Apsley, Ontario: Shopping Adventures

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Heading up to Cottage Country for the weekend? Looking for unique gifts, clothing, or household supplies? Apsley has it all.

Apsley is a small town located about 50 miles north of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The main street is located on Highway 504, just off Highway 28. It’s not very long and most of the shops are within an easy walking distance.

I’ve been coming to visit Apsley once or twice a year since the 1970s. While it’s grown and changed, it still hasn’t lost its small-town flavor. In the summer months, tourists flock to the surrounding lakes to take advantage of the natural beauty of the area.  And, some of those tourists, including my family, like to shop. While you can go north to Bancroft or south to Lakefield, you can also easily spend a day exploring the shops of Apsley.

So, where do we shop when we visit?

1. Apsley Home Hardware

If you are building or need something for your cottage, the Home Hardware and Building Centre has it all. From lumber to paint to Husqvarna power equipment to small kitchen appliances, you can find it all at the hardware store. It’s a great place for couples because there is something for both the guys and the girls. I purchased beautiful Muskoka chairs here for my back patio. For you Americans, they’re also known as Adirondack chairs. Check out the Apsley Home Hardware website here.

2.  Four Seasons on Wellington

This is one of my favorite shops, and has been for years back when it was known as Wellington Street. Four Seasons on Wellington is now located on the bottom floor and has everything you need to furnish your home or cottage.  There is a wide selection of clothing, including dresses, pajamas, tee-shirts, sweatshirts, scarves, and even shoes. They also have jewelry, mugs, home decor, games, toys, books, pillows and more.  My niece loved the hanging egg chair.

At Four Seasons on Wellington, you can find gifts for everyone you love. And, if you are me, you’ll find a lot of items that you can’t live without. Luckily, I don’t own my own cottage yet. Otherwise, I’d definitely be decorating it with merchandise from this shop.

3. Apsley Outdoors

When it was Wellington Street, the upstairs of Four Seasons on Wellington was filled with Christmas items and odds and ends. Now, it’s a brand-new destination–Apsley Outdoors. Apsley Outdoors has everything you can think of for your outdoor needs. From coolers to life jackets to fishing lures to camping cookware, you can find it all on the second floor. There’s a wonderful selection of fishing poles and tackle. I even found the enamelware camping cookware I’d been looking for up there.

4. The Heart of Apsley

Over the years, I’ve come in this shop with my cousin’s little boys. I’d give them each a few dollars to pick out something they liked and then buy them each an ice cream cone. The Heart of Apsley isn’t a large store, but it has a lot of unique items. On this trip, my mom found a tiny hairbrush that was the perfect size for backpacking. When I saw it, I bought two more for my toddler granddaughters.

If you haven’t tried Kawartha Dairy ice cream, the walk-up window at this shop is where to go. My favorite flavors are Salty Caramel Truffle and Raspberry Lemon-Lime Sherbet.

5.  Hunter’s General Store

Hunter’s has been a staple in Apsley for as long as I can remember. In addition to staples you’d need for your cottage or camper, you can find souvenirs and toys. They even have a deli where you can pick up made-to-order sandwiches and pizza. It’s also the home of Apsley Java.

6. Sayers Food Town

While Sayers doesn’t carry a lot of souvenirs or clothing, it is a great place to pick up any food you need for your stay. They have a nice selection of fruits and vegetables, a deli, and a baked goods section, as well as the normal grocery items. I like to stop here and pick up the items that are hard to find in the states–creamed honey and curds are two items I always purchase.

7. The Pharmacy

I love Apsley’s Guardian Pharmacy–you never know what you’ll find! They have everything from medical supplies to clothing, toys, cards, and decor. On this trip, I was looking for a Melissa and Doug wooden puzzle map of Canada (can’t buy them in the states) for my grandson. Unfortunately, they were out, but I did pick up a sleeveless dress to use as a bathing suit cover up.

8. Woody’s

Woody’s is where you’ll find one of a kind pieces. It’s more of an art gallery than a souvenir shop. We always visit because they have such interesting items. You can also walk down by Eels Creek here and have lunch at their chip truck.

9. Shoreline Furniture

This is the one shop we didn’t get to on this visit. I did check out their website however, and they have a lot of beautiful items, including furniture, home decor, and bed and bath linens. Shoreline Furniture even offers a decorating service, and will come decorate your home or cottage for the holidays.  While you can easily walk through town to the other locations, Shoreline Furniture is south of town on Highway 28, and you really should drive. Here’s the link to their store.  Next time I visit, I’ll be sure to stop in.

10. The Farmers’ Market and Other Special Events

On Saturdays in the summer, a local farmers’ market is held in the parking lot beside Hunter’s General Store.  There are also other local stands set up throughout town. On this trip, we visited one in front of Four Seasons on Wellington. Mom purchased butter tarts, and they were full of sweet, sticky goodness.

On this trip, we were able to experience the once a year Lions Club Flea Market. Held at the North Kawartha Community Centre, the flea market covered the entire arena floor, plus there was an auction in the banquet hall. What were they selling? Everything!  Furniture, lamps, dishes, sporting equipment, books, toys, games, decorations, and more. I even saw someone taking a paddle boat out! The flea market opens at 8:30 a.m.–we were there around 10:30, and there was still a lot of stuff to buy. The man taking money for the board games said that there had easily been three times as many when they started.  Prices went down at 1:00 p.m., and at 1:30, you could fill your vehicle for a few dollars.

There are also two antique shops–one right in town and another south on Highway 28. We didn’t have time to stop in this trip, but have in the past. If you’re looking for something with history, definitely stop in and see what they have to offer.

If you own a shop in Apsley, and I missed it this trip, please accept my apologies. It’s a wonderful town with great people, and I’d love to stop by on my next visit. Until then, if you’d like to learn more about my trip to Apsley with my mom and her sisters, click here.

 

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