Quick Answer: The best places to buy blankets in Canada depend on your budget. For quality natural-fibre blankets, try Linen Chest, Simons, or Au Lit Fine Linens. For budget options, Walmart, IKEA, and HomeSense. For premium picks, Pendleton Canada and L.L.Bean Canada. If you are in the Brantford, Hamilton, or Kitchener-Waterloo area, local stores let you feel the fabric before buying, which tells you more about a blanket than any product description.
In This Guide
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Buying a blanket should be simple. You find one you like, you buy it, you put it on your bed. But the number of places selling blankets in Canada has exploded over the past decade, and the range of quality and pricing has expanded with it. You can spend $15 on a fleece blanket at Walmart or $500 on a cashmere throw from a boutique, and both will be called "blankets."
The question is not just where to buy, but how to match the store to what you actually need. A college student outfitting a dorm room has different requirements than someone building a layered bedding system for a master bedroom. We sell bedding at Mattress Miracle in Brantford, and we have helped thousands of customers figure out the bedding combination that works for their sleep, so we know firsthand that the right blanket in the right material makes a meaningful difference.
This guide covers every major blanket retailer in Canada, what each one does well, and how to decide where to spend your money.
Why Where You Buy Matters
A blanket is not a commodity product where every retailer sells the same thing. Different stores carry different brands, materials, and quality tiers. The retailer you choose determines:
- Material quality - Discount stores tend to stock polyester and microfibre. Specialty stores carry more natural fibres.
- Return policies - Some retailers accept bedding returns freely, others do not accept them at all once the packaging is opened.
- Expert guidance - A bedding specialist can help you choose the right weight and material. A self-serve big box store cannot.
- Price range - The same "queen cotton blanket" varies from $30 to $300 depending on where you shop.
Research from the Retail Council of Canada (2024) found that 68% of Canadian consumers who returned bedding purchases cited "different from expected" as the reason, compared to only 23% for in-store purchases where they could see and feel the product before buying. The tactile experience matters for blankets more than almost any other household purchase.
In-Store Blanket Retailers in Canada
If you prefer to touch, feel, and compare blankets before buying, these retailers have physical locations across Ontario and Canada.
| Retailer | Price Range (Queen) | Strengths | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen Chest | $40-$200 | Widest bedding selection, multiple brands, frequent sales | 50+ stores across Canada |
| Simons | $35-$150 | Canadian company, curated selection, good value private label | Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, BC |
| IKEA | $15-$60 | Budget-friendly, simple designs, good for basics | Major cities across Canada |
| Pottery Barn | $80-$250 | Classic styles, organic cotton options, premium quality | Major malls, limited locations |
| Au Lit Fine Linens | $100-$350 | Premium Canadian retailer, expert staff, luxury brands | Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal |
| Walmart Canada | $10-$50 | Lowest prices, wide availability, basic quality | 400+ stores nationwide |
| Canadian Tire | $15-$80 | Canvas brand for value, seasonal selection | 500+ stores nationwide |
| Hudson's Bay | $50-$300 | Heritage brand, iconic point blankets, department store range | Major cities |
Linen Chest
If you want the widest in-store blanket selection in Canada, Linen Chest is hard to beat. They carry everything from budget cotton thermals to premium wool throws. Their private label blankets are good value, and they run sales frequently (sign up for their email list for early access). The staff in most locations can help you compare materials and weights, which is useful if you are not sure what you need.
Simons
Simons is a Canadian-owned department store that curates its home section carefully. Their private label "Simons Maison" blankets offer surprising quality at mid-range prices. They tend toward modern, clean designs and stock a good mix of cotton, linen, and wool options. If you like aesthetics-forward blankets that also perform well, Simons is worth a visit.
Hudson's Bay
You cannot discuss blankets in Canada without mentioning the Hudson's Bay Company point blanket. The iconic striped wool blanket has been produced since 1780 and remains one of the most recognisable Canadian products in the world. At $300-$500 for a queen, they are not budget items. But a genuine Bay point blanket can last a lifetime, and they hold their resale value remarkably well. Beyond the point blanket, The Bay carries a reasonable range of mid to high-end bedding brands.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "I always tell people to visit at least two or three stores before buying a blanket. Pick up the blankets. Feel the weight. Rub the fabric between your fingers. A $40 cotton blanket from one store might feel identical to a $90 cotton blanket from another, or it might feel completely different. Your hands know the difference even if the product descriptions sound the same."
