Leave the big-box behind and head to Hamilton Halton Brant, where handmade markets, artisanal food and drink, and boutiques brimming with locally designed and produced goodies await.

Take a day trip to the urban centres of Oakville, Hamilton and Burlington or make your way to the smaller towns of Dundas and Paris for quality, one-of-a-kind finds. Wherever your explorations take you, this region is the place to buy handmade and to buy local.


Markets & Events

For those who want to “meet the makers”, handmade markets, artists’ sales and studio tours are all a great way to connect with local talent. The lead up to Christmas, spring and summer are the “high seasons” for annual artisan markets and handmade events of all kinds, and some offerings are available year round. The events below are a sampling of what is on offer throughout the year (visit individual websites for this year’s dates and opening hours):

Burlington Made – Spring (May) and Holiday (November)
McMaster Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, Burlington
Meet and shop from a highly curated selection of 60 makers, artists and small business owners from Halton, Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara.

Burlington Made

Art in ActionNovember
Burlington
Expect to see work from photographers, fine artists, fibre artists and jewelers at a variety of studios in and around the city of Burlington.

The Artisan Bazaar – Multiple Dates
Multiple locations in Hamilton and Burlington
The Bazaar’s weekly outdoor market in the heart of downtown Hamilton is an opportunity to buy unique handmade wares directly from makers every Saturday all summer. Events also include an early bird show in November, a night owl show in December and a spring show, all at Royal Botanical Gardens.

Craftadian Made in Hamilton – August and December
McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton
60+ local makers from the Hamilton Wentworth Region gather at these annual summer and Christmas events.

Craftadian, McMaster Innovation Park

Makers’ Market – Multiple Dates
Multiple locations, Hamilton
Since 2007, the Makers’ Market has delivered original merchandise while supporting the local arts community. Their events include indoor holiday markets, pop up shops in various neighbourhoods, at Supercrawl and at the Hamilton art crawl.

Handmade Hamilton – December
Staircase Theatre, Hamilton
This annual holiday show is in its 7th year in Hamilton and brings together the best creative makers in beautiful vintage buildings. You’ll find fibre arts, jewelry, ceramics, visual art, children’s wear, and other handmade goods.

Artsfest – June
Westdale Village, Hamilton
Over 50 artisan vendors are on site at this annual celebration of music, art, theatre and dance.

Artcrawl, James Street

Dundas Studio Tour – Weekend prior to Thanksgiving
Dundas
The work of over 30 artists is stationed at multiple studio locations, all within walking distance or a quick drive of each other, in and around the charming community of Dundas.

Brantford Potters Guild Pottery Sale – April
Woodman Park Community Centre, Brantford
Find a variety of styles and pots at this highly anticipated annual sale that showcases the works of more than 30 potters, each with their own unique talent and perspective.

Paris Wincey Mills Co. – Thursday-Saturday year round
31 Mechanic St., Paris
The Market Hall on the main level of this revitalized historic building boasts a variety of vendors selling local farm-to-table foodstuffs, handmade jewellery, fashions and housewares and original works from local artists.

Brant Studio Tour – October
Brantford, Paris and St. George
Seek out the talents of over a dozen different artists and artisans while visiting galleries throughout the scenic Brant County countryside.

Amy Walsh-Harris, Brant Studio Tour

Shops & Boutiques

Fresh finds are “in store” for shoppers looking for handmade in Hamilton Halton Brant. These shops are a great start for those looking for local:

Dove and Arrow 
131 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
This inspired boutique in downtown Oakville supports 40+ mostly local makers and creates a magical sense of finding handcrafted treasures in a warm and inviting space. The store is filled to the brim with hand-sewn lingerie, vintage inspired jewellery cast in an assortment of metals, cozy knits crocheted with soft yarns, handmade skincare products and one-of-a-kind home accents.

The Local Life 
130 King St. West, Dundas and 218 Locke St. S, Hamilton
These two spaces each bring together the best of the handmade markets in the area to one permanent place for local makers to display their products. The Locke Street location is also home to Small Batch Soap’s first retail location.

The Local Life, Dundas

White Elephant 
133 James St. N., Hamilton
This female-run clothing and lifestyle store focuses on handmade and small-batch jewelry, accessories and gifts. White Elephant is passionate about supporting its community, shopping sustainably and shopping small, and proudly champions independent artists, makers, and designers.


Local Flavours

Devil’s Punchbowl Market

With so many spots to indulge in artisanal food and drink, Hamilton Halton Brant is a locavore’s paradise. Start your search for local along the True Brew Path, an easy to follow route that features the best of the region’s craft breweries, cideries and wineries.

Farm-fresh produce and home baked goods are available at the many farm markets in the region (try Dyments Market & Bakery, Lindley’s Farm & Market, or Punch Bowl Market & Bakery), or visit one of the larger farmer’s markets with multiple purveyors in Ancaster, Hamilton, Aldershot, Milton, Burlington and Brantford. Even outside the growing season, you’ll find multiple vendors selling local gourmet goodies and foodie fare at Terra’s Winter Markets in Milton and Hamilton.

Explore even more shopping in Hamilton Halton Brant. Looking for more great ways to go local? Be sure to reserve your spot at a destination restaurant or spend some more time discovering the arts scene.

 

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Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

April 17

Harmonious Creation: Art and Sound Therapy Session

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Date & Time: Apr 17th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm Session Price: $50.00

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

April 22

Downtown Oakville: Wellness Week 2024 – Zazen Studio: An Herbal Approach to Easing Anxiety

ZaZen Meditation Studio 251 Lakeshore Rd. E. 2nd Floor. Oakville, ON L6J 1H9

Date & Time: Apr 22nd, 7:30pm to 8:30pm Free Event Registration Required

Now thru June 26

Trivia Nights at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.

65 Hatt Street, Dundas, ON, L9H 0C1

Dates & Times: Every Wednesday (Unless otherwise), 7:00pm - 8:30pm Free but reservations are recommended

Now thru May 19

Arnold Jacobs – Power of the Feather

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G9

Date: Mar 23rd - May 19th

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 17th (1st bingo night of the year) $5 cover to join

Now thru September 17

Datenight Painting for 2 at Studio K2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Date & Time: Third Saturday every month, 7:00pm - 10:00pm Workshop Price: $135/couple +HST includes...

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru September 17

Expressive Abstract Painting Party with Studio K2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Date & Time: Third Wednesday each month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Workshop Price: $50/person +HST

May 14

Eliza’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Bell Homestead

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

94 Tutela Heights Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 1A1

Date & Time: May 14th, 1:00pm & 3:00pm Price: Adult - $45.00 + Tax Children...

April 20

Weekend Pizza Workshops with Fora Outdoor Living (Ancaster)

591 Fiddlers Green Road, Ancaster ON

Date & Time: Apr 20th, 12:00pm - 1:30pm Workshop Price: $69.99

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