Liam SmithAre you looking for a new wardrobe or trying to spice up your home but on a budget? Ottawa is home to some of the best thrift stores in town, bursting with hidden treasures.
Our ultimate guide highlights Ottawa’s top thrift stores, catering to every budget and style preference. So read on and become a pro thrifter, discover hidden gems, and embrace sustainable fashion today.
- 1. Value Village
- 2. Society of St. Vincent De Paul
- 3. Mission Thrift Store
- 4. Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time
- 5. Bellwethers Vintage
- 6. Trove Fashion
- 7. Yardley’s Antiques
- 8. A Fine Thing Furniture
- 9. HighJinx
- 10. Nostalgia Warehouse
- 11. All Books
- 12. The Recollective Second Hand
- 13. Fabrick Collective
- 14. The Salvation Army Thrift Store
- 15. Thrive Select Thrift
- 16. The May Court Club of Ottawa Bargain Box
- 17. Bibles for Missions
1. Value Village
Website: https://www.savers.com/
Address: 4345 Strandherd Dr, Ottawa, ON K2J 6E5, Canada
Contact details: 613 518 2801
Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Value Village carries many items, including clothing, furniture, housewares, electronics, books, and more. This makes it a great one-stop shop for finding all sorts of treasures.
In Value Village, you can find gently used items at a fraction of the price you would pay retail. The best part is that they donate proceeds from their sales to local charities, so by shopping there, you’re not only getting a good deal but also supporting a good cause.
| Pro tip: Be prepared to browse and check the discount tags. Value Village often has color-coded tags that indicate a specific percentage discount for that day. |
2. Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Website: https://www.stvincentdepaulonline.com/
Address: 1273 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A6, Canada
Contact details: 613 722 7166
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a charitable organization that helps people in need, so shopping there means your money goes towards its mission. It offers various donated items, including clothing, furniture, housewares, and electronics.
Since their stock comes from donations, checking around for seasonal items like winter coats in the fall or patio furniture in the spring is a good idea. Prices are generally very affordable, making it a great place to find bargains on unique treasures.
| Pro tip: Take your time browsing and be open to examining things closely. You might find a designer label hiding amongst the racks or a vintage piece in excellent condition. |
3. Mission Thrift Store
Website: https://missionthriftstore.com/
Address: 1826 Robertson Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 5Z6, Canada
Contact details: 613 288 1996
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday – 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Friday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
The Mission Thrift Store is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization in Ottawa. It specializes in offering a wide variety of gently used items at affordable prices, including clothing, furniture, housewares, toys, and electronics.
It’s a non-profit organization, so proceeds from its sales go to international programs in over 40 countries. It also accepts donations of items, making it a great option for both finding treasures and decluttering your own home.
| Pro tip: Look for seasonal items, like winter coats in the fall or swimsuits in the spring. You can find these items at a fraction of the retail price. |
4. Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time
Website: https://clothesencounters.ca/
Address: 67 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1L8
Contact details: 613-741-7887
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Clothes Encounters of a Second Time focuses on consignment clothing, gently used items from often popular or higher-end brands. This allows you to score designer pieces at a fraction of the original price.
Their curated selection encourages trying new styles and taking fashion risks. By buying secondhand clothes, you’re giving garments a new life and reducing textile waste.
| Pro tip: With their focus on designer labels, you’ll likely find a high-quality piece at a great price. Look for timeless staples or statement pieces you can build outfits around and accessories to complete your look. |
5. Bellwethers Vintage
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bellwethersvintage/?img_index=1
Address: 9 Florence St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Bellwethers Vintage curates authentic vintage pieces focusing on higher-end labels, natural fibers, and well-made garments. Here, you’ll find designer treasures from Mary Quant and Yves Saint Laurent alongside handmade clothes.
They specialize in bringing back the glamour of the ’60s and ’70s, with some ’80s thrown in for good measure. Everything in the store is washed, pressed, and ready to wear again.
| Pro tip: They have designer pieces alongside handmade originals, so it might be that perfect statement item or a timeless wardrobe staple you can’t find anywhere else. |
6. Trove Fashion
Website: https://www.trovefashion.com/
Address: 1000 Wellington St. West, Ottawa
Contact details: 613-421-4216
Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Trove Fashion stands out in Ottawa’s thrifting scene for its focus on high-quality, gently used women’s clothing. It offers a curated selection of stylish pieces, ensuring you’ll find trendy threads and timeless staples.
Trove also operates on a consignment basis, allowing you to refresh your wardrobe. Trove might be interested in taking them on if you have gently-used, high-fashion pieces in good condition.
| Pro tip: Trove recommends bringing freshly laundered items for consignment and browsing their online presence for updates and sneak peeks at their latest arrivals. |
7. Yardley’s Antiques
Website: http://www.yardleysantiques.ca/
Address: 1240 Bank St, Ottawa, ON
Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
With 35 years of experience, Yardley’s Antiques has become a staple for Ottawa’s treasure hunters. Their shelves boast a curated selection of classic lighting fixtures and furniture, meticulously chosen for their elegance and long-lasting craftsmanship.
If you’re looking for a statement piece for your home, Yardley’s doesn’t disappoint, from crystal chandeliers to crafted dining tables. They’ve cleverly bridged the gap by partnering with suppliers who create contemporary furniture that echoes classic design.
| Pro tip: With their focus on unique pieces and quality craftsmanship, you’re most likely to find a unique treasure that speaks to you – a beautifully crafted lamp, a distinctive piece of furniture to add character to your home, or a decorative item that reflects your style. |
8. A Fine Thing Furniture
Website: https://afinethingottawa.ca/
Address: 989 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6R8, Canada
Contact details: 613-729-1388
Operating hours: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
A Fine Thing Furniture is an antique store specializing in mid-century modern furniture and other vintage finds. They carry various antique furniture, lighting, rugs, collectibles, and art, focusing on mid-century modern pieces.
They strongly focus on classic Danish teak furniture, antique lighting, unique china, silverware, and toys. They even offer delivery services across Eastern Ontario, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, and Southern Ontario.
| Pro tip: A Fine Thing provides a convenient 20% layaway option for those unique pieces that catch your eye. |
9. HighJinx
Website: https://www.highjinxottawa.com/
Address: 290 Kent St., Ottawa, Ontario
Contact details: 613.864.4289
HighJinx works hard to find and sell high-quality vintage furniture and other exciting items. They’re deeply invested in the Ottawa community through initiatives like the free furniture bank, which provides essential housewares to people in need.
Frequent shoppers describe the atmosphere at HighJinx as warm and welcoming. The store also runs a community food pantry, helping residents facing food insecurity, so shopping here also allows you to give back to the community.
| Pro tip: With its focus on high-quality vintage furniture, it’s a fantastic place to hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces to add character and history to your home. |
10. Nostalgia Warehouse
Website: http://www.nostalgiawarehouse.ca/
Address: 233 C Armstrong St., Ottawa, Ontario
Contact details: 613-695-1966
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tucked in Ottawa’s trendy Hintonburg neighborhood, Nostalgia Warehouse is a haven for vintage enthusiasts and collectors. This shop boasts a multi-vendor market format, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of treasures from various vendors.
Nostalgia Warehouse offers a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, and retro items. Whether you’re a vinyl record collector seeking rare pressings or a comic book fan searching for elusive first editions, you shouldn’t miss this place.
| Pro tip: While some vendors may have firm prices on high-value items, others might be open to offering a discount, especially if you’re buying multiple items. So, let’s discuss and see if you can snag a better deal. |
11. All Books
Website: https://www.abebooks.com/
Address: 327 Rideau St Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N5Y4
Contact details: 613-789-9544
All Books is a haven for bibliophiles in Ottawa, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with books used in various genres. Whether you’re a die-hard fiction fan, a history buff, or a poetry enthusiast, you’ll likely find something to pique your interest.
With such a vast collection, you might unearth rare or out-of-print books alongside popular titles. They even cater to French-language readers and are happy to order a title if you need help finding it on their shelves.
| Pro tip: While browsing these treasures can be an adventure, it can also be time-consuming. Go armed with a list of a few titles you’re interested in finding. |
12. The Recollective Second Hand
Website: https://shoptherecollective.com/
Address: 1281B Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A8, Canada
Contact details: 613 728 2020
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Recollective Second Hand is a fantastic option for those seeking designer and contemporary second-hand clothing and accessories in Ottawa. It carefully curates their collection with designer pieces and trendy items in good condition.
