I found my most prized possession at a flea market for twelve dollars. It’s a 1960s wooden letter opener shaped like a sword, clearly handmade by someone with more enthusiasm than skill, and it has absolutely no practical value. I love it unreasonably. That’s the magic of flea markets—you never know what useless, wonderful thing will follow you home.
Ottawa’s flea market scene operates somewhat under the radar compared to cities like Montreal or Toronto, but that’s precisely what makes it appealing. The vendors aren’t jaded by tourist traffic. The prices haven’t inflated to meet expectations of wealthy collectors. And the thrill of discovery—that moment when you spot something extraordinary among the ordinary—remains genuinely accessible.
The local treasure-hunting community knows this secret well. As one Ottawa resident shared on social media: “Stittsville is worth the drive. Got my entire mid-century living room setup there over about 6 months of Sunday visits. Total cost maybe $400 for what would be $2,000+ retail.” This sentiment echoes across the vintage community—patience and persistence yield remarkable finds.
Whether you’re hunting for mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, antique tools, or simply enjoy the archaeology of other people’s discarded possessions, Ottawa offers enough options to keep a dedicated treasure hunter busy. From the sprawling aisles of Stittsville Flea Market to the curated booths of 613Flea pop-ups, the National Capital Region rewards those willing to dig through the ordinary to find the extraordinary. This guide covers the major markets, the specialty alternatives, and the practical knowledge that separates frustrating excursions from successful finds.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Stittsville Flea Market is Ottawa’s largest and most established flea market, open Sundays year-round. 613Flea hosts curated vintage pop-up events in various locations. For antiques specifically, Westboro and Hintonburg offer walkable shop clusters. Arrive early for best selection, bring cash, and wear comfortable shoes.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Largest Market | Stittsville Flea Market |
| 📅 Best Days | Sunday mornings |
| 💵 Payment | Cash preferred (many vendors) |
| 🕐 Arrival Time | Early morning for best selection |
| 🛍️ What to Find | Antiques, vintage, furniture, collectibles |
| 🚗 Transport | Car recommended for larger purchases |
The History of Flea Markets in Ottawa
Before diving into where to find treasures today, understanding the evolution of Ottawa’s secondhand scene provides context for what makes the current landscape special.
Flea markets in the Ottawa area date back decades, with informal trading posts and weekend swap meets appearing as early as the 1960s. The Stittsville Flea Market, which remains the region’s flagship venue, established itself as a fixture in the 1980s when the shift away from downtown commercial districts created opportunity for alternative retail experiences.
The 1990s brought significant changes to Ottawa’s vintage economy. What began as practical reuse—families selling unwanted items—evolved into a recognized collecting culture. Mid-century modern furniture, which had been dismissed as dated grandparent décor, suddenly commanded attention from design-conscious buyers. This shift elevated certain flea market vendors from junk dealers to curated vintage specialists.
The 2010s saw Ottawa’s flea market scene diverge into distinct tracks. Traditional markets like Stittsville continued serving budget-conscious families and serious collectors alike, while new concepts like 613Flea emerged to serve the Instagram-era appetite for aesthetically curated vintage experiences. Both models thrive today, serving different but overlapping audiences.
Recent years have brought renewed interest in secondhand shopping generally, driven by environmental consciousness and the rising cost of new goods. Young buyers who might once have dismissed flea markets as dusty relics now recognize them as sustainable alternatives to fast furniture and disposable housewares. This generational shift ensures Ottawa’s flea market tradition will continue evolving.
Understanding Ottawa’s Flea Market Scene
The flea market landscape in Ottawa divides into several distinct categories, each serving different needs and attracting different crowds.
Traditional Flea Markets like Stittsville offer the classic experience: rows of vendors selling everything from genuine antiques to garage sale overflow, operating on regular schedules in permanent or semi-permanent locations. These markets reward patience and early arrival, with new inventory appearing as vendors rotate and seasons change.
Curated Vintage Markets like 613Flea take a more selective approach, vetting vendors and focusing specifically on vintage, antique, and handmade items. The quality floor is higher, but so are the prices. Think of these as flea markets for people who want the aesthetic without sifting through bins of broken electronics.
Antique Shops and Malls provide year-round alternatives when flea markets aren’t operating or when you’re seeking specific items. The trade-off is higher prices in exchange for curated inventory, climate-controlled browsing, and vendors who know what they have.
