Meet the Canadian Rebels Who Want to Transform the Ordinary into Moments of Joy.

“We were basically shaking our fists at the idea of Father Time sneaking up on us,” says CEO Eric Fallon, “While we still couldn’t find the products we were looking for.” That’s how the Rebel’s Refinery brand got started by Fallon and his two best friends, Elan Marks and Justin Maclean, in Toronto.

The team took matters into their own hands, deciding to start what would become a men’s grooming brand. They found their way onto the Canadian entrepreneurial television show Dragon’s Den.

“Kevin O’Leary was a ‘Dragon’ at the time and walked off within the first 10 minutes of our pitch,” Fallon recalls. They ended up landing a deal with another of the Dragons, Arlene Dickinson, and used the money to create their first shaped lip balm – the Skull.
The Rebel’s Refinery brand is literally built on creativity, from its innovative packaging to its quality raw materials and hand-picked essential oils.

“There is still nothing we love more than dropping new innovations and seeing if you all freak out!” says Fallon, “We want to see you smile and get excited whenever you hold one of our items. We used to think motorcycles and being edgy was cool (motorcycles still are – sorry Mom!), but now we understand that being happy is the new cool. That’s why our new tagline is transforming the ordinary into moments of joy.”

Look for rebellious products like Cactus, Ice Cream or Pineapple lip balms, Rehab Roller Under Eye Moisturizer and Dirty Boy Bamboo Face & Body Wipes at your local London Drugs. Then let your inner rebel share the Canadian joy!

Caprina – The Canadian brand that brought the moisturizing power of fresh goat’s milk soap from the farm to the mainstream.

When Canus Founder and President André Bearegard first started researching goat’s milk skin care products in the early 90’s, the rare and expensive milk was not only hard to find for beauty products, but also had a shelf life that was limited to just six months. With the help of research and development, the company has developed over the years a proven technique that transfers the hydrating properties of fresh goat’s milk to its skincare lines while increasing the products’ shelf life to 5 years.

Two decades later, Caprina is now one of Canada’s top selling soap lines.

Local farmers, local community.

“At our brand new facility in Drummondville Quebec, we work with fresh goat’s milk from local Canadian farmers,” says Beauregard, “For us it’s very important to be involved with our local community, giving farmers the opportunity to use their fresh milk to produce quality products.”

Looking for a better moisturizing soap? Canadian goats are ready to help.

Goat’s milk has long been considered one of nature’s most effective moisturizers.

“The secret is in its ‘bipolar’ molecular structure,” Beauregard says, “It cleanses without stripping away the natural moisture barriers of our skin.” This helps make Caprina products natural and gentle enough to use for the whole family.

Caprina products are also recommended by the Canadian Dermatology Review Panel, and recognized to be effective complements to skin therapy for people with psoriasis and eczema.

London Drugs is proud to carry a range of Caprina products, including bar soap, body wash, liquid hand soap and foam bath.

Proudly Canadian Christmas Gift Guide

Looking for gifts with a Canadian flavor this Christmas? Whether Canadian Designed, Canadian Owned or Canadian Proud, these brands and products let you shop with a genuine Canuck connection. So tighten your toque, grab some loonies and check them out. And remember, London Drugs is 100% Canadian Owned since 1945, with our head office right here in Richmond, BC.

Annabelle Cosmetics

Created in 1967 in Montreal, Annabelle Cosmetics develops colourful and cosmopolitan beauty essentials that support a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity, and a vibrant, visionary celebration of humanity.

Pictured: Annabelle Christmas Bag Makeup Gift Set – 5 piece- $19.99

Province Apothecary

Province Apothecary is blending the wilds of Canada into nourishing and balancing skincare. All products are made with the highest quality certified organic ingredients and local ingredients that have been sourced from each Canadian Province.

Pictured: Province Apothecary Balm Trio – $45

Kerr’s Candies

Founded in 1895 in St. Thomas, Ontario by brothers Edward and Albert Kerr after emigrating from Scotland. Today, Kerr’s products are still manufactured at their head office in Toronto in a factory that’s peanut free, tree-nut free and gluten free. Sweet.

Zazubean Chocolate

Started on a pedal-powered excursion by a group of women to an island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. These fairly traded, organic chocolate bars are good for the planet, good for the growers and tasty for you!

Delecto Chocolates

Made in Canada by Ganong, Canada’s oldest chocolate and candy company, established in 1873, in St. Stephen New Brunswick.