Owned by sisters Carla and Kelly Bourada, this bright and inviting space offers a curated selection of gently used pieces without the hefty designer price tag. It caters to various tastes and budgets, from workwear essentials to statement dresses.
| Pro tip: The Recollective frequently adds new items through “daily drops,” which they showcase on their Instagram page @ShopTheRecollective. Following them allows you to snag the latest finds before they disappear! |
13. Fabrick Collective
Website: https://www.fabrickcollective.ca/
Address: 1273 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A6, Canada
Contact details: https://www.fabrickcollective.ca/pages/contact-us
Operating hours: Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Fabrick Collective is a fantastic online option for children’s clothes in Ottawa. It’s a social enterprise, and 30% of the proceeds go to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, which supports women rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
Fabrick Collective offers a convenient online platform where you can browse a curated selection of gently used children’s clothing, footwear, and accessories from the comfort of your home.
| Pro tip: As for a must-get, since they focus on good quality, gently-used items, you can find great deals on name-brand clothes for your kids. Their selection also includes everyday essentials and outerwear so you can stock up on all your children’s clothes. |
14. The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Website: https://thriftstore.ca/
Address: 1490 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6S1, Canada
Contact details: 613 726 7136
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Salvation Army Thrift Stores typically offer a wide range of donated goods, including clothing, furniture, housewares, books, electronics, and more. This variety means you can find almost anything on a given day, making it a great place to go treasure hunting.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store allows you to support its social programs, which assist those in need within the community. Your purchases contribute to its mission of offering rehabilitation, disaster relief, and other important services.
| Pro tip: Since The Salvation Army Thrift Store relies on donations, its inventory constantly changes. It’s a good idea to visit regularly to see what new treasures have arrived. |
15. Thrive Select Thrift
Website: https://www.thrivethrift.ca/category/all-products
Address: 1547 Merivale Rd (Unit 3), Ottawa
Contact details: 613-621-4776
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thrive Select Thrift curates its selection, offering gently used, stylish items. Thrifting is inherently eco-friendly, giving pre-loved items a new life, and Thrive Select Thrift furthers this eco-conscious approach by encouraging sustainable shopping habits.
Thrive, Select Thrift stands out in Ottawa for its combination of social impact and quality finds. Its profits directly benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa, a program that matches youth with mentors.
| Pro tip: While there’s no guarantee of finding a specific item, you might discover a brand-name piece at a fraction of the original cost, a unique vintage treasure, or the perfect outfit for a special occasion. So, keep an open mind and browse through everything. |
16. The May Court Club of Ottawa Bargain Box
Website: www.maycourt.org
Address: 228 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON
Contact details: 613-235-0333
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The May Court Club of Ottawa Bargain Box is run by the May Court Club, a charitable organization dedicated to giving back to the community. It offers various gently used clothing, housewares, books, and decorative items at very reasonable prices.
Bargain Box also accepts donations of gently used clothing, footwear, linens, housewares, and small appliances. Proceeds from the Bargain Box support various charitable organizations in the Ottawa area.
| Pro tip: Since it’s a volunteer-run shop, its inventory is constantly changing. If you see something you like, feel free to snag it because there’s no guarantee it’ll be there on your next visit. |
17. Bibles for Missions
Website: www.missionthriftstore.com
Address: 1777 Tenth Line Road, Ottawa, ON K4A
Contact details: 613-288-1996
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bibles for Missions is a non-profit organization that operates a large thrift store. All proceeds fund international missions and Bible distribution efforts. Here, you can snag fantastic deals on gently used clothing, furniture, housewares, and more.
Every dollar you spend on Bibles for Missions funds Bible League Canada’s mission work in over 40 countries. So, you’re also contributing to a worthy cause by scoring a great deal.
| Pro tip: Visit BFM during weekdays for the best selection. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, and the shelves can get picked over quickly. |
