About Us
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 19 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 Owners handpick every item. Primitive Designs is family-owned by Ron Dacey, Rhonda Cook and, their son Maximus.
Our History
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 the 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/jewellery/accessories, paintings, carvings, tiki bars and huts, garden decor and SO MUCH MORE!
Meet The Owners
Ron Dacey
I grew up in northern Ontario. At an early age, I left on an adventure to Europe. When I started to run out of money I headed to the bazaars in Turkey and started selling goods on the streets of Germany and Amsterdam. That's the root of our business. We still do the same thing. We buy goods and travel extensively in Southeast Asia, North Africa, India, and many other countries. We design and produce products for our store. We are no longer selling out of a Volkswagen van. We have become quite large and employ 17 people in our community. Even at my old age I still love what I do. Come and visit, it's a lot of fun.
Do Good and Inspire the Future
Rhonda Cook
I have spent the last 30 years of my life travelling the world. Here at Primitive Designs, we pride ourselves on hand-selecting every piece in our gallery. The joy of travelling is the people you meet. Seeing things some people will only get to see in films. I have been blessed to be able to be exposed to many different cultures. I was raised between the city (Toronto) and the country (ST. Thomas, Ont.) When I found Northumberland County, I fell in love. 25 years later I still call this my home. When people ask me what is my favourite country to travel to I always say Canada as there is no place like home.
Maximus Dacey
Maximus Dacey started traveling the world at just 7 months old, visiting over 60 countries with his parents, Ron and Rhonda. This early exposure to diverse cultures and markets fueled his passion for discovering unique items. Max has established strong relationships with artisans worldwide, now reflected in the store's collection.
Since taking over Primitive Designs, Max and his team have introduced many new products. Max's dedication to curating a diverse selection ensures that each visit to Primitive Designs is an exciting experience.
We are
Dog Friendly
Shopping is more enjoyable when Fido gets to tag along! As long as they are friendly to other fur babies and on a leash, they are welcome in the shop!
Follow us on Social Media & TAG US in a photo of your dog at Primitive Designs to be featured on here!
