Last Updated: January 1, 2026
From mid-century modern furniture on Bank Street to Victorian treasures in Hintonburg, Ottawa’s antique scene offers a treasure hunt for collectors, decorators, and anyone seeking one-of-a-kind finds.
The capital’s antique landscape spans sprawling multi-dealer markets in the suburbs to carefully curated boutiques in trendy neighbourhoods. Whether you’re furnishing a heritage home, hunting for vintage vinyl, or searching for that perfect Art Deco lamp, this guide covers the best antique shops in Ottawa and the surrounding region.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa Antique Market on Fallowfield Road is the region’s largest multi-dealer destination. Bank Street between Lansdowne and Billings Bridge offers the densest concentration of urban shops. Hintonburg and Westboro provide curated vintage with a hip vibe. Most shops open Thursday-Sunday.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏬 Largest Market | Ottawa Antique Market (Fallowfield Rd) |
| 📍 Best Urban Strip | Bank Street (Lansdowne to Billings) |
| 🪑 Best for Furniture | ReFind Originals, General Chicken |
| ⏰ Typical Hours | Thu-Sun, 10 AM - 5 PM |
| 💰 Price Range | $10 for smalls to $5,000+ for furniture |
| 🚗 Parking | Free at suburban markets, paid/street downtown |
Ottawa Antique Market - The Destination
The Ottawa Antique Market features dozens of vendors under one roof
Address: 3500 Fallowfield Road, Nepean Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
The Ottawa Antique Market stands as the region’s premier destination for serious collectors and casual browsers alike. Located in a sprawling facility in Nepean, this multi-dealer market houses dozens of vendors offering everything from Victorian furniture to 1970s kitsch.
What You’ll Find
- Furniture: Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern
- Collectibles: Vintage toys, sports memorabilia, coins, stamps
- Decorative Arts: Paintings, prints, sculptures, mirrors
- China and Glass: Depression glass, Royal Doulton, fine china
- Jewellery: Estate pieces, costume vintage, watches
- Vinyl and Books: Records, first editions, vintage magazines
Why It’s Worth the Drive
The market’s suburban location means ample free parking and room to browse without crowds. Each dealer maintains their own booth, creating a village-like atmosphere where you can develop relationships with vendors who specialize in your collecting interests.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends when fresh inventory appears. Serious dealers and decorators hit the market first thing Thursday morning.
Getting There: Car recommended. The market is approximately 20 minutes from downtown via Highway 416 to Fallowfield Road exit. Free parking on site.
Bank Street Antique Row
Bank Street offers the city’s densest concentration of antique dealers
The stretch of Bank Street from Lansdowne to Billings Bridge has emerged as Ottawa’s premier urban antique destination. Multiple shops within walking distance create a browsable afternoon adventure.
General Chicken Antiques
Address: 1070 Bank Street Specialty: Mid-Century Modern, vintage furniture
Named for its previous life as a chicken restaurant, General Chicken has become one of Ottawa’s most beloved antique destinations. The shop specializes in mid-century modern furniture—think Eames chairs, teak credenzas, and Danish design—alongside an eclectic mix of vintage decor.
Best For: Furniture collectors seeking statement pieces from the 1950s-1970s.
ReFind Originals
Address: 195 Bank Street Specialty: Curated antiques, restoration services
ReFind Originals takes a design-forward approach to antiques, curating pieces that blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors. Their restoration services can bring tired pieces back to life while preserving original character.
Best For: Interior designers and homeowners seeking ready-to-use pieces.
Antique Emporium
Address: Bank Street near Lansdowne Specialty: General antiques, furniture, collectibles
A multi-room shop offering broad selection across categories. Good for browsing when you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
If you’re exploring the Bank Street corridor, check our Lansdowne Ottawa guide for nearby dining options.
Hintonburg and Westboro Vintage Scene
Hintonburg shops blend antiques with vintage clothing and retro decor
Ottawa’s hippest neighbourhoods have developed a thriving vintage scene that blurs the line between antiques and curated second-hand goods.
Hintonburg Antiques & Collectibles
Location: Wellington Street West, Hintonburg
This Wellington Street fixture offers a mix of antiques, vintage clothing, and quirky collectibles. The vibe is more casual than formal antique shops, attracting a younger crowd seeking unique pieces for eclectic interiors.
Best For: Vintage clothing, kitchenware, mid-century smalls.
Westboro Vintage Market
Location: Richmond Road, Westboro
Multiple dealers share space in this Westboro destination, creating variety within a single stop. Expect furniture, decorative arts, and vintage housewares with a design-conscious eye.
Getting There: OC Transpo buses along Richmond Road, or O-Train Line 2 to Dominion station with a short walk.
For more on these trendy areas, see our Westboro Ottawa guide.
Specialty Antique Dealers
Specialty dealers focus on specific categories and eras
Beyond general antique shops, Ottawa hosts dealers specializing in specific categories.
Canadiana and Heritage
Several dealers focus on Canadian heritage items—Quebec pine furniture, Indigenous artifacts, Canadian art, and historical documents. These pieces carry cultural significance beyond decorative value.
Military and Political Memorabilia
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa attracts collectors of military memorabilia, political ephemera, and government-related antiques. Dealers near Parliament Hill occasionally stock fascinating pieces from Canadian political history.
Vintage Audio and Electronics
For audiophiles, specialized dealers offer vintage receivers, turntables, and speakers. These pieces require expertise to evaluate, so seek knowledgeable dealers who test equipment before selling.
Estate Sales and Auctions
Estate sales offer opportunities to buy directly from homes
Beyond retail shops, estate sales and auctions provide access to fresh inventory before it reaches dealers.
Finding Estate Sales
- Estate Sale Companies: Several Ottawa companies specialize in conducting estate sales, advertising through local media and online listings
- Newspaper Classifieds: Check the Ottawa Citizen and community papers for weekend sales
- Online Listings: Estate sale aggregator websites list upcoming sales with photos
Auction Houses
Ottawa-area auction houses handle everything from estate liquidations to specialized art sales. Previews allow examination before bidding, and online bidding expands access beyond in-person attendance.
Pro Tip: Estate sales typically discount remaining items on the final day (often Sunday afternoon). If you’re patient and flexible, end-of-sale timing offers the best deals.
What to Know Before You Shop
Knowledge and preparation improve your antique hunting success
Authentication and Condition
Ask Questions: Reputable dealers welcome inquiries about provenance, age, and condition. If a seller can’t discuss a piece’s history, exercise caution.
Examine Carefully: Check for repairs, replacements, and damage. Flip furniture upside down—original construction methods reveal true age.
Get Receipts: Document significant purchases with detailed receipts including condition notes and seller information.
Pricing Expectations
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Smalls (decor, glass, china) | $10-100 |
| Vintage Clothing | $20-200 |
| Furniture (chairs, tables) | $100-1,500 |
| Statement Furniture | $500-5,000+ |
| Rare/Museum-Quality | $5,000+ |
Negotiation Etiquette
Most antique dealers expect some negotiation, especially for significant purchases. Polite offers 10-20% below marked prices are generally acceptable. Cash transactions may earn additional discounts. Never lowball aggressively—building relationships with dealers pays dividends through advance notice of new inventory.
Related Shopping in Ottawa
Ottawa’s antique scene connects to broader vintage and second-hand shopping options.
Flea Markets
For a mix of antiques, vintage, and second-hand goods, check our flea market Ottawa guide. Monthly markets offer antique dealers alongside other vendors.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores occasionally yield antique treasures at bargain prices. See our thrift stores Ottawa guide for the best hunting grounds.
Record Stores
Vinyl collectors overlap significantly with antique enthusiasts. Ottawa’s record stores stock vintage vinyl alongside contemporary releases—check our record stores Ottawa guide.
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times to Shop
Spring: Estate sales peak as families settle affairs after winter. Fresh inventory hits shops.
Early Fall: Summer cottage closures bring outdoor furniture and lake house antiques to market.
Pre-Holiday: November offers gift-shopping opportunities before holiday markups.
Quieter Periods
January-February: Post-holiday slowdown means motivated sellers and potential bargains.
Mid-Summer: Many dealers reduce hours or take vacations. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Getting Around
By Car
Suburban markets like Ottawa Antique Market require vehicles. Free parking is standard at larger facilities.
By Transit
Bank Street shops are accessible via OC Transpo routes serving Bank Street. Hintonburg and Westboro shops connect via O-Train Line 2 with short walks.
Walking Tours
The Bank Street strip between Lansdowne and Billings Bridge creates a walkable afternoon. Combine antique shopping with lunch at nearby restaurants for a full day out.
FAQ
What is the best antique shop in Ottawa?
The Ottawa Antique Market on Fallowfield Road offers the largest selection with dozens of vendors. For curated urban shopping, General Chicken Antiques on Bank Street specializes in mid-century modern pieces.
Where can I find vintage furniture in Ottawa?
General Chicken Antiques (1070 Bank Street) and ReFind Originals (195 Bank Street) specialize in vintage furniture. Ottawa Antique Market has multiple furniture dealers under one roof.
What are the hours for Ottawa antique shops?
Most antique shops operate Thursday through Sunday, typically 10 AM to 5 PM. Weekday hours vary—call ahead for Tuesday and Wednesday visits.
Is negotiation acceptable at Ottawa antique shops?
Yes, polite negotiation is expected at most antique shops, especially for significant purchases. Offers 10-20% below marked prices are generally acceptable. Cash transactions may earn additional discounts.
Where are antique shops located in Ottawa?
Bank Street between Lansdowne and Billings Bridge offers the densest urban concentration. Hintonburg (Wellington West) and Westboro (Richmond Road) have vintage-focused shops. The Ottawa Antique Market in Nepean is the region’s largest destination.
What should I look for when buying antiques?
Examine pieces carefully for repairs, replacements, and damage. Ask dealers about provenance and age. Check furniture construction by flipping pieces over. Get detailed receipts for significant purchases.
Are there estate sales in Ottawa?
Yes, estate sale companies conduct regular sales across Ottawa. Check newspaper classifieds, estate sale aggregator websites, and local company announcements for upcoming sales.
How do I get to the Ottawa Antique Market?
The Ottawa Antique Market is at 3500 Fallowfield Road in Nepean. By car, take Highway 416 to Fallowfield Road exit (approximately 20 minutes from downtown). Free parking on site.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s antique scene rewards patience, curiosity, and repeat visits. The Ottawa Antique Market offers one-stop comprehensiveness, while Bank Street’s cluster of shops creates a browsable urban adventure. Hintonburg and Westboro bring vintage into hip neighbourhood contexts.
Whether you’re a serious collector hunting specific pieces or a casual browser seeking that “you’ll know it when you see it” treasure, Ottawa’s antique shops offer depth and variety. Build relationships with dealers, visit regularly as inventory rotates, and remember—the best finds often come from unexpected corners.
Happy hunting.
Sources: Ottawa Antique Market, General Chicken Antiques, ReFind Originals, local antique dealer networks.
