This Purdys chocolates at the Rideau Centre was the first Purdys location to open up in Ottawa (in 2014). Purdys is a Canadian company that started in Vancouver, BC. They actually still make all of their chocolates there. They use 100% sustainable cocoa.
Purdys is famous for their chocolates that are shaped like hedgehogs.
This location at the Rideau Centre is very pretty. They have a big chocolate fountain. They also sell ice cream in addition to chocolates.
Please note that since our city is currently in lockdown due to the Covid Pandemic, the store is closed until the lockdown restrictions are lifted (the current plan is January 23, 2021), but you can still buy their chocolates online.
I remember speaking to a work colleague (who loves Purdys) before Ottawa got a Purdys store and she was telling me about the chocolates and I said "so it's like Laura Secord Chocolates?" (another Canadian chocolate company, but that one started in Toronto, ON) and you should have seen the mortified look on her face, she said "uh no, Purdys is sooo much better!" Lol. Now that I've had first-hand exposure to Purdys I do feel that image-wise Purdys is higher end that Laura Secord. Purdys prices are also slightly higher. On average, an assorted box of chocolates at Purdys is like $22 for 18 pieces. While on average an assorted box of chocolates at Laura Secord is $16 for 16-20 pieces. However, Purdys tends to have more exotic/creative flavours than Laura Secord, which has more mainstream flavours. Anyway, I'm a fan of both companies, especially because they are both Canadian, but if I had to choose, I do prefer Purdys ;) read more