Everyone has a collection of souvenirs from their travels: the typical t-shirt or key chain, or maybe it's a one-of-kind handcrafted piece that sits on your coffee table. Maybe you're bringing back gifts for the meaningful people in your life, thanking the neighbour for watering your plants while you were away, or a keepsake to remind you of the memorable experiences you had. Whatever your reason, you'll be impressed with the speciality shops in Algoma Country.

Here are unique gifts and where to buy them in Algoma.

(Another list can be found at the bottom of the article. The Google map will help pinpoint these shops' locations.)

1. Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre Gift Shop, Sault Ste. Marie
The perfect place to shop for the aviation buff, young or old, who loves bushplanes. The exclusive merchandise includes aviation themed sweatshirts, outerwear, t-shirts and hats for adults and children themed CBHC, Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS) clothing and apparel. Also: local maple syrup, aviation and bushplane books, collectibles and glassware. A beautiful selection of Aviation and Bushplane prints by Steve Daly and Cher Hogan.
Location: entrance to the museum. Open 7 days a week.

A selection of glassware: mugs perfect for coffee and tea, beer steins and shot glasses or handy spoon holders for the cook if your life.

2. Winnie-the-Pooh Gift Shop, White River
This is the ultimate place for Winnie-the-Pooh fans! After taking your picture with Winnie's statue at the memorial park, the Heritage Museum and Gift Shop is your next stop. The shop sells Winnie-the-Pooh products such as mugs, plush Winnie characters, Royal Doulton figurines and many items from the "Where it all Began" line.
Get your Winnie fix: the town holds an annual Winnie-the-Pooh Festival held each year in August.

3. Mountain Maple Products, St. Joseph Island
Did you know that St. Joseph Island has the largest center of maple syrup producers in Ontario? Mountain Maple Products has been in business for 50 years producing fresh maple syrup. Their product line has grown to include maple candies and maple butter, BBQ sauce, and beef jerky infused with maple syrup.
Where to buy: Purchase online at www.mountainmapleproducts.ca or in person at Mill Market in Sault Ste. Marie

There are so many ways to use Mountain Maple Products, check out their website for recipes.

4. The Post, Sault Ste. Marie
The new Heritage Discovery Centre houses this gift shop and has some really fantastic gifts for purchase: handmade items made by local artists and artisans like artwork, photography, soaps, candles, jams, wooden items; jewellery, a kids section and toys, Canadiana souvenirs and more.
Open: Summer Hours are 7 days 9:30 am - 4:30 pm; Tuesday & Wednesday open until 6 pm.

5. Serpent River Trading Post, Serpent River First Nation
The stunning log building on Hwy 17 houses many beautiful products: art, paintings, moccasins, crafts, jewellery, pottery, souvenirs, coats, all authentic Native crafts from local artisans. Visitors can also visit Memories of Genaabjing Museum called "Mkwendawinan Genaabjing". Friendly staff can answer any questions and information about First Nations history, culture and the surrounding area.
Open: seasonally May to October 9 am to 5 pm

Buy these beautiful prints and paintings at the Serpent River Trading Post.

6. Hilltribe, Sault Ste. Marie
You'll find unique and funky items in this store. Since 1998, Hilltribe has supported artisans, families and workers through fair trade.
The Station Mall is the most complete shopping complex in the area and has a beautiful location on the city's waterfront. For a complete list of stores visit their website www.thestationmall.com
Open: 7 days a week, check website for operating hours

Many unique gifts can be found in this store.

7. Wawa Visitor Centre, Wawa
Not only will the friendly staff at this visitor centre be able to answer all your questions about where to stay, eat, and what to do in Wawa and the area, but it also sells unique one of a kind souvenirs that you just can't find anywhere else. Special items include the Wawa Goose books and Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberries products, handmade crafts from local artisans, sculptures and paintings.
Hours of Operation:
May long weekend to June 30 9 am to 6 pm
July 1 - Labour Day 8 am to 8 pm
Labour Day - Thanksgiving 9 am to 5 pm daily

Purchase these unique items at the Wawa Visitor Centre: Gitchee Gumees, The Wawa Goose Books, Wild Blueberry Products.

8. Young's General Store, Wawa
Step back in time to the days of an old fashioned general store, carrying everything from clothing apparel, fishing tackle, fuel, old fashioned bulk food -- the best pickle barrel and summer sausage ever -- and even scoop ice cream. A great place to visit to buy a special keepsake from your stay and a pickle too! 
Open: May to October

More Specialty Gift Shops in Algoma Country

A mini list of more speciality gift shops that you'll love. If I've missed a specialty gift shop, please email me at info@algomacountry.com and I'll add it to the list.

Blind River
The Birch Tree - art, home decor, jewellery and more

Garden River
The Family Tree - Native fine arts & crafts. PH: (705) 949-6777

Sault Ste. Marie
Totem Pole - soapstone carvings, leather goods, moccasins, amber, sliver and turquoise jewelry

Sweet Greetings & The Loon's Nest - chocolate candy and gourmet food shop, home decor, baby gifts and more

Art Gallery of Algoma Gift Shop – textiles, jewellery, Group of Seven memorabilia, framed art prints, handmade crafts from local artisans, inspired by the area

River Rock Gifts - unique gifts for weddings, special occasions, Christmas or just because

Richards Landing, St. Joseph Island
Artisan Gallery & Moose Sweats - eclectic selection of fair trade merchandise, local art, home decor, clothing

Calico Hen - Bee Glo candles, used books, antiques, local art. PH: (705) 246-0875

The Green Oak Gallery & Gift Shop - original paintings, limited edition prints, original photography, wall hangings, quilts, home decor and more

Thessalon
Forestland Clothing & Gifts - unique gifts, clothing, home decor

Wawa
Young's General Store - old fashioned pickle barrel, northern clothing, local books, homemade fudge and summer sausage

Red Canoe Gallery and Gift Shop - eclectic gallery, gif and tackle shop: local and regional artisans, crafters, handmade candles, soaps, music, paintings.

Mark these shops part of your itinerary for any driving tour in Algoma Country during the summer months, or a trip to see the fall colours.