Canada’s business landscape features remarkable companies that have operated continuously since the nation’s earliest days, serving as pillars of their communities for generations. These enduring enterprises have adapted to changing times while maintaining their core values and historical significance. Their survival through economic cycles, technological changes, and shifting market demands demonstrates exceptional business acumen.
These businesses embody Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience. They contribute to their local economies while preserving Canadian business heritage. While it is challenging to determine the absolute oldest due to varying records, the businesses featured here are among the oldest in their regions, providing insights into sustainable business practices and long-term success.
Manitoba: James Richardson & Sons, Limited
James Richardson & Sons, Limited (JRSL), originally established in 1857 in Kingston, Ontario, moved significant operations to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1887. This private, family-owned corporation has diversified into various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, energy, financial services, and real estate. JRSL remains headquartered in Winnipeg and continues to be a major player in Manitoba’s business landscape.
Quebec: Molson Brewery
Established in 1786, Molson Brewery stands as Quebec’s oldest continuously operating business and Canada’s oldest brewery. The company started with John Molson’s small brewery on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Montreal. Today, as part of Molson Coors Beverage Company, it operates as one of North America’s largest brewing companies. The business maintains strong connections to its Montreal roots while operating on a global scale.
Ontario: Muskoka Springs
Founded in 1873, Muskoka Springs stands as Muskoka’s longest-operating business, marking 150 years of continuous operation. The company began when founder Dugald Brown started bottling water from his artesian well in Gravenhurst. Today, the business continues operating from its original location at 220 Bay Street, maintaining its reputation for quality spring water products. Now part of The Rosseau Group, Muskoka Springs continues to embody the region’s heritage while upholding its founding principles of quality and tradition.
British Columbia: Six Mile Pub & Eatery
Established in 1855, Six Mile Pub & Eatery is celebrated as the oldest pub in British Columbia. Nestled in Sooke, it initially operated as a hotel and has since grown into a cherished venue for both locals and visitors. The pub has successfully preserved its historical charm while embracing contemporary tastes and preferences. Today, it remains a beloved community landmark, hosting numerous events and fundraisers.
Prince Edward Island: Shaw’s Hotel
Shaw’s Hotel’s story begins with the Shaw family’s settlement near Brackley Beach in 1793. By the 1850s, the family farmhouse had evolved into a hospitality business, officially opening as a hotel in 1860. It has grown from its humble beginnings into a full-service destination featuring 15 guest rooms, a restaurant, and 25 cottages along the seaside. The hotel’s historical significance was formally recognized in 2003 when it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Nova Scotia: Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is among the longest-running businesses in Nova Scotia and is recognized by many as the oldest continuously operating entity in the province. Established in 1750, it has served as a vital hub for commerce and community, connecting local producers and consumers. While it might not fit the traditional definition of a single company, its continuous operation as a marketplace places it firmly in the category of enduring economic institutions.
Newfoundland and Labrador: YellowBelly Brewery
Situated at the intersection of George Street and Water Street in downtown St. John’s, YellowBelly Brewery & Public House occupies a building with remarkable historical resilience. Reconstructed after an 1846 fire, the structure later survived the devastating Great St. John’s Fire of 1892. The establishment’s name honors the Irish settlers from County Wexford who were known as “Yellowbellies.” Today, this five-story landmark combines brewing operations, pub atmosphere, dining facilities, and event spaces, preserving a vital piece of old St. John’s commercial heritage while serving modern patrons.
Yukon: Pelly River Ranch
Pelly River Ranch, established in 1901, is the oldest continuously working farm in the Yukon. The farm has seen a series of owners, each contributing to its legacy of successful family farming operations. Originally purchased for farming purposes, the ranch has evolved over the years, adapting to modern agricultural practices while maintaining its historic charm.
Alberta: Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Park Lodge, established in 1922, offers a luxury experience in the wild Canadian Rockies, located in Alberta, Canada, and accessible via the Canadian National Railway. Originally starting as Tent City in 1915, it grew from 10 pitched tents to a destination with private wilderness cabins. At its inception, the cost was $2.50 a day, and the first season welcomed 260 visitors from across Canada and abroad. Despite the passage of a century, the lodge remains a significant location with majestic mountain and lake views.
Saskatchewan: Regina Leader-Post
The Regina Leader-Post was founded in 1883 by Nicholas Flood Davin as Saskatchewan’s first newspaper. It grew alongside Regina, merging with the Regina Evening Post in 1930 to become the Leader-Post, and established itself as the primary daily newspaper for Regina and southern Saskatchewan. Despite various ownership changes, including acquisition by Postmedia Network in 2000, the Leader-Post remains a key source of news, adapting to both print and digital formats.
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