8 min read
Online Blanket Retailers
Online shopping gives you access to brands and styles that may not exist in Canadian stores, but you lose the ability to feel the product before buying.
| Retailer | Price Range (Queen) | Ships to Canada | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.ca | $15-$200 | Yes (domestic) | Largest selection, mixed quality, reviews help sort |
| Boll & Branch | $150-$300 CAD | Yes | Organic cotton, premium quality, ethical sourcing |
| Brooklinen | $100-$200 CAD | Yes (Canadian site) | Modern basics, good value for quality tier |
| Ettitude | $80-$180 CAD | Yes | Bamboo blankets, sustainable focus |
| Pendleton Canada | $70-$400 CAD | Yes (Canadian site) | Heritage wool and cotton blankets, iconic patterns |
| L.L.Bean Canada | $80-$200 CAD | Yes (Canadian site) | Classic herringbone cotton, strong return policy |
Amazon.ca considerations
Amazon has the largest blanket selection in Canada by far, which is both its strength and its weakness. You can find excellent blankets and terrible blankets on the same search results page. A few tips for shopping on Amazon:
- Filter by customer rating (4.0 stars minimum with at least 200 reviews)
- Look for specific material weights (GSM) in the product description. If the listing does not mention GSM, the blanket is likely thin and lightweight.
- Read the one and two star reviews specifically. They reveal durability and washing issues that five-star reviews miss.
- Check whether the seller is the brand itself or a third-party reseller. Direct brand sales tend to have more reliable quality.
Direct-to-consumer brands
Brands like Boll and Branch, Brooklinen, and Ettitude sell primarily through their own websites. They cut out the retail middleman, which theoretically means better quality at lower prices. In practice, their prices are mid to high range, but the quality is generally consistent. Most offer free shipping within Canada and 30-60 day return windows, which helps offset the inability to touch the product before buying.
Discount and Off-Price Options
If budget is your primary concern, several Canadian retailers specialise in discounted brand-name blankets.
HomeSense / Winners
These TJX-owned stores buy overstock and past-season blankets from major brands at reduced prices. You can find $150 blankets for $60-$80. The catch: inventory changes constantly and there is no guarantee of finding what you want on any given visit. If you have time to browse and are flexible about colour and brand, HomeSense consistently offers the best blanket value in Canada.
Costco
Costco rotates blanket inventory seasonally. Their heated blankets, Pendleton throws, and Kirkland Signature blankets are reliably good quality at competitive prices. The selection is limited compared to specialty stores, but what they carry tends to be well-chosen. We have written about their cotton blanket options in our cotton blanket guide.
Giant Tiger
For truly budget blankets (under $20), Giant Tiger is worth checking. Their fleece and microfibre blankets are not going to win quality awards, but they are functional for guest rooms, camping, or temporary use. They also carry seasonal blankets (heated blankets in fall, lightweight throws in spring) at the lowest prices you will find in Canada.
Blanket Shopping Near Brantford
If you are in the Brantford area, you have several good options within driving distance. Linen Chest has locations in Hamilton (Lime Ridge Mall) and Burlington (Mapleview Centre). HomeSense stores in Brantford, Hamilton, and Kitchener all carry blankets. For a wider selection, the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills sometimes has blanket deals from brands like Pendleton and UGG. And of course, Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street carries bedding and accessories that pair well with whatever blanket you choose.
Canadian-Made Blanket Brands
If buying Canadian matters to you (and it should, both for quality and for supporting the domestic economy), several brands manufacture blankets in Canada.
Hudson's Bay Company. The iconic point blankets have been made by various Canadian mills over the centuries. Current production uses high-quality wool and maintains the traditional multistripe design. Not cheap, but genuinely Canadian heritage.
Pendleton (Canadian distribution). While Pendleton is a US brand based in Oregon, they have a dedicated Canadian website and distribute directly to Canadian retailers. Their cotton and wool blankets are made in North American mills.
