By Michelle Ramsay-Borg
Dalhousie has come into its own as a fascinating street to walk and a great place to shop. The street that locals call North Dal is lined with indie shops full of things to see and buy. Most stores are small and unique, perfect for holiday shopping. Here are a few to check out, beginning at Cathcart Street on the north end, down to St. Patrick on the south. Days and hours open vary.
Attention fashionistas: be sure to look in at Sukhoo Sukhoo at 146 Dalhousie (at Cathcart). “Jaw-dropping haute-couture workmanship,” according to the Ottawa Citizen, and sumptuous accessories to go-with. (sukhoosukhoo.com) The wee Amanda May shop at 203 Dalhousie houses a stunning lingerie collection, including hot European brands Agent Provocateur, Marlies Dekkers, and nippies—a fun stocking stuffer. Very upscale; très jolie. (amandamay.ca)
Treat yourself to a feast for the eyes and tummy at Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers, purveyors of handmade, hand-painted, filled chocolates that are too luscious to pass up. Chocolat chaud et patisseries aussi! At 204 Dalhousie. (cyliechocolat.com)
Argosy Books at 209 Dalhousie has been entertaining passers-by for years with its ever-changing window displays.You’re sure to find an interesting read in Argosy’s vast collection of 30,000 previously loved books. (613-241-1319)
The Crystal Dawn at 217 Dalhousie, a New Age store, sells crystals, minerals and many other metaphysical products to nurture your spirit. Satisfy your curiosity too, with Tarot cards and psychic readings.A great spot to buy gifts for teens. (thecrystaldawn.ca)
Next stop, a cool vintage boutique, which Where magazine describes perfectly: “Young Janes’ looks have a modern twist and compete with what’s hot on the runway this season.” For fashionistas on a budget, at 223 Dalhousie. (youngjanes.blogspot.com)
Wondrous Wunderkammer, overflowing with an eclectic mix of jewellery, gifts, bibelots and curios, is worth at least 30 minutes of your time. Most of the unique pieces on display are designed and made in Canada. At 234 Dalhousie. (613-860-3510)
The newest shop in the hood is Isabelle, at 234 Dalhousie. The boutique cum gallery represents two upscale European designers – Sarah Pacini and Saint James – and its owner, artist Isabelle Gauvreau. Prepare to be wowed and wooed. (isabelleboutique.com)
Shop local, shop cool, at Workshop Studio & Boutique, 242-1/2 Dalhousie. The airy shop showcases talented local women, with a wide selection of handmade clothing, accessories, and more. (workshopboutique.ca)
Right next door, at 246 Dalhousie, is a shop tagged by Elle as one of the six best indie fashion boutiques in Canada. Wow! In the words of its owners, “Victoire is a shop obsessed with anything made-in-Canada, supercute, gold or embroidered.” (victoireboutique.com)
Cross St.Patrick to L’Hexagone, at 252 Dalhousie. It’s the only menswear store on North Dal, but who needs another one when this one has it all? Designer styles, European and Canadian brands, sizes from S to XXXL, and prices to suit most budgets. (lexagone.ca)
At 258, Scooteretti dazzles visitors with its colourful and shiny array of scooters and e-bikes. If you can’t afford to spoil your loved one with a sexy designed-in-Ottawa scooter, then why not buy a cute bike helmet from Copenhagen? (scooteretti.com)
People come from all over the city to shop at 269 Dalhousie, site of Ma Cuisine. The spacious kitchen supply shop stocks so many must-haves and why-nots, you’re sure to find the perfect one for any home cook and foodie on your gift list. (macuisineottawa.ca)
Holiday season is gala season, the perfect reason to buy a beautiful new gown at Moscatel. The boutique, at 277 Dalhousie, carries a beautiful selection of evening gowns in a gorgeous array of colours, as well as a bounty of bridal gowns. (moscatelboutique.com)
Last stop: Galerie St-Laurent + Hill, art contemporain, at 293 Dalhousie. The stylish gallery, which represents only Canadian artists, mounts a new show every three weeks or so. A stimulating spot to end a lovely day strolling down North Dal. (galeriestlaurentplushill.com)