Thrift Stores overlap with flea market territory for clothing, housewares, and small items. While not technically flea markets, they serve similar impulses and often yield comparable treasures at lower prices.
The smart Ottawa treasure hunter develops relationships with all these categories, understanding that different hunting grounds suit different quarries.
Stittsville Flea Market: The Main Event
If Ottawa has a flagship flea market, Stittsville claims the title. Operating for decades, this Sunday institution draws vendors and buyers from across the National Capital Region. It’s not fancy, it’s not curated, and that’s exactly the point.
Location: Stittsville, Ontario (west Ottawa) Schedule: Sundays, year-round Hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (arrive early for best selection) Admission: Free Parking: Free on-site parking
What You’ll Find
The inventory at Stittsville reflects the beautiful chaos of genuine flea market culture. Any given Sunday might yield:
Antiques and Vintage Items: Furniture, glassware, pottery, signs, tools, and decorative objects from various eras. Quality ranges from museum-worthy to questionable, which is part of the fun.
Collectibles: Sports memorabilia, coins, stamps, records, vintage toys, military items, and whatever else people collect obsessively.
Furniture: From refinished mid-century pieces to grandmother’s living room set that nobody wanted. If you’re furnishing a home on a budget or seeking specific vintage styles, persistence here pays off.
Tools and Hardware: Old hand tools, workshop equipment, and hardware that’s often better made than modern equivalents. Woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts find reliable hunting grounds.
Clothing and Textiles: Vintage clothing, linens, quilts, and fabrics. The selection varies dramatically week to week.
Books and Media: Records, books, magazines, and occasionally interesting ephemera. The record diggers know this spot.
Random Useful Stuff: Kitchen items, garden supplies, sporting goods, and the miscellaneous category that defies description.
Tips for Stittsville Success
Arrive Early: The serious buyers show up when doors open. If you’re seeking specific items or the best selection, early morning matters. By noon, the picks have been picked. Regular visitors confirm this approach: “By 10 AM the good furniture is gone. If you want the best stuff, you need to be there at 8.”
Bring Cash: While some vendors accept electronic payment, cash remains king. Smaller bills help with negotiations and avoid the awkwardness of breaking large notes for small purchases. Many vendors offer slight discounts for cash transactions, so the ATM fee often pays for itself.
Dress Practically: You’ll be on your feet for hours, potentially in cold or hot conditions depending on season. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing serve you well. In winter, the market building isn’t fully heated; in summer, it can get warm and stuffy.
Bring Measurements: If you’re seeking furniture or items that need to fit specific spaces, know your dimensions. Nothing’s worse than a perfect find that’s two inches too wide. Experienced hunters keep a small tape measure in their pocket at all times.
Negotiate Respectfully: Haggling is expected on larger purchases but approach it reasonably. Insulting lowball offers waste everyone’s time. Asking “what’s your best price?” or offering 10-20% below asking is appropriate. One vendor shared their perspective: “I’m happy to negotiate on anything over $20. Just be reasonable. I know what things are worth.”
Plan for Transport: If you find furniture or large items, you’ll need a way to get them home. Many sellers can hold items briefly while you retrieve a vehicle, but don’t count on delivery. Consider bringing a friend with a truck if you’re specifically hunting for furniture.
Build Relationships: Regular attendance pays dividends. Vendors remember faces, and those who show up consistently often get first looks at new inventory. Some vendors will even set aside items they think specific customers might want.
Notable Stittsville Vendors and Specialties
While vendor lineups rotate, certain dealers have become fixtures at Stittsville, known for particular specialties:
The Record Guy: Several vinyl vendors operate at Stittsville, but regulars know which ones maintain quality inventory versus those selling scratched garbage. Look for organized crates (by genre, not random) and vendors who actually play records themselves—they tend to grade condition honestly.
Vintage Tool Specialists: Woodworking enthusiasts know that old hand tools often outperform modern equivalents. At least two regular vendors specialize in restored hand planes, chisels, and vintage workshop equipment. Prices run higher than garage sales but include proper cleaning and sharpening.
Estate Jewellery Booths: Several vendors focus specifically on estate jewellery, from costume pieces to gold and silver. Knowledge helps here—know what you’re looking at before paying precious metal prices for plated costume.
