Welcome to the Westport Trading Post!

Nestled in the quaint little town of Westport, Ontario, situated on the picturesque Rideau Canal between Kingston and Ottawa, our story begins. While the 'Westport Trading Post' doesn't have a physical storefront (warehouse visits are available by appointment), our roots trace back to 1974. It all started with a large storefront on the corner of Bedford and Church St., known as 'The Brown Bear.'

Founded by Kurt and Francine Scheuermann, The Brown Bear was a beloved spot for tourists and locals alike. It offered everything Native, including handmade leather goods, Hudson Bay blankets, and Inuit art. As The Brown Bear evolved into a distribution brand, we wanted to honour its legacy. Hence, the Westport Trading Post was born as a division of The Brown Bear Distribution Inc., carrying forward the spirit and essence of the original store.

At the Westport Trading Post, we sincerely appreciate tribal patterns, Native American goods, indigenous art, Aztec designs, rustic decor, First Nations culture, Aboriginal themes, and Western style—with a touch of bohemian and hippie vibes. This unique blend of products forms what we affectionately call ‘Southwestern Bohemian,’ the theme that runs through our curated collection.

What is a Trading Post?

Traditionally, trading posts were places where goods and services were exchanged, often serving as hubs for commerce and cultural exchange. Our trading post follows this tradition, offering various products that celebrate and honour the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures and styles.

We try to prioritize carrying Canadian and USA-made products but source some items outside North America. Some are imported, with royalties paid to Indigenous artists. And some of our imported products are unique items we think you'll love. To help you identify the origin of our products, we have implemented the icon system below.

  • MADE IN CANADA

    When you see this icon, the product is 100% Canadian made.

  • MADE IN USA

    This icon represents products made in the United States of America.

  • IMPORTED

    Imported from manufacturers outside of the USA and Canada.

We hope you enjoy our carefully curated selection as much as we do! If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us. To learn more about The Brown Bear, watch this video.

Thank you for visiting the Westport Trading Post. We look forward to serving you!