14 Unique Toronto Souvenir Ideas: A Local Guide

Exploring Toronto feels like visiting ten different cities at once. One minute you are in a modern glass canyon, and the next you are in a vibrant, artistic market.

The diverse atmosphere of this city makes you want to linger. It is a place where you can find all kinds of hidden treasures to take home.

To be honest, finding the best souvenirs from Toronto is not easy. To help you avoid the typical tourist traps found in many souvenir shops in Toronto, we have curated a list of authentic items. In this guide, we recommend 14 unique Toronto souvenir ideas you can bring back home, helping to cure your decision paralysis.

1. TTC Streetcar Model

The red streetcar is the heartbeat of Toronto's transit system. It is as iconic to this city as the yellow taxi is to New York.

This diecast metal model is a high-quality replica. It features the authentic red and white design and feels solid and heavy in your hand.

It is more than just a toy. It is an iconic Toronto souvenir. Taking one home means capturing the energy of downtown Toronto in a small, durable keepsake.

Where to buy: The Spacing Store (401 Richmond St W). They carry official merchandise from the Toronto transit system.

Image: Jason Ng

2. Toronto Cityscape Art Prints

Toronto has plenty of beautiful scenery beyond just the skyline. Popular artistic prints often feature the iconic red-brick Gooderham Building or the cobblestone lanes of the Distillery District.

These prints are excellent choices for wall decoration. They are a simple way to add some character to your space and make for a great addition to your home decor.

You can find many styles, from black-and-white photos to colorful artistic drawings. They fit well in any living room or office.

With the advancement of DIY tools, you can also choose to use UV printing to print your own photos of the Toronto cityscape, making them into mugs or canvas prints. This allows you to create your own unique Toronto souvenir.

Where to buy: The Arts Market (790 Queen St E). This shop features works from many local artists and photographers.

Image: riveros art

3. CN Tower Memorabilia

Speaking of the skyline featured in those prints, its most striking feature is undoubtedly the CN Tower. For over 30 years, it held the record as the world's tallest freestanding structure.

Wandering through the streets, the tower always seems to appear in your line of sight, accompanying you throughout your entire trip. Standing at the foot of this massive structure, you can truly feel its magnificence.

Conveniently, there is a gift shop right at the base where you can capture this memory with a tangible Toronto souvenir. Instead of just a ticket stub, you can bring home retro posters, classic mugs, or cozy hoodies.

Where to buy: The CN Tower Gift Shop (290 Bremner Blvd). You can visit the store on the ground floor without buying a ticket to go up.

Image: DaCraft3D

4. Toronto Public Library Tote Bag

The Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest library and a beloved local institution. You will see people carrying its branded tote bags all over the city, from subway stations to coffee shops.

They have become a fashion trend because of their bold and retro designs. Wearing one is not just about style; it is a cool way to show that you support public culture and reading.

Beyond the look, they are very practical Toronto souvenirs. Made from heavy canvas, they are strong enough to hold your laptop, groceries, or a stack of books without breaking.

Where to buy: Page & Panel: The TPL Shop (789 Yonge St). It is located inside the Toronto Reference Library.

Image: Cjsasweetclean

5. Raccoon-Themed Goods

Raccoons are the unofficial mascots of Toronto. Locals often joke about these animals and call them "trash pandas" because they are everywhere in the city.

Because of this, you can find a lot of merchandise featuring raccoons. Local gift shops offer everything from t-shirts and hoodies to mugs and tote bags with funny raccoon designs.

This is a perfect unique Toronto souvenir if you want something different from the standard maple leaf gifts. It captures the unique spirit of the city. Bringing home a raccoon item shows that you understand the local humor.

Where to buy: The Spacing Store (401 Richmond St W) or Outer Layer (577 Queen St W).

Image: Arina Krasnikova

6. Authentic Indigenous Art

Indigenous art is a deep part of Canadian history and culture. It offers a meaningful connection to the land and its original people.

You can find beautiful items like soft leather moccasins, detailed soapstone carvings, and handmade silver jewelry. Each piece tells a story and is crafted with traditional skills passed down through generations.

It is important to buy these items from a reputable shop. This ensures that you are supporting actual Indigenous artists and getting an authentic piece of art rather than a cheap copy.

Where to buy: The Cedar Basket Gift Shop (16 Spadina Rd). It is located inside the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.

Image: Jeffrey Gibson

7. Toronto Sports Team Gear

Toronto is a major sports hub. It is home to the Maple Leafs in hockey, the Raptors in basketball, and the Blue Jays in baseball.

Team gear serves as excellent gift ideas from Toronto for sports fans. Blue Jays caps and Raptors jerseys are a common sight on the streets and form a big part of the local fashion.

Wearing team merchandise is a great way to blend in with the locals. It is a high-quality gift that remains useful long after your trip is over.

Where to buy: Real Sports Apparel (15 York St). Located right next to the arena, it offers the widest range of gear for all Toronto teams.

