Back-to-School Shopping in Peterborough, Ontario: A Local Mom’s Guide for 2026

Back-to-school season in Peterborough is officially here, which means it’s time for new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, lunch bags, clothes that somehow no longer fit… and approximately 47 glue sticks.

As a Peterborough Realtor and mom of two young kids, I’m always looking for ways to make the back-to-school rush a little easier. So if you’re wondering where to do your back-to-school shopping in Peterborough, Ontario, I’ve rounded up some of the best local stops for school supplies, kids’ clothing, shoes, backpacks and more.

Whether you want to get everything done in one trip or would rather shop local where you can, here’s where I’d start.

Where to Buy School Supplies in Peterborough : Staples
If you have a full school supply list to tackle, Staples is an easy place to start. You can find notebooks, binders, pencils, pencil cases, backpacks, planners, calculators and most of the other classroom essentials in one place.

Best for: The big school supply haul : Dollarama
For all of those little items that somehow add up very quickly, Dollarama is a back-to-school lifesaver. Think pencils, erasers, glue sticks, folders, notebooks, craft supplies, storage containers and lunch accessories.

Best for: Affordable school supplies and stocking up on the basics : Walmart
Sometimes convenience wins.

If you’re a busy Peterborough parent who wants to tackle school supplies, backpacks, lunch containers, clothing, shoes AND school snacks in one trip, Walmart is probably one of your easiest options.

Best for: Getting as much as possible crossed off the list in one stop.

Where to Shop for Kids’ Back-to-School Clothes in Peterborough : Old Navy

Old Navy is one of my favourite places for practical everyday school clothes. You can usually find plenty of jeans, leggings, tees, sweaters, hoodies and basics that are easy to mix and match.

Best for: Affordable everyday school outfits : The Children’s Place

Another great option for stocking up on kids’ clothing in Peterborough, especially if you’re looking for pieces that can easily be mixed and matched throughout the school week.

Best for: Kids’ basics, seasonal clothing and school outfits : Carter’s OshKosh
If you have younger children heading back to school or daycare, Carter’s OshKosh is worth adding to the list. They’re particularly good for comfortable everyday basics and clothing designed to actually survive being worn by kids.

Because apparently knees and pants are mortal enemies.

Best for: Younger kids and durable everyday basics : Winners

Winners is always a bit of a treasure hunt, but that’s also part of the fun. You can find name-brand kids’ clothing, backpacks, lunch bags, shoes and accessories, often at great prices.

Best for: Parents who love finding a deal and don’t mind doing a little digging.

Where to Buy Kids’ Shoes in Peterborough : The Shoe Company

New school year, new shoes… because naturally the pair that fit perfectly in June is suddenly two sizes too small.

The Shoe Company is a good stop for running shoes, everyday sneakers, indoor school shoes and eventually those fall and winter boots we don’t want to think about quite yet.

School Uniform Shopping in Peterborough
If your child attends a school that requires uniforms, McCarthy Uniforms has a Peterborough showroom on Park Street South and provides uniforms for participating local schools.

One mom-to-mom suggestion: don’t leave uniform shopping until the absolute last minute during the August rush. Future you will appreciate it.

Backpacks for Success in Peterborough
Back-to-school shopping can be expensive, especially for families with multiple children.

The United Way Peterborough & District Backpacks for Success program helps local students access backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for the upcoming school year.

It’s a wonderful local program to know about, whether your family could use some extra support this year or you’re looking for a way to help other families in the Peterborough community.

Between school supply lists, new clothes, changing schedules, activities and figuring out what everyone is going to eat for lunch for the next ten months, September can feel like a LOT.

My biggest advice?

Start early, make one master list and don’t feel like everything needs to be brand new.

Check what survived last year before buying more, shop secondhand where it makes sense, and spread the shopping over a couple of trips if dragging two kids through five stores in one afternoon sounds like your personal nightmare.

And maybe buy the extra glue sticks. You’re going to need them eventually.

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If you’re considering moving to Peterborough, Ontario, relocating within the city or looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood to call home, I’d be happy to help you get to know the area.

And to all the Peterborough parents heading into another school year: may the indoor shoes fit, the lunch containers actually come home, and nobody remember at 9:00 p.m. that they need a Bristol board for tomorrow. 

Carrie Brockhurst | Peterborough Realtor
Helping you find home in Peterborough, the Kawarthas and surrounding communities.