London Naturals Maple Syrup

This 100% Canadian organic maple syrup is made in Canada and brought to you by a 100% Canadian company – London Drugs. Choose from Canada Grade A Amber or Dark.

Sparkmouth Beverages

Non-GMO sparkling beverages flavoured with natural fruit extracts, from a Vancouver, BC Company.

Ethical Bean Coffee & Salt Spring Coffee

Two great organic companies, roasting coffee locally and buying it right globally. Ethical Bean practices promote ecological balance, biodiversity, and community support. Salt Spring Coffee is still owned and operated by the same Canadian husband and wife team.

Lise Watier Cosmetics

Founded in Quebec in 1972. Lise Watier was one of the first women to establish herself in the Canadian cosmetics industry and built a major brand. Lise Watier is now part of the Canadian owned Groupe Marcelle.

Pictured: Lise Watier Must-haves Set – 5 Piece – $44

Roots

Choose from camera bags, cases and carry-alls designed by an iconic Canadian company with its early beginnings in a small cabin in Canada’s Algonquin Park.

Pictured: Roots 73 Classic Messenger Bag – $139.99

Zoe Pet Food

Don’t forget our four footed Canadian friends at Christmas time. This 100% Canadian owned company makes 100% of their dry pet food in Canada with an average of 80% Canadian sourced ingredients.

Starfrit

A wide range of quality Canadian designed kitchenware, brought to you by Atlantic Promotions, a Quebec owned and operated company for over 50 years.

Pictured: Starfrit Maple Cutting Board – $19.99, Starfrit

Mightigrip Jar Opener – $19.99

Trudeau Corp

A Canadian company offering kitchen utensils and accessories to Canada and the world, based in Boucherville, Quebec.

Pictured: Trudeau Pepper Mill – Natural Wood – $19.99

Trudeau Filter Press Coffeemaker – $25.99

Charisma Sterling Silver Jewelry

Made by a Canadian company, designed in Montreal.

Pictured: Charisma Sterling Silver Tree Life Earrings – $25

Salt Spring Island Candles

Salt Spring Island Candle Co. was born from a desire to make clean burning plant based candles while utilizing the best aromatherapy oils to create truly unique scents inspired from Canada’s West Coast.

C&C Candle Company

Hand-poured, 100% soy candles made in

Calgary.

Safari Action Camera

Innovative cameras designed, marketed and sold exclusively in Canada. Part of Gentec, a trusted Canadian company for over 30 years.

Pictured: Safari 5D Action Camera Kit –$99.99

Logiix Accessories

Canadian designed tech products designed in

Vancouver.

Pictured: Logiix Essentials Play Notebook Sleeve – 13 Inch – Sloth – $34.99

Visit Local Central

The Local Central section in select stores continues to offer a fresh selection of hyper-local products, such as Kip’s Kettle Corn, Bear Bait Honey, Harry Beard Oil, True Heroes Coffee and more. Check our Local Central listings to see what’s available in your area!

Canadian Content

Browse our CDs, DVDs and Vinyl Records for Canadian Classics like The Tragically Hip. Neil Young, Rush, Diana Krall and of course, CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe.

8 Places to See Beautiful Christmas Lights in Canada

There’s something truly magical about Christmas lights during the holidays. Thousands of twinkling lights can make any place feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland. We’ve rounded up eight of our favourite spots in Canada to take in Christmas light shows, tunnels, and even a train.

1. Grouse Mountain

Christmas lights Grouse Mountain Beautiful Canada - London Drugs

Photo by @vancitywild

After taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC, walk through a tunnel of lights before skating and grabbing hot cocoa. Tip: it’s a great holiday date spot!

2. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Christmas Lights VanDusen Botanical Garden London Drugs

Photo by @tovogueorbust

Walk among the maze of Christmas lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC. For many it’s a yearly tradition to see the Festival of Lights!

3. CP Holiday Train

The CP Holiday Train is travelling from province to province collecting donations for North America’s food banks. Find out when the train is coming to a town near you – and see a live holiday show!

4. Leduc County Christmas Lights

Leduc County Christmas Lights - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @capitalpowercleaninc

Walking in a Christmas wonderland at Leduc County Christmas Lights in Alberta! Remember to bring a donation for the food bank and snap a great picture with these twinkling lights.

5. Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Christmas Market - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @fraaappuccino

Stand inside a giant Christmas tree at the Vancouver Christmas Market! Reflective of a traditional German market, shop for classic treats, visit local vendors with handmade goodies, and ride the merry-go-round.