Image: scotiabankarena

8. Unique Museum Gifts

Toronto is home to world-class cultural institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

The gift shops at these museums offer sophisticated alternatives to typical Toronto souvenirs. You can find exclusive art prints, particularly works by the famous Canadian "Group of Seven." They also sell unique jewelry, books, and home decor inspired by their exhibitions.

These items are perfect for art lovers and design enthusiasts. Buying a gift here allows you to bring a piece of Canadian culture home while supporting the local arts scene.

Where to buy: The ROM Boutique (100 Queens Park) or shopAGO (317 Dundas St W).

Image: Royal Ontario Museum

9. Classic Toronto Keychains

A keychain is the most classic Toronto souvenir. It is small, affordable, and easy to pack in your luggage.

You can find countless designs in Toronto. Popular choices include the shape of the CN Tower, a red maple leaf, or even a streetcar.

This is a practical item that you will use every day. Every time you unlock your door, it will remind you of your trip to the city. You can also make your unique keychains with a UV printer.

Where to buy: Royal Canadian Gifts (229 Spadina Ave). This large store has huge walls dedicated to keychains and other small gifts.

Image: Designs by Erika

10. Local Books & Stationery

Toronto is a modern city, but it is also full of history. You can feel its unique character in the old red-brick houses and the busy streetcars that run through the streets.

Are you looking for a good souvenir from Toronto that captures this vibe? Local books and artwork are a perfect way to connect with this side of the city. They offer something different than the usual items you see everywhere.

Whether it is a stylish print of the subway map or a book about local stories, these items help you understand the place you visited. They are a meaningful way to keep the city's memories alive in your home.

Where to buy: The Spacing Store (401 Richmond St W). It is located inside a historic building and specializes in Toronto-themed gifts.

Image: Ben McNally Books

11. Authentic Maple Syrup

If there is one thing you must buy while in Toronto, it is a bottle of pure maple syrup. It is widely considered the perfect maple syrup souvenir. This sweet treat is synonymous with the country, and for good reason. Canada is responsible for about 73% of the world's production, ensuring you are getting the highest quality product available.

Real maple syrup has a rich and complex flavor that artificial alternatives simply cannot match. It is a famous souvenir that comes in different grades, from delicate golden hues to robust dark varieties. For the ultimate keepsake, look for syrup bottled in a glass maple leaf.

Where to buy: The St. Lawrence Market (93 Front St E) offers a wide selection from local vendors. You can also find excellent options at grocery stores like Loblaws or Pusateri's.

Image: Anthony Woods

12. Artisanal Crafts from Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a microcosm of Canada’s ethnic mosaic. It is full of small shops, local artists, and friendly street vendors.

When you walk through the area, you can smell fresh coffee and see bright murals on the walls. Every street feels full of life and creativity.

This is a great place to find handmade gifts. You can pick up items like custom jewelry, vintage clothes, or small art pieces made by local artists. Buying something from here gives your souvenir a personal story. It feels special, not like something from a regular mall.

Where to buy: Blue Banana Market (250 Augusta Ave). This store collects work from many different local makers.

Image: Alexandra Tornow

13. Canadian Icewine

Canada is famous globally for its high-quality Icewine. This sweet dessert wine is produced from grapes that have naturally frozen while still on the vine.

The freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grape. The result is a luxurious drink with an intense sweetness that is perfectly balanced by natural acidity.

Icewine is an elegant gift for dinner parties or special occasions. It is a precious souvenir that offers a true taste of the Canadian winter climate.

Where to buy: The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). This government-run store is the only place to buy alcohol and has locations throughout the city.

Image: icewinefestivals

14. Canadian Snacks from Dollarama

Dollarama is a popular budget store found on almost every major street in Toronto. It is the secret spot where locals go to buy candy and treats.

If you are wondering what to buy in Toronto on a budget, this is the best place to stock up. You can find snacks unique to Canada, like coffee crisp and bags of ketchup chips, for a very low price.

It is a fun shopping experience. You can fill your suitcase with tasty gifts for all your friends without spending a lot of money.

Where to buy: Dollarama. There are many locations across the city, including one near the Eaton Centre (357 Yonge St).

Image: Lisa Jackson

FAQs

What is a good souvenir from Toronto?

A TTC streetcar model or a Library tote bag are excellent choices that specifically represent the city's identity. For a more artistic keepsake, Cityscape art prints depicting Toronto's red-brick neighborhoods are highly recommended.

Where is the best place to buy souvenirs?

The Spacing Store (401 Richmond St W) is the best spot for unique, Toronto-themed items. For classic gifts and apparel, visit Royal Canadian Gifts (229 Spadina Ave) or Giftworks (95 Front St E). If you want trendy local fashion, Peace Collective is the go-to brand.

What are the unique items to buy in Canada?

Authentic Indigenous art and Icewine are among the most unique and culturally significant items you can find. Maple syrup remains the classic national signature, while Kensington Market crafts offer a one-of-a-kind artistic value that you won't find anywhere else.

Where can I find budget-friendly souvenirs?

Dollarama is the best place for affordable finds. You can buy popular Canadian snacks like Coffee Crisp bars or Ketchup Chips there for just a few dollars, which is significantly cheaper than tourist-focused shops.