Furniture Row: The back section typically houses the larger furniture dealers. Mid-century pieces appear regularly, as do antique country furniture and Victorian-era items. Condition varies widely, so inspect carefully.
Military and Militaria: For collectors of military memorabilia, at least one dedicated vendor typically offers medals, insignia, uniforms, and related items. Authenticity verification matters in this category—fakes exist.
613Flea: Curated Vintage Pop-Ups
For those seeking the flea market aesthetic without the flea market randomness, 613Flea operates curated pop-up vintage markets throughout the year. The concept: vet vendors carefully, focus on genuine vintage and antique items, and create events that feel more like markets than rummage sales.
Format: Pop-up events at various venues Schedule: Check social media for upcoming dates (typically several events per year) Admission: Sometimes free, sometimes small entry fee Style: Curated vintage, antique, and handmade items
The 613Flea Experience
The quality floor at 613Flea runs significantly higher than traditional flea markets. Vendors are selected based on their inventory quality and specialty. You won’t find bins of random stuff here—instead, expect booth displays that could work in a vintage shop.
Community response to 613Flea has been enthusiastic, particularly among younger buyers: “613Flea is worth checking out if you want actual vintage, not just old stuff. The prices are higher but I know I’m getting real mid-century, not reproductions.”
What to Expect:
- Mid-century modern furniture and decor
- Vintage clothing from specific eras
- Antique jewellery and accessories
- Collectible housewares
- Vinyl records and vintage media
- Handmade items from local artisans
The Trade-Off: Higher quality means higher prices. Vendors at curated markets know what they have and price accordingly. The screaming deal that makes traditional flea markets exciting is less common here. You’re paying for curation, quality, and the assurance that items are genuinely vintage.
Finding 613Flea Events:
- Instagram: @613flea
- Facebook: 613Flea
- Check local event listings
Event Day Strategy: 613Flea events draw crowds, especially near opening time. The early-bird tickets (when available) cost extra but provide first access. If you’re seeking specific items or the best selection, the premium may be worthwhile. Otherwise, arriving mid-event means smaller crowds and potentially negotiable prices as vendors consider transport logistics.
The Almonte and Merrickville Circuit
For treasure hunters willing to venture beyond Ottawa’s immediate orbit, the small towns west and south of the city offer concentrated vintage shopping worth a day trip.
Almonte: The Destination Antiques Town
Located about 45 minutes west of Ottawa, Almonte has cultivated an identity as an antiques and artisan destination. The downtown core features multiple antique shops and vintage boutiques within walking distance of each other.
Notable Shops:
- Multiple dealers operate along Mill Street and the main commercial core
- Specialty shops focus on specific eras or item categories
- Quality runs high, as does pricing—these are established antique dealers, not flea market vendors
When to Go: Weekends see the most shops open, though some operate reduced weekday hours. Combine an Almonte antiques trip with lunch at one of the town’s well-regarded restaurants.
Merrickville: The Jewel on the Rideau
About 45 minutes south of Ottawa, Merrickville bills itself as “the Jewel of the Rideau” and features a charming downtown with several antique and vintage shops.
What You’ll Find: Higher-end antiques, estate pieces, and curated vintage items. Like Almonte, prices reflect the shop setting rather than flea market economics.
Best Strategy: Plan a day that includes both Merrickville shopping and a stop at one of the excellent local restaurants. The village itself is worth exploring beyond the antique shops.
Neighbourhood Treasure Hunting Routes
For dedicated vintage hunters, strategic planning maximizes finds while minimizing wasted time. These routes cluster multiple opportunities within walkable or short-drive distances.
The Westboro-Hintonburg Walk
This urban route combines antique shops, vintage boutiques, and thrift options along Wellington Street West and Richmond Road.
The Route:
- Start at Value Village (Merivale/Baseline area) for thrift finds
- Drive to Westboro and park near Richmond Road
- Walk the Westboro antique shops
- Continue east along Wellington into Hintonburg
- Hit the vintage clothing and quirky shops in Hintonburg
- End with coffee and lunch at one of the neighbourhood’s many cafés
Best For: Vintage clothing, mid-century décor, curated antiques, and the experience of browsing in walkable urban neighbourhoods.
Time Required: Half-day to full day, depending on browsing intensity.
The Stittsville Sunday Circuit
Combine Stittsville Flea Market with other west-end opportunities.
