15 of the Sweetest Ontario Chocolate Shops to Visit
I once heard a chocolatier say “a well-balanced diet is a chocolate bar in both hands.” I don’t disagree! And if you’re anything like me and always on the hunt for new local brands to try you’re going to melt over this list of the best Ontario chocolate shops.
Throughout my countless road trips across the province, I’m always on the hunt for local small businesses to indulge my sweet tooth. So, I’ve rounded up a guide to where to find the best chocolate in Ontario. In this guide you’ll discover the best chocolate stores that range from the most southernly town in the province to big cities, like Ottawa and Toronto.
I’m also sharing my favourite chocolates to try, like the Mint Smoothie from Rheo’s and the S’mores bonbon from One More Cocoa.
So, prepare for the sweetest chocolate shops that will have your planning your next road trip!
The Best Ontario Chocolate Shops
Don’t wait for World Chocolate Day on July 7 or Valentine’s Day to treat yourself! Feed your chocolate cravings all year round at one of the sweet shops.
Am I missing one of your favourites? Head on over to my Facebook group Local Ontario Foodies and share your top pick with the group!
Rheo’s Thompson Candies
Famous for the Stratford Festival, this charming city is also home to one of Ontario’s sweetest gems: Rheo Thompson Candies. Since 1969, this family-owned candy shop has been delighting shoppers with handmade chocolates crafted from sustainable cocoa.
With over 150 treats to choose from, including sugar-free and dairy-free options, there’s something for everyone. Their must-try signature item? The iconic Mint Smoothies, which are my favourite and one of the reasons I love their advent calendars full of them.
Insider Tip: Their advent calendars are one of my top picks for local food gifts. Even better, Rheo Thompson offers shipping across North America, so you can send their delicious creations to friends and family. Or order one for yourself!
Address: 55 Albert St, Stratford, ON
One More Cocoa
If you’re looking for a new take on chocolate, make time to visit One More Cocoa, a fab shop where every treat is handmade by Kenesha Lewis. Born in Jamaica, Kenesha infuses her creations with flavors inspired by her roots. Even the shop’s name comes from the Caribbean proverb, “one one cocoa full basket,” meaning one step at a time.
As soon as you step inside, the sweet aroma of fresh chocolate greets you. One More Cocoa offers over 18 unique chocolate bar flavors, along with bonbons and hot chocolate box sets. In fact, the Hot Chocolate Box Set gained worldwide attention after being featured on Oprah’s 2023 Favorite Things Christmas List.
During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying a little bit of everything. The Cookies & Cream chocolate bar was a hit, and the bonbons were almost too beautiful to eat—almost! My favorites were the lemon meringue, s’mores, hazelnut, and the ever-popular strawberry cheesecake.
One More Cocoa is one of the one of best places to visit in Whitby for foodies!
Address: 116 Athol St, Whitby, ON
J’adore
Barrie is a hidden gem of a destination for foodies, and one spot you can’t miss is J’adore Fine Cheese and Chocolate in the heart of downtown. The shop is a treasure trove of delicious finds, offering a stunning selection of cheeses, local goodies, and handmade gourmet chocolates.
When you walk in, you’re welcomed by the tempting aroma of fine foods and the elegance of a dazzling chandelier. Their cheese counter boasts over 200 varieties from around the globe, while the chocolate display features treats crafted onsite by their skilled chocolatier. If you’re unsure where to start, their best-seller, the Fleur de Sel, is a must-try!
But that’s not all—head downstairs to discover The Speakcheasy, a hidden 1920s-inspired lounge that hosts fun events.
J’adore also sells unique gift packages, perfect for any occasion. For Valentine’s Day, I always treat myself to one of their small chocolate gift sets.
Address: 123 Dunlop St E, Barrie
The Nutty Chocolatier
The Nutty Chocolatier is a must-visit for chocolate lovers in Ontario. It has locations in small towns like Huntsville and Port Perry as well as in Toronto. Their handmade truffles are crafted with premium Callebaut chocolate imported from Belgium, ensuring every bite is pure indulgence.
Walking into one of their stores feels like stepping into a nostalgic, old-fashioned candy shop. Alongside their delicious truffles and handcrafted chocolates, you’ll find imported candies, homemade fudge, and gelato. They also have options fit for all, including sugar-free and dog treats.
A visit to The Nutty Chocolatier is a sweet trip back in time!
Address: 182 Queen St., Port Perry – 2179 Queen St E, Toronto – 65 Main St. East, Huntsville – 9350 Yonge St, Richmond Hill (inside the Hillcrest Mall)
Centre & Main Chocolate
Northumberland is full of adorable small towns like Port Hope and Campellford. One small town in the region is home to the best chocolate bars in Ontario, that place is Warkworth. There you’ll find the award-winning Centre & Main, a truly unique chocolate shop.
What I love most is how the colorful art on the shop matches the stunning designs of their chocolates—it’s like stepping into a gallery! And that chocolatier Angela Roest creates small-batch masterpieces, that focus on local ingredients.
Plus, Centre & Main runs chocolate workshops, making it a fun foodie experience for chocolate lovers who want to learn while indulging.
Address: 50 Centre St, Warkworth
Hummingbird Chocolate
Considered one of the best chocolate makers in Ontario is Hummingbird Chocolate. This sweet chocolate shop is located in the town of Almonte, near Ottawa. They craft their chocolate directly from cocoa beans using an 18th-century-inspired process that takes over a month from bean to bar.
You can visit their shop and factory, take a tour to see how they make their small-batch chocolate, and enjoy complimentary tastings. I think it’s one of the tastiest things to do in Almonte! Their award-winning lineup includes flavors like the popular Hispaniola, and includes plenty of vegan options.