6. Bankers Hall

Bankers Hall Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @aliyahkm

With a huge Christmas tree surrounded by lights, put Bankers Hall in Calgary on your to-visit list for a picture-worthy moment!

7. Prince’s Island Park

Prince's Island Park Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @anaib

Walk over to Prince’s Island Park near downtown Calgary, AB, for a bridge full of lights and festive Christmas cheer.

8. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @vancitywild

All lit up for Christmas, the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are beautiful over the holidays. It gets busy though, so go early or on weeknights if you can!

Did we miss somewhere? Tell us in the comments! Merry Christmas from all of us at London Drugs!

10 Signs You’re a True Canadian Hockey Fan

If you’re like us, as soon as the first cold snap hits you’re reaching for your ice skates and hockey sticks. Whether it’s our kid’s major or junior hockey league, the WHL, CHL, or NHL, or simply the group we meet up with every Saturday afternoon to knock a puck around, we love Canadian hockey with a fire. And not just because we need to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures!

So, how do you know you’re a true Canadian hockey fan? We’ve compiled a list of 10 telltale signs to watch out for, err strive for, this season!

Lace up!

1. When you were growing up, lacing a hockey skate gave you a bigger thrill than lacing your shoes.

2. You take more pride in the smell of your hockey gear than you do in its appearance; the more you use it, the better!

3. Your driveway is a hockey rink. In June.

4. You know the best seats in the arena are in the upper bowl.

5. You think wearing a toque is an acceptable method to hide that hockey hair.

6. There are some friends you don’t see 10 months out of the year. Because they aren’t fans.

7. You understand “penalty moods,” and “shoot out anxiety,” yet you still say please and thank you.

8. A fresh cup of java is your go-to road fuel.

9. July and August are your least favourite months of the year.

10. These are your favourite colours.

LDExtras members! Stop by any London Drugs between October 1 – December 7, 2018, and purchase ANY pack of Duracell batteries, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a VIP experience at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver this Winter!

Are you a true Canadian hockey fan?

Help us get into the hockey season spirit and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube for even more hockey inspiration!

5 Great Summer Getaways from Vancouver

When we’re already surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s easy to forget that there are other amazing places to explore outside of Vancouver. And they’re not far away! At London Drugs, we’re proud of our Canadian roots and we love discovering new places to travel—right here in our beautiful country. So, if summertime has you feeling like it’s time to pack up the car and hit the road, here are some great ideas for local travel this summer.

Yoho National Park, BC

760 km from Vancouver

Cruise the Trans Canada Highway to the spectacular Yoho National Park, located on the western side of the Rocky Mountains, in eastern BC. Named for a Cree expression of awe and wonder, Yoho has an abundance of natural beauty including waterfalls, 400 km of trails, crystal clear lakes, and four campgrounds. Train buffs can watch trains entering the spiral tunnels near Kicking Horse Pass.

Nelson, BC

650 km from Vancouver

Known as the “Queen City” of the Kootenays, Nelson is a rare gem. It has maintained its heritage feel while still providing plenty for visitors to do. It has more restaurants per capita than Manhattan or San Francisco, so it’s a foodie’s paradise. Wander around the downtown core and take in the restaurant scene or one of the many coffee houses or breweries. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, Nelson also boasts impressive river rafting or kayaking on Kootenay Lake, as well as ziplining over the Kokanee Creek Canyon.

The Okanagan Valley

400 km from Vancouver

Known for its sunny and dry climate, the Okanagan Valley provides a stunning backdrop for boating, water sports, golfing, and wine tasting. This region has long been a summer playground for visitors from Vancouver and Alberta alike. Whether you’re exploring the many vineyards in Kelowna, the desert oasis in Osoyoos, golfing in Penticton, or boating on Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, there’s always something to do in the Okanagan Valley.

Pemberton, BC

158 km from Vancouver

Most of us think of Whistler when we think of a quick getaway close to Vancouver. But just 20km north of Whistler is Pemberton, a quieter option which also has a lot to offer. There’s hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing, to name a few. With plenty of lakes in the area, water sports are popular and visitors can enjoy white water rafting, kayaking, and jet boat tours. Pemberton is also an agri-tourism hot spot and features u-pick farms, a distillery tour, bustling farmers markets, and the slow food cycle every Sunday in the summer.

Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, BC

115 km from Vancouver

Located in the 347-hectare park near Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach is surrounded by Douglas Firs. It’s perfect for exploring the wooded trails as you make your way to this wide sandy beach. At low tide, the ocean recedes one-kilometre into the Strait of Georgia, providing lots of space to enjoy the sand and surf. This spot is ideal for lovers of wildlife and many varieties of birdlife, including eagles, hawks and owls. It’s also home to the Rathtrevor Beach Nature House. You will need to ferry to Nanaimo and then drive to Parksville to access Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.

Whatever sort of summer getaway you are after, there’s plenty to offer right here in our Canadian backyard. Wherever you go, London Drugs is your first stop for local Canadian products. Happy travels!

Our Favourite #CanadianSummer Photos From Instagram

Even though we are lucky to live in Canada, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, we are not not lucky enough to have a lot of balmy weather. So, when summer finally does come around every year, we are HERE FOR IT. (Can I get an amen, Alberta?) To give you a tasty appetizer, we thought we’d scour social media to find some of our favourite #CanadianSummer photos.

Sunset Season

No, this isn’t a painting, it’s a real place. Crescent Beach in Surrey, BC, to be precise.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi0j6PdnRwK/?tagged=canadiansummer

Adventure Dogs

These two Prince Edward Island pals might as well have a speech bubble above that says, “Can you throw the stick again, puh-leeze?!”

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A post shared by Daily Adventure Dogs (@dailyadventuredogs)

The Perfect Chill Spot

The only thing missing from this classic Muskoka scene is a couple of friends to sit with.

Photo by @FLOAT-EH on Instagram

The Boys of Summer

What’s summer without a ball game on a warm night at Vancouver’s Nat Bailey Stadium?

View this post on Instagram
Vancouver's field of dreams. #natbaileystadium #vancouvercanadians
A post shared by Steve Wong (@stevee.ray_wong) on May 2, 2018 at 11:43pm PDT

Refreshing View

Let’s make a toast to flannel shirts, glassy lakes and cold iced tea.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nic (@nicoleealmeida)

An Evening Stroll

Doesn’t this rural PEI road look like the perfect spot for a long, leisurely walk down to the water?

View this post on Instagram
Lovely North Rustico, PEI. Great road behind the beach for a long scenic walk. #discoverpei
A post shared by Sasha Weekes (@sashaweekes) on May 7, 2018 at 11:33am PDT

Majestic Mountains

Sure, Jasper gets a lot of attention during their magnificent winters, but their summers are nothing to sneeze at, either.

View this post on Instagram
The reflection of mountainous ranges and lines of evergreens in the heart of Canadian wilderness. A part of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is a perfect destination to those who longed for serenity and peace in the endless summer days.
A post shared by The Mighty Traveler (@themightytraveler) on May 11, 2018 at 5:41pm PDT

Summertime on the Seawall

Vancouver’s Sunset Beach is the closest thing Canada has to a Southern California boardwalk, palm trees included.

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Home turf, Vancouver's West End – English Bay #englishbay #westend #westendbestend #springinthecity #letthesunshine #vancouver #bc #canada #latergram
A post shared by Kotone Frankowksi Doug Abbot (@indefinitelyeverafter) on May 16, 2018 at 4:41am PDT

Freedom!

Remember the feeling of absolute freedom when school got out for summer holidays? It’s not hard to re-capture that feeling at Okanagan Lake in BC.

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A post shared by Dr Hannah Korten (@drhannahkorten)

Road Trip, Anyone?

Who’s got a convertible we can borrow for this perfect slice of Alberta road? We ride at dawn!

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I can’t count how many times I travelled this road as a kid on my way to another fun camping adventure. After seeing @neil_zee work at this location I was inspired to get up early and try for the sunrise. It did not disappoint. Taken Canada day 2017. . . . #canadaday2017 #canada #abparks @alberta_parks @travelalberta #travelalberta #albertaprairies #cypresshills #reesorlake #prairiesunrise @ig_shotz_le #explorecanada #albertaviews #medicinehat @alberta.canada #naturephotography #natureaddict #albertacanada #southernalberta #southernalbertaphotographer #tourismmedicinehat @tourismmedicinehat
A post shared by Doug Hider (@doughider_ab) on Apr 21, 2018 at 9:04am PDT

Do you have a photo that perfectly captures the #CanadianSummer? Why not have it printed and framed to enjoy all year? London Drugs Photolab experts can help you choose the perfect format for your prints.