The Route:
- Arrive at Stittsville Flea Market at 8 AM
- Complete your market sweep by 11 AM
- Grab brunch at one of the nearby restaurants
- Check Stittsville-area thrift shops if time permits
- Consider a detour to Almonte (20 minutes further west) if the haul warrants a full day
Best For: Maximum finds in minimum time, combining flea market variety with thrift store pricing.
The South Ottawa Thrift Run
A practical route focusing on value rather than aesthetics.
The Route:
- Value Village on Merivale Road
- Salvation Army locations in the south end
- Goodwill stores along the route
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore for building materials and fixtures
Best For: Budget finds, furniture, household items, and renovation materials.
Antique Shops and Districts
When flea markets aren’t operating or you’re seeking specific items, Ottawa’s antique shops provide year-round alternatives. Several neighbourhoods cluster enough shops to make dedicated browsing worthwhile.
Westboro Antiques Cluster
The Westboro and Wellington West area hosts several antique and vintage shops within walking distance of each other. The neighbourhood’s affluent character influences both the quality of goods and the prices asked.
What You’ll Find: Generally higher-end antiques, curated vintage furniture, decorative arts, and estate items. These shops know their markets and price accordingly, but the selection and quality justify the premium.
Best For: Serious collectors, interior designers, those seeking specific periods or styles.
Hintonburg Vintage Scene
Just east of Westboro, Hintonburg’s artsy character extends to its vintage offerings. The shops here often lean toward more eclectic, creative inventory—vintage clothing, oddities, and pieces that appeal to younger buyers.
What You’ll Find: Vintage clothing, retro housewares, quirky collectibles, and items that bridge the gap between antique and thrift.
Best For: Vintage fashion, eclectic decor, those seeking personality over pedigree.
Bank Street South Options
Scattered along Bank Street south of downtown, several antique shops operate independently. The area lacks the walkable cluster of Westboro but rewards targeted visits based on specific interests.
Multi-Dealer Antique Malls
Several antique malls in the Ottawa region house multiple dealers under one roof, offering variety in a single stop. These spaces typically feature dozens of individual booths, each reflecting its vendor’s specialty.
The Antique Mall Experience:
Unlike flea markets, antique malls offer climate-controlled browsing year-round. Prices tend higher than flea markets—vendors pay booth rent and price accordingly—but the convenience and curated selection justify the premium for many buyers.
Advantages Over Flea Markets:
- Consistent hours and locations
- Protected from weather
- Generally higher quality minimums
- Often better organization and presentation
- Dealers often specialize in specific categories
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices across the board
- Less negotiation room (some malls set prices, vendors aren’t always present)
- Fewer “steals” since vendors know values
- Miss the chaos and discovery of traditional flea markets
What to Buy and What to Avoid
Experience teaches which categories offer value at Ottawa flea markets and which tempt with disappointment.
Best Flea Market Finds
Vintage Pyrex and Kitchen Collectibles: Durable, distinctive, and surprisingly affordable at flea markets compared to retail vintage shops. Primary colour patterns and unusual pieces command premiums, but everyday patterns appear at reasonable prices.
Mid-Century Furniture: The learning curve is steeper here, but patient hunters furnish entire homes at fraction of retail vintage prices. Condition assessment matters—a project piece requiring refinishing might be worth it; damaged construction rarely is.
Vinyl Records: Ottawa flea markets maintain healthy record vendor populations. Know your genres, inspect condition carefully, and expect to dig through quantity for quality.
Hand Tools and Hardware: Old hand tools often outperform modern equivalents. Stanley planes, vintage chisels, and quality hardware appear regularly at Stittsville, often at prices below what restoration would cost for modern equivalents.
Books: First editions and collectible books surface occasionally, but even reading copies sell affordably compared to retail used bookstores.
Proceed with Caution
“Antique” Furniture Without Provenance: Age alone doesn’t equal value. Condition, craftsmanship, and demand determine worth. Mass-produced Victorian furniture fills countless booths but holds limited value.
Electronics: Testing is rarely possible, and “works” claims prove unreliable. Unless you’re prepared for non-functional items, pass.
Costume Jewellery Priced as Fine: Many vendors can’t distinguish costume from fine jewellery—and some hope you can’t either. Know what you’re buying before paying precious metal prices.