I love visiting their shop and café! You can grab a few treats and a hot chocolate and sit to enjoy. As for which chocolate bars to choose, that’s tough. But my favourites are the Maple one, which is made with local Lanark County maple syrup, and the Toffee & Nib bar.
Address: 476 Ottawa St, Almonte
Ridgway Confections
In the village of Seeley’s Bay, just 20 minutes north of Gananoque, you’ll find Ridgeway Confections. This dreamy chocolate shop tucked inside a Victorian home and one of the sweetest hidden gems in the Thousand Islands.
When I visited, we were welcomed by Derek, the chocolatier, strumming his guitar on the front porch. Inside, he offered us a free truffle, and I couldn’t resist trying the Cinnamon Whisky. Ridgeway specializes in Belgian chocolates, from bars and barks to truffles, with flavors ranging from hazelnut to creative blends like lime and coconut.
If you’re visiting in summer or early fall, don’t miss their Frosticles—ice cream bars dipped in their amazing chocolate. The strawberry shortcake flavor is so amazing!
Be sure to check out the back room, where Derek’s wife curates a lovely tea selection alongside local products and a small museum. Ridgeway Confections is a delightful stop for any chocolate lover!
Address: 159 Main St, Seeley’s Bay, ON
Old Firehall Confectionery
A must-visit for chocolate lovers in the GTA is the Old Firehall Confectionery. There are locations in Unionville and Kleinburg. Each shop offers handmade chocolates crafted daily with premium Belgian chocolate and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They also cater to various dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free as well as kosher options.
I love the original shop, located in Unionville’s historic 1800s firehall! You can enjoy watching the chocolate-making process in action right in the shop. Be sure to try their award-winning hand-painted truffles—my favorites include ice wine, caramel, raspberry, and Baileys Irish Cream!
Addresses: 170 Main Street, Unionville – 10449 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg – 35 King St N, Waterloo
Chocolate Sensations
In the heart of Paris, Ontario, you’ll discover Chocolate Sensations, a beloved family-run shop that has been delighting locals and visitors for over 20 years. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of chocolate.
The store offers an incredible variety of handmade treats, from milk, dark, and white chocolates to whimsical molds and gift-worthy confections—there’s something for everyone! Beyond the chocolates, you’ll find a full fudge counter and a selection of creamy Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and take home a tasty souvenir from Paris.
Address: 89 Grand River St N, Paris
More Chocolate Shops in Ontario
Cocoa40
A must visit on a day trip to Newmarket is Cocoa40. This downtown shop is home to 40 unique flavours of handcrafted chocolate bonbons.
Every time I try a new flavour; I’m blown away by how delicious each is. A couple of my top picks are the hazelnut crunch and key lime pie. Interestingly, Cocoa40 uses Valrhona French chocolate with real herbs and spices.
Cocoa40 is an adorable little shop where you can grab a box of chocolates to bring home and enjoy a shot of liquid chocolate.
Chocolate Barr’s Candies
Shopping for chocolate is one of the top things to do in Stratford, so it’s no surprise there’s two Stratford chocolate shops on this list! Chocolate Barr’s Candies is located a short walk from Rheo’s Thompson Candies.
I love their dazzling sign, that says SWEET, that hangs on the wall behind the counter that’s packed with their chocolates. They have over 150 different chocolates and other confections.
Two of my favourite chocolates from here are their Pecan Patties and Minties.
Walker’s Chocolate
With over 40 years in business, it’s no surprise that Walker’s is one of the best chocolate shops in Ontario. You’ll find a wide selection of treats that include over 50 different truffles as well as sugar free and vegan options.
My favourite Walker’s Chocolate is also their most popular one, the Mint Meltaway. If you want to try some, they have locations in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton.
SOMA Chocolatemaker
If you’re looking for the chocolate shops in Toronto, head to the Distillery District. Here you’ll find SOMO Chocolatemaker. With a few different locations across the city, the Distillery is the original.
Fun Fact: SOMO Chocolatemaker was one of the first small chocolate makers to use coffee roasters for cacao beans in North America.
They have such a cool from bean to bar process! In addition to their award-winning chocolate, SOMO has an awesome Gianduja drinking chocolate!
Perth Chocolate Works
One of the top places to visit in Perth is Code’s Mill! Inside you’ll find a variety of shops and eateries, including Perth Chocolate Works.
This Perth chocolate shop has an incredible selection of high quality chocolate that’s made in small batches onsite. You can even watch them craft the chocolate through the viewing window.
I love that they source ingredients locally whenever they can. Plus, it’s a great spot for sweet souvenirs to bring home from your visit.
Dutch Boys Chocolate
If you’re planning a southwestern Ontario road trip and visiting the most southernly town in Ontario, be sure to pop into Dutch Boys Chocolate in Kingsville. During my visit I had the great fortune of meeting one of the founding owners.
Dutch Boys Chocolate now has new owners but is still making the same great chocolate. During rich Belgian chocolate all of their chocolates are made by hand.
They have over 25 different flavours of truffles and many include unique flavours like wine and lavender. I love that they utilize many local producers for flavouring their chocolates like strawberries and Ontario wine.
Plus, they make 3D chocolates that are perfect for gifts! I bought one of their chocolate cats for a friend of mine.
Looking for more chocolate fun in Ontario?
If you’re looking for a unique chocolate experience then plan a trip to Stratford! This foodie town is home to a number of chocolate shops as well as their famous Chocolate Trail. This self-guided trail takes you to various locations around Stratford where you can indulge in some chocolate offerings. These include stops at restaurants for dessert, breweries for chocolate beer and more!
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