Canada’s oldest general store is found in this small Ontario village

Trousdale’s General Store is one of those rare gems that has truly stood the test of time, outlasting even some of Canada’s largest department stores. As it turns out, it’s also the oldest general store in the country, and you can still visit it today in the small Ontario village of Sydenham.

Head east towards Kingston, and once you reach the city, head north. Here’s where you’ll find the small village with a lot of heart.

It’s actually part of Frontenac County, which includes four townships, one of them being South Frontenac, aka Sydenham.

According to Frontenac County Business Directory, the landscape is filled with “gently rolling fields and growing small towns are home to innovative small-scale food producers and ethical, sustainable farms.”

But within all that growth stands one store that has seen its village grow to what it is today.

Sydenham is home to Canada’s oldest general store, according to its website.

Travel back in time to 1836

Though Pakenham, Ont., has an 1840s General Store & Bakery, which is described as “Canada’s oldest general store to have operated continuously on its original site, in its original stone building,” Trousdale’s General Store dates back even further.

Ran by the Trousdale family since 1836, their family legacy actually began with brothers who worked as travelling bakers. And up until now, they continue the same practice.

“As Canada’s oldest general store, the Trousdale family has been serving our community with pride for over 180 years,” reads its website. “We have built our legacy on providing a unique and diverse shopping experience, offering a wide range of ethically sourced goods for the whole family.”

And of course, you can still find everything from kitchen goods to fashion items, serving as a community one-stop shop.

So if you find yourself in southeastern Ontario and would love to experience the joys of a small village through its historic shop, you know where to go.

When: Daily, closed Mondays
Time: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 4395 Mill St., Sydenham, Ont.

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Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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