Shop Canadian: Brands and businesses that call Canada home

In the midst of global economic shifts and a renewed interest in supporting local economies, exploring Canadian-owned businesses not only celebrates our national pride but also highlights the diversity and excellence found across various industries. 

(If you know of a Canadian-owned business that isn't included in the list, let us know here.)

Canadian-owned business

Here’s a list of notable Canadian-owned enterprises that have made contributions to our communities:

1. Grocery

• Maple Leaf Foods: For over a century, Maple Leaf Foods has played a vital role in Canadian food production, focusing on sustainable practices and quality under Canadian ownership.
• McCain Foods: Founded in New Brunswick, McCain Foods has grown into a global leader while maintaining its Canadian roots and family ownership.
• Kawartha Dairy: For over 80 years, Kawartha Dairy has delighted Canadians with its premium ice cream, still owned and operated by the same Canadian family that started it.
• Chapman’s: Crafting delicious ice creams with 100% Canadian milk since 1973, Chapman’s embodies Canadian values of quality and local sourcing.
• Balzac’s Coffee Roasters: From southwestern Ontario to the GTA, Balzac’s Coffee proudly serves Canadian-roasted coffee with a commitment to sustainability and community.
• Loblaw Companies Limited: A fourth-generation family business since 1919, Loblaw operates iconic brands like Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Valu Mart, Wholesale Club and more.
• Metro Inc: Since its inception, Metro has been a pillar of Quebec and Ontario’s grocery retail landscape, prioritizing local sourcing and community engagement through brands like Metro, Super C, Food Basics and more. 
• Empire Company Limited: With over 115 years in food retailing, Empire's chains continue to uphold Canadian values of quality and customer service. Their brands include Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, IGA and more. 
• M&M Food Market: Owned by Parkland Corporation since 2022, M&M Food Market is a Canadian business.
• Farmers Markets: Local farmers' markets have great options for locally grown and made products.

2. Retail

• Dollarama: Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama provides affordable essentials across its Canadian-owned and operated stores.
• Giant Tiger: A Canadian-owned discount retailer, Giant Tiger offers savings and community support across its locations.
• Canadian Tire: Established in 1922, Canadian Tire remains a Canadian staple, providing everything from automotive needs to household essentials. Owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, this national retailer shares its Canadian roots with brands like Sportchek, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Helly Hansen, Atmosphere, Parts Source and more.
• Lee Valley: Serving customers globally, Lee Valley continues to thrive as a family-owned Canadian business dedicated to craftsmanship and innovation.
• Home Hardware: Founded in Ontario in 1964, Home Hardware is proudly 100% Canadian owned and operated, supporting local communities nationwide.
• Peavey Mart: A longstanding Canadian-owned retailer, Peavey Mart has been serving loyal customers since 1967, emphasizing agricultural and outdoor needs. Unfortunately, Peavey Mart is closing its doors though some locations will be open as late as April. 
• Napoleon: Based in Ontario, Napoleon is the largest privately-owned manufacturer of fireplaces and grills in North America, with a strong commitment to Canadian manufacturing.
• Indigo: As Canada’s last national bookstore chain, Indigo promotes literacy and cultural enrichment through its Canadian-owned operations.
• Book Outlet: Operating bookoutlet.com and bookoutlet.ca, Book Outlet is a Canadian-owned company offering discounted books to a global audience.
• Soft Moc Shoes: Canadian-owned and operated, Soft Moc maintains its commitment to quality footwear while supporting Canadian manufacturing.
• Canada Goose: A global icon in luxury outerwear, Canada Goose remains headquartered in Toronto and has kept 100% of their production in Canada.
• Herschel Supply Co.: Based in Vancouver, Herschel has gained worldwide recognition for its stylish and functional backpacks, luggage, and accessories.

3. Restaurants

• A&W: Although A&W started as an American chain, they have been independently owned in Canada since 1972. Today, they serve up iconic burgers while promoting sustainable practices and community involvement.
• Boston Pizza: With local franchise owners across Canada, Boston Pizza remains a Canadian favourite for family dining and sports enthusiasts.
• Recipe Unlimited Corporation: This Canadian corporation is Canada's oldest and largest full-service restaurant company and includes brands like The Keg, Harvey's Swiss Chalet, East Side Marios, State & Main, and many more.
• Moxies: Moxies started out as a small deli and diner in Calgary and grew to include chains all across Canada. Today, the company is owned by Northland Properties Corporation, a Canadian hospitality group.
• St Louis Bar & Grill: Don't let the name fool you. St Louis' is 100% Canadian owned and operated, with there first location opening in Toronto in '92.

