Canada is home to a vibrant leather goods industry, with companies ranging from heritage workshops to modern design houses. These companies combine traditional leatherworking techniques with contemporary styling, offering bags that appeal to a wide range of consumers, from commuters and travellers to students and professionals. Many of these companies produce their leather goods domestically. However, some have outsourced production to trusted partners globally.
Canadian Leather Bag Brands
Roots
Manufacturing Location: Toronto, Ontario
Where to Buy: Online and in stores
Key Details:
- Known for handcrafted leather goods
- Iconic Canadian design heritage
Roots has been manufacturing leather goods in Canada since 1973. While much of its production now takes place abroad, many of the company’s leather goods are still made by hand in Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian-made leather bags are stitched, cut, and finished by skilled artisans using premium full-grain leather in-house. Roots leather bags often blend rugged charm with practicality, featuring adjustable straps and spacious pockets, while the naturally ageing leather develops a rich patina over time.
Erin Templeton
Manufacturing Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Where to Buy: Erin Templeton studio in Vancouver and online
Key Details:
- Handcrafted leather goods
- Small-batch production
Erin Templeton is a Vancouver-based designer producing handcrafted leather bags and accessories. Every piece is made in-house in small batches at her Gastown studio, combining traditional leatherworking techniques with a modern, sustainable approach. The brand’s collections often mix recycled and reclaimed leathers, giving each item a unique character and minimising waste at the same time. With an emphasis on craftsmanship and individuality, Erin Templeton bags appeal to Canadians looking for genuinely Canadian-made leather bags.
Hides
Manufacturing Location: Canada
Where to Buy: Online
Key Details:
- Full-grain leather bags
- Heritage-inspired craftsmanship
Hides is an Ontario-based leather goods company that produces full-grain leather bags, backpacks, satchels, and accessories with a focus on durability and refined detailing. Their Canadian-made leather bags combine heritage styling, such as handstitched accents and traditional silhouettes, with practical, modern features suited to everyday life. Many bags include reinforced seams, high-quality hardware, and structured interiors to withstand regular use.
Wilder Goods
Manufacturing Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Where to Buy: Online and select boutiques
Key Details:
- Handmade leather bags
- Small-batch production
Wilder Goods is a Canadian company based in Winnipeg, MB, producing handmade leather bags using traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. All their bags are made in small batches with a focus on durability and functionality. The collection includes backpacks, totes, and carry bags, all made from premium leathers and hard-wearing textiles to ensure durability and character. With an emphasis on slow-made production and high-quality materials, Wilder Goods is a dependable Canadian maker of leather bags.
Opelle Creative
Manufacturing Location: Toronto, Ontario
Where to Buy: Olibe and select stockists
Key Details:
- Small-batch luxury leather bags
- Handcrafted entirely in Canada
Opelle Creative is a Toronto-based leather goods company founded in 2010. The company handcrafts all of its leather bags in-house in small batches, prioritising quality, durability, and refined design. Each bag is made by skilled artisans at the Toronto studio, allowing Opelle to maintain full control over craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company is dedicated to slow-fashion practices: limited production runs, ethically sourced materials, and a commitment to local manufacturing.
Poppy Barley
Manufacturing Location: Mexico, Spain, and Portugal
Where to Buy: Online and boutique stores
Key Details:
- Female-founded company
- Certified B-Corp
Poppy Barley, founded in 2012 in Edmonton, is a Canadian company run by sisters Justine and Kendall Barber. The company designs its bags in Edmonton, Alberta, and partners with family-run workshops in Mexico, Spain, and Portugal that specialise in leather production. The company has been B-Corp certified and focuses on fair labour, traceability, and environmental responsibility. Their leather bags often feature clean lines and practical design elements such as secure pockets and reinforced handles.
Matt & Nat
Manufacturing Location: Globally
Where to Buy: Online and retailers
Key Details:
- Canadian-owned vegan accessories brand
- Emphasis on recycled and sustainable materials
Matt & Nat, founded in Montreal in 1995, is a Canadian company that is recognised globally as a brand committed to vegan design and sustainability. Although their bags are not produced in Canada – they use carefully selected overseas partners – the company remains Canadian-owned. The company is headquartered in Montreal, where all design work, material development, and product testing take place. Matt & Nat bags are durable, functional, and trendy, while also being vegan and cruelty-free.
