Scam in CanadaShopping
Tourist-shop maple syrup markups in Canada
How it works
Tourist shops can charge much more for maple syrup. In Ottawa, a bottle at the farmers' market can cost half as much as the same bottle in a souvenir shop. In Quebec City, small glass bottles in tourist shops carry a premium, while larger plastic bottles in supermarkets offer better value. A clearly displayed high price is not, by itself, fraud.
Warning signs
- The syrup comes in a small souvenir-style glass bottle.
- You have not compared the price with a market or supermarket.
How to avoid it
- Compare prices before buying.
- In Ottawa, check the farmers' market stalls in ByWard Market.
- In Quebec City, compare supermarket bottles with tourist-shop bottles.
- Compare the price for the same quantity, not just the price per bottle.
If it happens to you
If you paid the displayed price, ask about the shop's return policy. If you were charged a different price, keep the receipt and ask the shop to correct it.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you. Call 911 if there is immediate danger or someone is injured.
- Check what is missing or what you were charged. Freeze stolen payment cards and tell your card issuer about any payment you did not authorize.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to local police. Ask for a report number and keep a copy if one is available.
- Contact the relevant business, rental company or travel insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your important accounts. Do not follow its location to confront anyone.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorToronto ForumMaple Syrup Lovers - Toronto ForumA forum contributor warns that tourist shops and airport kiosks charge much more for maple syrup, citing small bottles priced above C$20.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/AskACanadianCan I buy good maple syrup from Costco to bring back to the states or is there a certain brand I should be looking for?Respondents advise a visitor to avoid expensive tourist-shop syrup in small decorative bottles and buy ordinary retail syrup instead.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/maplesyrup2026Are any of these worth it? Asking as an obvious tourist.A Toronto visitor asks about souvenir syrup prices at St. Lawrence Market, with commenters debating substantial per-litre markups and the value of decorative packaging.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the tourist-shop maple syrup markups scam in Canada?
Tourist shops can charge much more for maple syrup. In Ottawa, a bottle at the farmers' market can cost half as much as the same bottle in a souvenir shop. In Quebec City, small glass bottles in tourist shops carry a premium, while larger plastic bottles in supermarkets offer better value. A clearly displayed high price is not, by itself, fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The syrup comes in a small souvenir-style glass bottle. You have not compared the price with a market or supermarket.
How do I avoid tourist-shop maple syrup markups in Canada?
Compare prices before buying. In Ottawa, check the farmers' market stalls in ByWard Market. In Quebec City, compare supermarket bottles with tourist-shop bottles. Compare the price for the same quantity, not just the price per bottle.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you paid the displayed price, ask about the shop's return policy. If you were charged a different price, keep the receipt and ask the shop to correct it.
Where in Canada does this happen?
Souvenir shops in ByWard Market and elsewhere in Ottawa; tourist shops in Quebec City It has been reported in Ottawa, Quebec City.
How common is this scam in Canada?
Common. Canada is generally safe for visitors, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main concerns covered here are misleading souvenir claims, high souvenir prices, persistent requests for money, pickpocketing, car theft and occasional group robberies.
Are there similar scams in Canada?
Yes: misleading claims about locally made souvenirs.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger, a robbery in progress, serious injury or another emergency. Local police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. Provide the location, time, a description of what happened and any evidence. Ask for a report number. Calgary Police Service: for a non-emergency police report or enquiry in Calgary, call 403-266-1234. SPVM — Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal: approach an officer for help or safety concerns in Montreal. Call 911 in an emergency. Transit staff: in Ottawa, use a station emergency call box for urgent help. On Montreal's Metro, use the emergency intercom in a car or an emergency phone booth on a platform. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze missing cards and report payments you did not authorize. Shop or service provider: show your receipt and explain any misleading claim or incorrect charge. Ask for a correction or refund and keep the written reply. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details for replacement-document guidance. Travel insurer or rental company: report covered losses promptly and keep receipts and police-report details. Contact the rental company if a rental car is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Canada?
Police, fire and ambulance emergencies: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck