I love Canada! I first visited this beautiful country when I was 10 years old. My family took a trip to Niagara Falls, where we stayed in a bed and breakfast for a few days. Since then, I’ve visited Toronto twice, and I recently took a trip to Montreal in spring 2011 (great food and great music!). The closest I get to Canada these days is World Showcase in Epcot. This week, winter has descended upon Canada Pavilion as part of Limited Time Magic. Guests can meet and take photos with some favorite Disney characters in the snow for this week only. I stopped by Canada Pavilion’s Northwest Mercantile this past weekend to see what the merchandise location had in store.
Northwest Mercantile houses a variety of Canadian-themed goods. Upon entry, I was greeted by the shop’s newest items – a selection of Canadian Native Handicrafts by Monague Native Crafts. I asked Sylvie Brumbaugh, merchandiser for World Showcase, about these new goods.
“I’m always looking for unique items for World Showcase,” said Sylvie. “When deciding on assortments that capture the essence of a particular country, we consider several things including popular marketplace trends. For the Canadian Native Handicrafts line, we have apparel, pottery and an expanded collection of dream catchers. Monague Native Crafts is a leading Canadian supplier of these items, so it’s great to carry them in the location.”
I liked some of the more unique items I found in the shop including Sasquatch Sweat soap and the ketchup-flavored potato chips. Sylvie told me some of the most popular items are the Hatley pajamas (perfect for a cold Canadian winter’s night!).
My favorite things, however, give a nod to the 360-degree film at the pavilion, “O Canada.” Disney Design Group created the artwork which Sylvie applied to hats, shirts, tumblers, mugs and more. I like the simplicity of the red “Canada” shirt, while the plaid moose pattern is fun. I also saw the awesome World Showcase shirt we created for the 30th Anniversary of Epcot.
Upon leaving the location, I passed by the small merchandise kiosk that has a few items including apparel and plush. It’s also the place for personalized leather goods and music from “Off Kilter” (I love that band!).
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Funny, this is where I met my wife when we were both working at Walt Disney World for a year. I worked at Magic Kingdom and she worked here, and yet some how we met and the rest is history. That’s why I love this store so many fond memories. Thank you for the photos.
Steven,
Any pasties? Also, when we visited O Canada on our honeymoon 15 years ago, there was a stand that sold beavertails …similar to an elephant ear at the carnival. Are those still there?
@Cheryl – Congrats on 15 years! Wishing you many more happy years together. Unfortunately, BeaverTails are no longer offered at Epcot. I loved them dearly (about as much as I liked the Handwich from The Land Pavilion).
Heading out there in 3 days and you saying they sell ketchup potato chips has gotten me even MORE excited!
@Christopher – I’m sorry to hear of your disappointment. I agree that it’s wonderful to try the variety of foods from around World Showcase (it’s probably why I’m an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival super fan!). Nevertheless, I hope you had a great trip.
@Eric – Awesome!! Please have a wonderful time. Safe travels.
We were a little disappointed that they didn’t have any snacks on the dining plan at this location. One of our favorite things to do is use snack credits at each country for something unique.
Now you just got to get a Tim Hortons in there!! Nothing says “Canadian” like a large double-double!!
@Jennifer – Montreal was a fun place! I ate like a king there. I certainly need to go back.
@Michelle – Ha! I was happy to hear that Le Cellier’s has been updated – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/canadas-le-cellier-steakhouse-at-epcot-goes-to-all-day-menu/
I could go for a bowl of Cheddar Cheese Soup right about now!
I too love Canada! I hope I can make it back to Montreal soon. A friend had me pick up the famous ketchup flavored chips for him when I was there. I’ll be sure to pick them up for him next time I’m in Epcot 🙂
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