by Lexi Verras

Whether you find yourself in need of last-minute essentials, refreshing beverages for your evening meal, or searching for the perfect gift, the shops and markets along the Beaches of 59 have got you covered. With convenient access to markets, grocery stores, and specialty shops, this charming destination anticipates your every need with a touch of local flair and hospitality. Enjoy a seamless blend of convenience and local charm right at your fingertips!

OUTDOOR SUMMER MARKETS:

If you’re looking for a place for fresh produce, bread, honey, crafts or more there are weekly country-style farmers markets that take place throughout the Beaches of 59 area.

Friday evenings, Grand Marais Community Central hosts the Central Market weekly from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm from June 28 to September 13, 2024.

Saturday mornings the Beaches Community Centre hosts their Beaches Country Market that runs weekly from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm from June 22 to September 7, 2024.

The vendors sometimes change from week to week as does the local vegetable produce. Always something new to see and buy.

GROCERIES, SNACKS, ESSENTIALS:

Forgot some dinner essentials in the city or looking for some extra snacks for all your adventures, stop in at one of the stores below:

Saffies General Store: located on the main strip in Albert Beach; the general store has everything you could ask for. Fresh coffee, daily in-store baked breads, cookies, pizza buns, cinnamon buns, groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen dinners, drug store essentials, gas, slurpees, puzzles, games, and colouring books. Outside there is a large deck with tables and free wifi that you can enjoy. Follow them on Facebook to see when they have live bands, karaoke night or craft activities.

Village Green Bakery: Open from May long weekend to Thanksgiving, the Village Green Bakery is located in the restricted area of Victoria Beach. This means during the two summer months you need to park in the main parking area and walk in. It is a short 5-minute walk and you won’t be disappointed. Everything is baked fresh daily. They are best known for their amazing cookies, wide variety of pastries, and assortment of breads. Stay a while, take a walk to the pier, or sit by the large play structure and enjoy your treats.

Victoria Beach Store: Also located in the restricted area of Victoria Beach, they have all your essentials without having to leave the restricted area. They sell everything including refreshing cold drinks, toys for kids, dinner essentials, a large selection of groceries, and don’t forget the bags of candy.

Grand Beach Campground Store: Located by the campground showers and laundromat, they have everything that you’ll need to make the most of your stay in Grand Beach Provincial Park. They are a close-by fully stocked store from Lakeshore Heights, Balsam Bay and Lester Beach. Need some firewood to get warm for your campsite? They have it. For warm sunny days, cool off with a cold treat before heading to the beach.

Grand Marais Village Store: located right on Hwy 12 just outside of Grand Beach Provincial Park, Grand Marais Village Store has everything you’ll need to make it through the weekend. Drinks, chips, frozen soups, cheese, eggs, chocolate bars and more. Down the street you can get propane, gas and firewood at the XTR Station.

CLOTHING, GIFTS & SOUVENIRS

If you are visiting the Beaches of 59 area and want to leave with a souvenir or want to do some shopping for unique gifts, you will want to stop in at each of the amazing boutiques and shops below:

Carol’s on Leon: located on the West side of Highway 59 on Leon Drive in Traverse Bay across from Traverse Bay ESSO. Carol’s on Leon has a variety of items from spices, candles, clothing, shoes, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, cottage décor, pictures, furniture, and lawn ornaments. The items are neatly displayed in a few small buildings creating a unique indoor outdoor shopping experience. Carol’s on Leon has everything that you never even knew you needed and more. A perfect stop when you need a break from the beach, Carol’s on Leon has a friendly atmosphere and guarantees there is something for everyone.

Hippy Trails Beach Co.: located on the Grand Beach Boardwalk, they have all your beach essentials. Beach chairs, skim boards, hats, jewelry, clothing and toys. Doesn’t matter how old you are, they have something for you!

Lakehouse Treasures: located at the corner of Highway 59 and Highway 11, in the Traverse Bay ESSO parking lot, you are sure to find some treasures here. Lakehouse Treasures has a collection of beach-themed items from large furniture to clothing and trinkets, they have it all.

Beachstickers.ca: located at various markets and stores in the area, and online, Beachstickers.ca has custom stickers for each area you have visited (Victoria Beach, Hillside Beach, Albert Beach, Grand Beach, etc.) They are more than just stickers with lines of insulated cups, mugs, and apparel.

Coral Reef Gift Shop: located inside South Beach Casino and Resort, this gift shop has a variety of Indigenous-themed and locally made gifts such as Manitoba Mukluks, jewelry, purses, home décor, and clothing.

Endless Summer: You will find Endless Summer on Grand Beach Boardwalk near Parking Lot #2 next to the washrooms and showers. Here you will find beach chairs, tents and umbrellas for rent! You can buy beach wear from flowing sundresses, breezy pants, tops, hats, and bathing suits. They even carry sand pails and shovels to make the most of your day at the beach.