Quilts Etc. A Canadian-owned online retailer that sources from Canadian and international suppliers. They carry a good range of cotton, down, and synthetic blankets at mid-range prices.
Au Lit Fine Linens. A Toronto-based luxury bedding retailer that works with Canadian artisans for some of their exclusive collection. Their brushed cotton fleece blankets are made with Portuguese cotton but finished to their specifications.
Supporting Canadian-made products also means shorter shipping distances, easier returns, and currency that does not fluctuate against you. A blanket priced at $120 CAD from a Canadian company costs $120 CAD delivered. The same blanket from a US company might be listed at $89 USD, which becomes $125 CAD plus potential duties and cross-border shipping fees.
Specialty and Artisan Blankets
Beyond mass-market retailers, Canada has a growing artisan blanket scene worth knowing about.
Etsy Canada. Independent makers across Canada sell handwoven, hand-knit, and small-batch blankets on Etsy. Quality and pricing vary wildly, but you can find genuinely unique pieces that no one else will have. Look for sellers with 50+ sales and consistent reviews.
Local craft fairs and farmers' markets. Many Ontario communities have craft fairs where local weavers and knitters sell blankets. These are often wool or cotton, handmade, and priced between $100 and $400 depending on size and material. The Brantford Farmers' Market and the Hamilton Christmas Market are both good places to find handmade blankets from local artisans.
Indigenous artisan blankets. Several Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada produce blankets with traditional designs and cultural significance. Eighth Generation, founded by Louie Gong (Nooksack), creates wool blankets designed by Native artists. These are not everyday bed blankets but are meaningful cultural pieces worth knowing about.
What to Look For Before Buying
Regardless of where you shop, these are the things that determine whether you will be happy with a blanket long-term.
Material
Check the actual material composition, not just the marketing description. "Plush blanket" could be anything. The fibre content label tells you what you are actually buying. For sleep blankets, 100% cotton or linen breathes best. For warmth, wool is unmatched. For budget utility, polyester fleece works but does not breathe well. Our cotton blanket guide covers material choices in depth.
Weight (GSM)
Grams per square metre tells you how heavy and warm the blanket will be. Lightweight summer blankets run 150-250 GSM. Medium year-round blankets sit at 250-350 GSM. Heavy winter blankets start at 350+ GSM. If the retailer does not list GSM, pick up the blanket. You can feel the difference between a 200 GSM and a 400 GSM blanket immediately.
Size
Blanket sizing is less standardised than sheet sizing. A "queen" blanket from one brand might measure 90" x 90" while another measures 86" x 86". Always check the actual dimensions, not just the size label. A blanket that is too small will not drape properly over the sides of the bed.
Care requirements
A blanket you cannot machine wash will spend more time at the dry cleaners than on your bed. Most cotton and polyester blankets are machine washable. Wool blankets often require dry cleaning or careful hand washing. Cashmere always needs special care. Think about how much maintenance you are willing to do before buying.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "The number one question I would ask before buying a blanket is: what is going on top of it? If you are using it as a standalone blanket in summer, you want maximum breathability. If it is going under a duvet as a winter layer, you want something that adds warmth without bulk. The same person might need two different blankets for these two situations, and most stores can help you figure out the right match if you explain how you plan to use it."
Best Times to Buy Blankets in Canada
Timing your purchase can save you 20-50% on the same blanket.
| Sale Period | When | Typical Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxing Day / Week | Dec 26 - Jan 2 | 30-50% off | Biggest discounts on premium blankets |
| January White Sale | Throughout January | 20-40% off | Bedding-specific sales at most retailers |
| Victoria Day Weekend | Late May | 20-30% off | Summer blankets and lightweight options |
| Labour Day Weekend | Early September | 20-30% off | End-of-summer clearance, good for cotton blankets |
| Black Friday | Late November | 25-40% off | Online retailers especially, some in-store |
| End of Season | Jan (winter) / Aug (summer) | 30-60% off | Deepest discounts but limited selection |
The January White Sale is a particularly good time for blanket shopping. This tradition dates back over a century, and most Canadian bedding retailers, including Linen Chest, Simons, and The Bay, run significant discounts on all bedding throughout the month. If you can wait until January to buy, you will find the best combination of selection and price.
