Our Story
Primitive Designs is a retail, import store located in Port Hope, Ontario. We have been importing unique arts and crafts from around the world for over 16 years! Open to the public 6 days a week - our 8000 square foot gallery (as well as numerous outdoor tents) - can occupy your time for hours! Our marketplace atmosphere, complete with music from around the globe, takes you on a journey from Bali, Thailand, & Nepal to Morocco, India, & Vietnam! Everything in the gallery is hand-made, and the Owner’s handpick every item. Primitive Designs is family owned by Ron Dacey, Rhonda Cook and their son Maximus.
Rated #1 on Trip Advisor, and one of Canada’s Top Roadside Attractions, it is worth the drive. Located in Eastern Ontario, we are Ontario's go-to spot for all things exotic and bizarre!
Our claim-to-fame is our 26’ tall freestanding robot, which is located at the front entrance to our gallery. Weighing in at just over 2 tonnes, this robot is made out of recycled auto parts and took 7 months to complete! Since bringing this giant overseas from Southeast Asia in 2012, it has captured the media’s attention all over the Country. You may have seen us on MTV, SPACE Channel, CottageLife Television, Canada AM, CBC, or at the CNE's Pop Culture Exhibit.
RIPLEY’s Believe it or Not! has purchased and given a home to one of Primitive Designs GIANT Robots, and a smaller robot as well! You can visit them in Florida and Niagara Falls!
Bring your kids and even the family dog (Seriously!) We have lots to see and new stock is arriving all the time.
Looking for something specific? We carry everything from drums, live edge slabs, vessel sinks (petrified wood and river stone), clothing/jewelry/accessories, paintings, carvings, tiki bars and huts, garden décor and SO MUCH MORE!
You have to see it to believe it!
What visitors are saying...
Awesome Concept. This place is amazing, it's almost like a museum. We'll be back!
~ Jason & Lisa PORT CREDIT
I can't stop seeing AMAZING STUFF! Holy $#@%!
~ Neil (TORONTO)
Thank you for a great job on our dining room table, it will be a family heirloom for sure!
~The Buells
Great store, almost like being on a trip to different countries!
~ Johanne (CALGARY, ALBERTA)
A close friend brought us. Amazing. Just amazing.
~ Tom & Betty (NEW YORK)
Fantastic! Not just the items to purchase, but the staff are extremely friendly & I love the music!
~ Pamela
Incredible store, you guys are amazing! Everytime I come here it blows my mind.
~ Devin, (Extremely satisfied customer!)
First we u-turned on the highway, then you blew our minds! Freakin' awesome!
~ The Martins (COE HILL, ONTARIO)
Shopping is more enjoyable when Fido doesn't have to wait in the car or be alone at home! As long as they are friendly with other fur-babies and on a leash, they are welcome in the shop. We have lots of grassy areas as well, please make sure you pick up after them.
Follow us on Social Media & TAG US in a photo of your dog at Primitive Designs to be featured on here! Don't forget to include their name/breed/age & favorite pastime
Use HASHTAG #primitivedesignsdog