Reproductions Sold as Originals: Signs, decor, and collectibles are frequently reproduced. Research authentication markers before making significant purchases.
Thrift Stores: The Flea Market Alternative
While not technically flea markets, thrift stores serve similar treasure-hunting impulses and deserve mention for budget-conscious seekers.
Value Village Locations
Multiple Ottawa Locations: Merivale Road, St. Laurent Boulevard, and others Best For: Clothing, housewares, furniture, books, and random finds Pricing: Generally very affordable, though furniture prices have increased
Value Village operates the largest thrift footprint in Ottawa. The experience is pure chaos: massive stores stocked with donations that range from pristine to puzzling. Patient hunters find excellent value; impatient shoppers leave frustrated.
Tips:
- Visit regularly; inventory changes constantly
- Check furniture section early in the day
- Clothing requires dedicated browsing time
- Housewares and kitchenware offer consistent value
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
Multiple Locations: Throughout Ottawa Best For: Furniture, household items, budget finds
Generally lower prices than Value Village with comparable selection variability. Some locations are better maintained than others.
Goodwill Ottawa Locations
Multiple Locations: Throughout Ottawa Best For: Clothing, small items, quick browsing
Tends toward smaller format stores with less furniture than Value Village. Convenient for quick visits but less rewarding for serious hunters.
Specialty Thrift
Several specialty thrift operations serve niche interests:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Building materials, fixtures, and furniture. Excellent for renovation projects.
Books on Beechwood Book Sales: When available, offers used books at charity prices.
Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shops: Often feature higher-quality donations from affluent neighbourhoods.
Seasonal Considerations
Ottawa’s climate shapes the flea market calendar. Understanding seasonality helps you plan hunting expeditions effectively.
Summer Season (June-September)
Prime time for outdoor markets and yard sales. Additional pop-up markets appear, community events often include vintage vendors, and the overall selection peaks. The competition also peaks—arrive early, bring patience, and accept that crowds are part of the experience.
What’s Available:
- All regular markets operating
- Additional pop-up events
- Neighbourhood yard sales
- Estate sales with outdoor components
Fall Season (September-November)
Excellent shoulder season for treasure hunting. Crowds thin as summer tourists depart, but markets continue operating. Estate sales often increase as families settle affairs before winter. Late fall brings holiday-themed markets with antique and vintage components.
Winter Season (December-March)
Indoor markets and shops become primary options. Stittsville Flea Market operates year-round, but attendance drops during harsh weather. This creates opportunity: serious hunters face less competition, and vendors motivated to reduce inventory may negotiate more readily.
Winter Strategies:
- Focus on indoor shops and malls
- Check Stittsville on milder winter weekends
- Watch for holiday market events
- Estate sales continue year-round
Spring Season (April-May)
Markets reawaken alongside Ottawa’s general thaw. Early spring often brings sellers clearing out winter storage, meaning fresh inventory appears as weather improves. The community yard sale season launches, creating additional hunting opportunities.
Tips for Flea Market Success
Before You Go
Research Target Items: If you’re seeking specific pieces, understand what they typically sell for. This prevents both overpaying and missing deals.
Check Weather: Outdoor markets may have reduced attendance in poor conditions, creating opportunity for deal-seekers willing to brave elements.
Empty Your Vehicle: If you find furniture, you’ll need space to transport it.
Charge Your Phone: For researching items on the spot and navigating to markets.
At the Market
First Pass Survey: Walk the entire market quickly first, noting items of interest. Then return to examine and negotiate. This prevents buying early what you’d find cheaper later.
Ask Questions: Vendors often know item histories. A story might confirm authenticity or reveal that “antique” means “five years old.”
Inspect Thoroughly: Check for damage, missing parts, repairs, and authenticity markers. Flea market items are sold as-is.
Negotiate After Looking: Asking about price while examining an item signals interest. Ask while appearing undecided for better negotiating position.
Payment and Transport
Cash Preferred: Most vendors accept cash; not all have card processing. Small bills ease transactions.
Get Receipts When Possible: For higher-value purchases, documentation helps with insurance and resale.
Plan Transport: Larger items need larger vehicles. Know whether you can pick up later or need a friend with a truck.
Beyond Flea Markets: Other Treasure Sources
Estate Sales
Estate sales offer different opportunities than flea markets. You’re buying directly from homes, often acquiring quality items priced to sell quickly.
