Where else can you find tasteful, fun, and creative Canadian made goods all while shopping in a hip, cool and inspiring setting? At the Drake General Store of course! There is something for everyone here!

The Drake empire  from Toronto (no, not to be confused with Drake the rapper, coincidentally from Toronto), has extended its reign to include a Drake General store in the nation’s capital.

I was first acquainted the Drake chain from my Toronto living days a few years back. I would frequent The Drake Hotel for a fun night out of drinking and dancing. More recently, I have enjoyed some brunches on their rooftop patio (Check out my post on my meal there). Most recently, the Drake General Store opened up and have made many visits there.

The original store is located in the bottom of The Drake Hotel located on Queen West. The store always brings a smile to my face with its unique trinkets, funny cards, and just all around positive vibe. I have never left the store empty handed, and always brought home interest pieces that always spark conversation with guests that visit me. The store tries to maintain that traditional feel of what a general store would have stocked and looked like back in early 19th century. It can be seen in the layout of the store, departmentalized by clothing, personal care products, toys,  art pieces and jewelry. Even the logo, bearing a traditional medic cross, maintains a historical element to it.

The Drake hotel was originally built in 1890, and has undergone a handful of name changes and ownership changes. However back in the late 1940’s, it received the grand staircase that is still a functioning trademark of the establishment today! Its most recent owners purchased and acquired the property in the early 2000s and spent lots of time and energy to create its charming feel for it to become a sought after boutique hotel. To learn more about the Drake Hotel, make sure to check out their website.

It was back in April, that word on the street was that The Drake General Store would be opening a location in Ottawa. And the rumor was true! In early August, it opened it’s doors!  I made a trip within it’s first week and brought home a hand made, Canadian made coaster :). Not to mention, the free cookie was delicious too!

Ottawa is certainly lucky to have such a fun and awesome store. Be sure to check it out. It is located on the main level on the Bay.  It does have a street side entrance off of Rideau. And if you can’t make it in store, you can shop online!