Four Picture-Perfect Ontario Towns for Holiday "hallmark" Cheer

Ontario’s charming towns and villages take on a special glow in winter, inviting families, friends and couples to explore scenic streets and stress-free shops and discover some unique finds.

For those seeking a seasonal shopping experience beyond big-box stores, look no further than Picton, VanKleek Hill, Gananoque, and Merrickville. These four places offer an enchanting blend of local artisans, welcoming boutiques, and old-fashioned hospitality — all the ingredients for a “Hallmark” movie-style getaway.

Here’s your winter shopping guide to Ontario’s most picturesque towns.

1. Picton: Boutique shopping in Prince Edward County

Picton’s Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland, where you’ll find local stores filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. Picton’s shops are all about quality over quantity, so you’ll find one-of-a-kind items—think handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, and gourmet kitchen tools. The village’s foodie culture is also present in shops like Zest Kitchen Shop, where kitchen gadgets and locally inspired cookbooks make excellent gifts. Winter here is quieter, giving you time to savour each shop and connect with the community behind the products.

• Kelly’s Shop: A magical shop specializing in beautifully curated gifts, jewelry, and home goods, Kelly’s captures the essence of Prince Edward County with every piece.
• Zest Kitchen Shop: This gourmet kitchen store is perfect for foodies. From cookware to artisanal ingredients, it’s a great place to find something for the chef in your life.
• Books & Company: This independent bookstore offers a secret escape with a fantastic selection of books, games, and local author titles.
• The Ye11ow Studio: Tenderly made pottery that showcases vibrant art, textiles, and prints, the Ye11ow Studio is a treasure trove for anyone seeking a splash of creativity in their decor.

2. Vankleek Hill: Unique finds in the Gingerbread Capital

Known as Ontario’s “Gingerbread Capital” for its Victorian architecture, VanKleek Hill feels especially magical in winter, with its charming shops and inviting streets. When you shop here, you’re supporting artisans who are passionate about their craft and preserving their town’s rich heritage.

• Vankleek Cottage and Gift Shop: Unique gift ideas, furniture, fashion and more. Ideal for the home and cottage. Fun and practical, this is an ideal choice to shop for those looking for a country connection.
• Beau’s Brewery: You will find an onsite tap room and beer boutique for this homemade craft brew. Lots of flavours on tap – try them out!

• The Review Shoppe: Located in the historic newspaper office, this shop offers VanKleek Hill-inspired merchandise and locally made goods that reflect the spirit of the town. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the latest print edition!
• The Pink Bow Tie: Women’s clothing store with the style of the city in a charming small-town atmosphere.

3. Gananoque: Unique Boutiques in the Heart of the Thousand Islands

Gananoque’s riverside charm doesn’t end when the temperatures drop. Its downtown shops capture the creativity and warmth of the Thousand Islands.

Shopping in Gananoque is a treasure hunt for art lovers and style-seekers alike. Its shops have a welcoming vibe, and each one reflects the town’s love for creativity and nature. Whether you’re looking for stylish winter wear or unique home accents, Gananoque’s shops are a perfect blend of charm and elegance.

• Beggars Banquet Books: This is a local independent bookstore with thousands of titles and a lot more. Discover jigsaw puzzles, mini-games, finger and hand puppets, magnetic puzzles, notecards, bookmarks and more. Seasonal chocolate treats are also on offer as well as gourmet coffee beans.  
• Steel Style Garage: Known for trendy, carefully-curated clothing and accessories, this boutique brings a bit of big-city style to small-town Gananoque.
• Donevan’s Hardware Store: An old-fashioned hardware store with vintage relics offering a modern shopping experience. Find unique items and perfect gift ideas.
• Heather Haynes Gallery: Showcasing local artist Heather Haynes, this gallery offers art pieces and prints that capture the essence of Gananoque, perfect for any wall.

4. Merrickville: The Jewel of the Rideau

Merrickville is a true winter jewel, blending historic charm with artisan boutiques that line its heritage main street. Known for its artistic community, Merrickville is a haven for shoppers seeking handcrafted, original items.

Merrickville’s artistic community thrives on originality and craftsmanship. Shops like Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop offer gourmet foods and locally famous mustards that add a culinary twist to your winter shopping, while the Wick Witch provides an intriguing selection of some tantalizing scents. Merrickville’s shops bring a down-to-earth, bohemian charm that invites you to take your time, explore, and appreciate the craftsmanship. Shopping here feels like a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of finding something that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

• Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop: Famous for its award-winning mustards and gourmet foods, Mrs. McGarrigle’s is a culinary destination.
• Anarchy Gallery: A quirky, independent gallery highlighting local artists, with everything from paintings to upcycled metalwork.
• The Wick Witch: Tucked into the enchanting embrace of Merrickville, the elusive sisters of Wick Witch weave their mystical spells in a clandestine boutique. Here, in the heart of their magical haven, they brew and concoct their latest elixirs of candles and bath potions.
• Merrickville shops: Check out this info-filled website for even more of the best that Merrickville has to offer.

Winter shopping in Ontario’s villages isn’t just about buying gifts — it’s about immersing yourself in an experience. These charming towns invite you to step out of the rush, slow down, and connect with artisans who pour creativity and care into everything they make.

In Picton, VanKleek Hill, Gananoque, and Merrickville, you’re not just picking up products; you’re finding unique, meaningful pieces of each area’s heritage and charm.

In the glow of winter lights or along the snow-covered streets, these quaint small towns and villages offer a storybook setting perfect for creating winter memories. From handmade pottery and fine art to local fashion and specialty foods, shopping in these places is about finding one-of-a-kind items you’ll treasure long after your visit.

So, this winter, take a break from the ordinary, explore these “Hallmark” places, and bring home more than just gifts — a piece of Ontario’s soul.