Preserving Heritage Through Commerce

Voyageur Finds emerged from a recognition that travelers seeking meaningful connections to Canadian heritage deserved more thoughtful options than typical tourist merchandise. Our founders, having worked in both museum retail and indigenous cultural centers, understood the importance of representing regional traditions with appropriate context and respect.

The location on Portage Avenue was chosen deliberately. This historic corridor has witnessed commerce for generations, from fur trade routes to modern urban development. We honor that continuity by maintaining a space where cultural exchange occurs through carefully selected inventory rather than mass-produced novelties.

From the beginning, our approach centered on relationships with artists and craftspeople rather than wholesale catalogs. This required patience in building inventory but resulted in a collection reflecting actual traditions rather than stereotypical representations. Customers gained access to items with stories, not just decorative objects.

Corporate clients initially approached us seeking distinctive gifts for international visitors and business partners. These partnerships evolved into comprehensive programs serving banking institutions, government agencies, and educational organizations across Canada. The wholesale side of our operation now accounts for significant revenue while supporting the retail mission.

Winnipeg's position as a meeting place of cultures informs our inventory selection. We stock items from prairie indigenous communities, Métis artists, northern craftspeople, and urban creators. This geographic and cultural diversity means visitors encounter Canada's complexity rather than simplified narratives.