4. Pets

• Pet Valu: Established in 1976, Pet Valu supports Canadian pet owners with a wide range of food and accessories under Canadian ownership.
• Ren’s Pets: Owned by the Legault Group in Quebec, Ren’s Pets provides pet supplies across Canada, alongside its sister company, Mondou.
• Global Pet Foods: With over 230 locations across North America, Global Pet Foods remains proudly Canadian-owned and operated, specializing in pet nutrition and wellness.

5. Entertainment

• Cineplex Entertainment: Canada’s largest cinema chain, Cineplex offers entertainment and family fun, supporting Canadian film and cultural events. Cineplex Entertainment owns brands like The Rec Room, Cineplex Theatres, Playdium, and more. 

Canadian brands you may not know about

Readers have been messaging in to let us know about Canandian brands that offer products nearby and online. If you have more brands to add to this list be sure to fill out the form at the end of this article.

• ChocoSol Traders: Born in Mexico, ChocoSol Traders has been based in Canada since 2006. They sell sustainable, ethical, nutritious & delicious chocolate in Ontario, Alberta and online.
• Giddy Yoyo: A Orangeville based chocolate company that specializes in organic plant-based, dark chocolate, clean coffee, nutritious superfoods & ethical bodycare.
• BraTopia: This Calgary based bra and lingerie store offers a wide range of products that can be purchased online.
• Pacific Energy: This BC based company produces home heating appliances powered by wood, gas and pellets.
• Elmira Stove Works: Based out of Arnprior, Ontario, Elmira Stover Works manufacturers vintage-style appliances including refrigerators, stoves and more.

Businesses with strong ties to Canada

Some companies maintain strong Canadian ties despite foreign ownership. Here are a few notable examples:

• Well.ca: Owned by McKesson Canada, a subsidiary of McKesson Corp (USA), Well.ca operates within Canada’s e-commerce sector.
• Hudson’s Bay Company: A historic Canadian institution, Hudson’s Bay is majority-owned by NRDC Equity Partners, an American private investment firm.
• Lululemon: Originating in Canada, Lululemon is now a multinational retailer incorporated in the US, with headquarters in British Columbia.
• Roots: Since 1973, Roots has embodied Canadian style with its premium leather goods and cozy apparel. In 2015, an American investment firm purchased a majority stake in the company but some products are still made in Canada, including their leather goods. 
• Tim Hortons: The Tim Hortons brand is American owned but a majority of the franchises in Canada are owned by Canadian families. A similarity they have with many restaurant and fast food chains. 
• Heinz: Heinz is American owned but in 2020 they moved their production back to Canada following backlash over the move to the states. Today, the ketchup is made in Canada, by Canadians, using Canadian tomatoes and other locally sourced ingredients. When there is not enough Canadian supply to meet the demand they ship products from the USA. According to Heinz, only 10% of the ketchup in Canada is made in the USA. 
• French’s: Similar to Heinz, French’s is American owned but produces in Canada, hires Canadians and uses Canadian tomatoes. 

Supporting small, local businesses

While large Canadian-owned brands contribute significantly to our economy, small businesses are the backbone of communities across the country. 

From family-run boutiques and independent bookstores to neighborhood cafés and artisan markets, shopping locally helps sustain jobs, foster innovation, and keep money circulating within the community. Small businesses often source locally, offer personalized service, and contribute to the unique character of each town or city. 

Whether it’s grabbing a coffee from a local roaster, picking up fresh produce from a farmer’s market, or purchasing handmade goods from a local artisan, every choice to support a small business strengthens Canada’s economy and entrepreneurial spirit.

RELATED: Check out our business directory for local businesses in Simcoe County ...

Shopping Canadian isn't always black red and white

While there are plenty of great Canadian brands to support, the reality of shopping Canadian is more complex than ownership alone. Many businesses that operate in Canada, even if they aren’t Canadian-owned, employ Canadians, contribute to the local economy, and support our communities.

At the same time, many Canadian-owned brands manufacture or source their products internationally. Being a Canadian company doesn’t always mean everything is made in Canada.

When deciding where to shop, it’s important to make the choice that aligns with your values — whether that means prioritizing Canadian ownership, local jobs, ethical sourcing, or a combination of factors.

Making choice that matter

Supporting Canadian businesses goes beyond just ownership. It’s about understanding how a company operates, who it employs, and how it contributes to the community. Whether you choose to shop at a proudly Canadian-owned brand, a business with strong Canadian ties, or a local independent shop, your spending decisions have an impact.

By staying informed and choosing brands that align with your values, you help shape the future of Canada’s economy. 

No matter where you shop, making thoughtful choices is what truly supports our communities.

Help us grow this list!

Do you know of a Canadian-owned business that should be featured in this article? Have we missed an important detail or update about one of the companies listed?

We’d love to hear from you!

Fill out the form below to submit your suggestions, and we’ll review them for inclusion in future updates.

Your input helps us keep this resource accurate and celebrate even more Canadian businesses!