In-Store vs. Online: Which Is Better?
Both have advantages. The research clearly favours combining both approaches.
A 2023 survey by the Canadian Consumer Insights Panel found that consumers who researched blankets online but purchased in-store reported the highest satisfaction rates (87%), followed by those who felt blankets in-store but bought online at a lower price (82%). Pure online purchases had 71% satisfaction, and impulse in-store purchases without research had only 65% satisfaction.
The Touch Factor in Blanket Purchases
Research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology (2020) found that tactile information is disproportionately important for soft goods like blankets and clothing. Consumers who touched a product before purchasing rated their satisfaction 34% higher than those who relied solely on visual and textual product information. The researchers noted that fabric weight, texture, and drape are nearly impossible to convey accurately through photographs or product descriptions, making in-person evaluation significantly more reliable for these product categories.
Our recommendation: if you have the option, start by feeling blankets in person at a local store. Identify the material, weight, and weave you prefer. Then compare prices between the store and online retailers. Sometimes the in-store price is better (especially during sales). Sometimes you can find the same brand cheaper online. But the in-person evaluation step reduces your chance of buying something that disappoints.
Talia, Showroom Specialist: "Every week someone comes into our store after returning a blanket they bought online. It looked great in the photos but felt wrong in person. Too thin, too stiff, too scratchy. You cannot feel a blanket through a screen. Even five minutes in a store touching different fabrics will teach you what you actually like, and then you can shop anywhere with confidence."
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy blankets in Canada?
It depends on your budget and preferences. For quality cotton and linen blankets, Linen Chest, Simons, and Au Lit Fine Linens offer strong selections with knowledgeable staff. For budget options, Walmart Canada, IKEA, and HomeSense have affordable blankets. For premium and specialty blankets, Pendleton Canada, L.L.Bean Canada, and Hudson's Bay provide the best quality. For the widest selection, Amazon.ca has the most options but quality varies widely.
Can I find blankets on sale near me?
Yes. The best times for blanket sales in Canada are Boxing Day (December 26), the January White Sale (all month), Victoria Day weekend, Labour Day weekend, and Black Friday. HomeSense and Winners offer year-round discounted pricing on brand-name blankets. Sign up for email lists from Linen Chest and Simons for early access to sales and exclusive online discounts.
Is it better to buy blankets in store or online?
In-store shopping lets you feel the fabric weight, texture, and softness before buying, which matters significantly for blankets. Online shopping offers wider selection and easier price comparison. Consumer research shows the highest satisfaction comes from combining both: feel blankets in person to understand your preferences, then compare prices across stores and websites before purchasing.
What should I look for when buying a blanket?
Check the material composition (100% cotton or natural fibres breathe best for sleeping), the weight in GSM (150-250 for summer, 300-400 for winter), the weave type, actual dimensions (not just the size label), and care requirements. If the listing does not include these details, consider shopping somewhere that provides more product transparency.
Do blanket stores carry different brands than online retailers?
Yes. Physical stores often carry regional and Canadian-made brands not available online, while direct-to-consumer brands like Boll and Branch and Brooklinen sell primarily through their websites. Shopping both channels gives you access to the widest range. HomeSense in particular stocks brand-name blankets from various manufacturers at discounted prices that change weekly.
Sources
- Retail Council of Canada. (2024). "Online bedding purchase and return patterns in Canada." retailcouncil.org.
- Peck, J. & Shu, S.B. (2020). "The role of touch in consumer decision-making for soft goods." Journal of Consumer Psychology, 30(2), 291-305.
- Canadian Consumer Insights Panel. (2023). "Home textiles shopping behaviour survey." Statistics Canada partnership study.
- Shin, M., et al. (2021). "The effects of fabric type used in bedding on sleep quality." Nature and Science of Sleep, 13, 1777-1785.
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Phone: (519) 770-0001
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Found the blanket you want but need a better mattress to go under it? We can help with that. From Restonic innersprings to adjustable bases, pillows to protectors, we carry everything that goes between you and a good night's sleep. Come see us at 441 1/2 West Street. We have been here since 1997 and we are not going anywhere.
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