Finding Estate Sales:
- estatesales.net
- Kijiji Ottawa
- Local newspaper classifieds
- Facebook groups
Estate Sale Tips:
- Arrive early on first day for best selection
- Return late on last day for negotiated prices
- Expect higher quality than garage sales
Garage and Yard Sales
Spring through fall, neighbourhood garage sales offer grassroots treasure hunting. The experience is inefficient—many stops yield nothing—but prices often drop dramatically below market value.
Finding Yard Sales:
- Kijiji Ottawa
- Facebook Marketplace
- Neighbourhood signs
- Community-wide sale events
Online Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji have absorbed much garage sale traffic. The advantage: you know what’s available before travelling. The disadvantage: everyone else knows too, and prices reflect broader market awareness.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best flea market in Ottawa?
Stittsville Flea Market is Ottawa’s largest and most established flea market, operating Sundays year-round. It offers the widest variety of vendors and inventory, from genuine antiques to modern resale items. The market has operated for decades and attracts a mix of serious collectors and casual browsers. For curated vintage specifically, 613Flea pop-up events offer a more selective experience with vetted vendors and higher-quality vintage items.
Q: When is the best time to visit Ottawa flea markets?
Early morning provides the best selection at any flea market—serious buyers arrive when doors open. The regular Stittsville crowd knows that the best furniture disappears by 10 AM. Seasonally, late spring and early fall offer comfortable weather without peak summer crowds. Winter visits mean fewer competitors but potentially reduced vendor participation—however, the vendors who do brave the cold often negotiate more readily.
Q: Do Ottawa flea market vendors accept credit cards?
Some vendors accept electronic payment through Square or similar systems, but cash remains preferred by many. Bring Canadian currency in smaller denominations ($5, $10, $20 bills) for easier transactions and negotiation. ATMs are often available at larger markets but may charge fees. As a bonus, some vendors offer slight discounts for cash purchases.
Q: Can you negotiate prices at Ottawa flea markets?
Yes, negotiation is expected and appropriate, particularly for higher-priced items or multiple purchases from a single vendor. Approach respectfully—asking “what’s your best price?” or offering 10-20% below asking is reasonable. Insulting lowball offers waste time and good will. Bundle purchases often yield better discounts than negotiating individual items.
Q: Where can I find vintage furniture in Ottawa?
Stittsville Flea Market often has furniture vendors, though selection varies weekly. Arrive early, as furniture goes quickly. 613Flea events frequently feature mid-century modern furniture from vetted dealers. For consistent selection, Westboro-area antique shops stock vintage and antique furniture year-round at curated (higher) price points. Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji offer private sale furniture listings with the advantage of knowing what’s available before you travel.
Q: Are there flea markets open on weekdays in Ottawa?
Traditional flea markets like Stittsville operate on weekends only (primarily Sundays). For weekday vintage shopping, focus on antique shops, multi-dealer malls, and thrift stores, which maintain regular retail hours. The Westboro and Hintonburg antique districts offer walkable weekday options.
Q: What should I bring to a flea market?
Essential items include: cash in small bills, a tape measure for furniture, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable bag for small purchases. A smartphone helps research items and navigate. In summer, bring water and sun protection; in winter, dress warmly as market buildings aren’t fully heated. If hunting furniture, consider bringing a friend with a truck or plan to return for pickup.
Final Thoughts
Flea market success requires a particular mindset—part patience, part optimism, part willingness to see potential where others see junk. Not every visit yields treasure. Some Sundays you’ll walk miles, examine hundreds of items, and leave empty-handed. That’s part of the deal.
But then there’s that other Sunday. The one where you find a 1960s letter opener shaped like a sword, or a perfectly preserved vintage lamp, or the exact chair your grandmother had that you’ve been seeking for years. Those moments justify every fruitless outing, every early morning alarm, every cramped car ride with an awkward find balanced in the back seat.
Ottawa’s flea market scene rewards persistence. The Stittsville regulars know this—you’ll see the same faces week after week, building relationships with vendors, understanding what appears when, and developing the instinct that separates successful hunters from frustrated browsers.
Start at Stittsville on a Sunday. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and keep your expectations open. The treasure you find might not be the treasure you expected—but that’s half the fun.
Sources: Stittsville Flea Market, 613Flea, Ottawa vintage community research
