift guide for ideas on what to get the mountain adventurer on your list.

Southern Alberta (Calgary)

Wanderlust Creatures

Travel maps and pet products designed to help travellers share their most treasured memories.

If adventure is your thing, Wanderlust Creatures is your store. A small business with a thirst for adventure and an appreciation for the stories behind them, this locally owned Calgary retailer specializes in crafting 3D cork push-pin world maps for travellers to pin their adventures, as well as durable pet gear to outfit their pets for the journey. As true trailblazers, Wanderlust Creatures created the first of its kind “Geo Optic” printed cork map with an accurate satellite image of the world. “Our Geo Optic Map and National Flag Set highlight the natural topography and wonderfully diverse colours of the planet we call home,” says Monique Penney, co-founder of Wanderlust Creatures. “We like to think of each National Flag Pin as a passport stamp, pinning it into our map like a badge of honour from having experienced that country.”

Moonstone Creation

Championing Indigenous art practices and sharing knowledge with all who seek.

Located in the heart of Inglewood, Moonstone Creation is where you can find authentic, local Indigenous-made art. Although this Calgary treasure offers a vast array of gift items ranging from books, apparel and classes to fabrics, jewelry and blankets, it’s best known for its beadwork and leatherwork. “We make a lot of tobacco pouches, and journals all with beadwork on leather,” says founder Yvonne Jobin. “We honour all the animals that give their hides so that we may create beautiful art.” Give a gift from the heart this holiday season with a traditional piece of art from Moonstone Creation.

Milk Jar Candle Co.

Your feel gooder candle company.

What was started in founder Holly Singer’s home kitchen back in 2016 has now become a household name in Calgary. Best known for their affordable hand-poured, clean-burning soy candles, Milk Jar Candle Co. creates scents that make sense. Each candle has a reusable container that can be sent back to Milk Jar Candle Co. when you finish burning it and their thoughtful line of candles, diffusers and fragrances are not only toxin-free, a portion of the proceeds from each product helps to enrich the local community. One dollar from every Milk Jar product sold since 2016 has been donated to non-profits and initiatives that support inclusion. In seven years, Milk Jar has donated over $300,000 to these causes. In addition to creating an inclusive environment for people to work, this friendly factory also offers workshops that bring people together and encourage connection. Give back to the community and smell good doing it by shopping at this local, philanthropic favourite.

Eastern Alberta (Lethbridge & Medicine Hat)

Herbal Apothecary

Health and wellness the way nature intended.

Located in charming downtown Lethbridge, Herbal Apothecary is a cherished local destination for holistic self-care. Founded with a mission to reconnect people to nature and wellness, this modern-day apothecary is celebrated for its high-quality herbal and mushroom health products, handmade bath and body creations, and an extensive selection of bulk herbs. “One unique aspect of Herbal Apothecary that many people might not know is the personal care and intention woven into each product,” says owner, Cami Tanner. Unlike mass-produced items, every herbal and mushroom blend, bath product, and essential oil is crafted in small batches, often with ingredients that Tanner and her team source and prepare themselves. “This hands-on approach not only ensures the highest quality but also imbues each product with a level of care and connection that only a small, family-run business can provide.” From hand-poured candles and unique tea blends to ethically sourced essential oils and luxurious bath items, every item is thoughtfully designed to support both body and mind.

The Hat’s Olive Tap

Medicine Hat's premier oil and vinegar tasting room and lunch bistro.

For all the foodies out there, this locally owned Medicine Hat find is for you. The Hat’s Olive Tap specializes in the world’s finest olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Its unique menu of olive oils, balsamics, spices, seasonings, salts and even a line of exclusive olive oil skincare, delivers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Alberta. In addition to offering over 70 varieties of the world’s freshest extra virgin olive oil and barrel-aged baslamics, The Hat’s Olive Tap hosts free daily tasting tours for a truly immersive experience that allows shoppers to try before they buy. Take your tastebuds on a new adventure this season by testing out pairing recommendations from their knowledgeable staff or stop in for a made-from-scratch lunch featuring their delicious line of products. Give the gift of flavour this holiday season with a gift from The Hat’s Olive Tap.

Northern Alberta (Edmonton)

The Makers Keep

Your one-stop shop for all things local and handmade.

If you’re looking for a way to discover a variety of local artisans in one location, you’ve found the right place. With a collective of over 400 small businesses from across Edmonton and Alberta, The Makers Keep is a one-stop-shop for all things local. From popular 3D-printed products to hand-blown mountain-inspired glassware, shoppers can choose from a collection of Albertan favourites. They even offer custom gift bundles to make your shopping and gift-giving experience extra personal and stress-free. When The Makers Keep first opened in 2016, it was one of the first local collective stores in the city to sell 100% locally curated goods. “When we launched, we had no idea what this adventure would turn into,” says founder Katrina Petryshyn. “Now, eight years later, you can find us on 124 Street, in Kingsway Mall, St Albert Centre and Sherwood Park, as well as online!”

Wildbird General Store

Alberta’s original backyard birding store.

Locally owned and operated since 1990, Wildbird General Store has garnered recognition as Edmonton’s best gift shop and is a popular destination for nature lovers and backyard birding enthusiasts alike. From quality no-mess seed, Alberta-made feeders and houses to other birding essentials like feeders, bird baths, guides, binoculars and spotting scopes, this shop offers customers a uniquely Albertan experience that has more than just the locals chirping. According to the shop’s website, renowned Canadian Ornithologist Dr. David Bird, stated “The Wildbird General Store is the best nature store I’ve ever seen, anywhere on the globe.” At this store, promoting the enjoyment of nature is a mandate. “We even give away little satchels of seed for the kids to encourage going bird watching,” explains co-owners Steve Kulak and Kay Kozlowski. While best known for their year-round, no-mess, black oil sunflower kernals, Wildbird General Store's selection stretches beyond birding supplies. “At Christmas time, we import a huge selection of German hand-crafted decorations including spinning pyramids and nutcrackers,” says Kulak and Kozlowski. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, considering taking up backyard birding as a hobby, or shopping for unique holiday decor, Wildbird General Store is a must-shop stop this season.