Last Updated: January 1, 2026
From curated vintage boutiques in the ByWard Market to sprawling charity shops with rock-bottom prices, Ottawa’s thrift scene offers treasures for every budget and style.
The capital’s second-hand shopping landscape spans upscale consignment stores carrying designer labels to community-run shops where everything costs under ten dollars. Whether you’re hunting for a specific decade’s aesthetic, furnishing your first apartment on a budget, or simply enjoying the thrill of the hunt, Ottawa’s thrift stores deliver. This guide covers the best options by neighbourhood, from carefully curated boutiques to massive warehouse-style charity shops.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: ByWard Market and Centretown offer the best vintage boutiques (Darling Vintage, Bellwethers, Ragtime). For budget finds, hit the Mission Thrift stores in Nepean and Orleans. The Glebe’s Goody Mart and Jungle offer eclectic vintage. Most shops are cash-friendly, and weekday mornings mean smaller crowds.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Curated Vintage | Darling Vintage (ByWard Market) |
| 💰 Best Budget Finds | Mission Thrift, St. Vincent De Paul |
| 📍 Vintage District | Centretown (Bank Street) |
| 🛋️ Best for Furniture | The Recollective (Wellington West) |
| 💵 Price Range | $2-200+ depending on shop type |
| 🕐 Best Time to Visit | Weekday mornings for fresh stock |
ByWard Market Vintage Boutiques
The ByWard Market hosts Ottawa’s most curated vintage boutiques
The ByWard Market’s cobblestone streets hide some of Ottawa’s finest vintage destinations. These aren’t your typical charity thrift stores—expect carefully curated selections with prices reflecting the curation.
Darling Vintage
Address: 9 Clarence Street, Ottawa, ON Website: darlingvintage.ca
Darling Vintage has earned a devoted following for its meticulously curated collection spanning the 1920s through 1990s. The shop specializes in era-accurate pieces rather than simply “old clothes,” making it a destination for collectors and costume designers alike.
The selection emphasizes women’s fashion, with particularly strong offerings in mid-century dresses, 1970s bohemian pieces, and 1980s power dressing. Expect higher prices than charity shops—you’re paying for expertise and curation.
Adorit Boutique
Address: 67 Clarence Street, Ottawa, ON Website: adorit.ca
Adorit takes a different approach to vintage, blending second-hand designer pieces with local Canadian designers. The result feels more contemporary boutique than traditional thrift store, appealing to shoppers who want sustainable fashion without the vintage aesthetic.
The buyer’s eye for quality means pieces hold up season after season. Designer labels appear regularly, and the staff can speak knowledgeably about garment construction and care.
FrouFrou by Pat
Address: Dalhousie Street (near ByWard Market) Website: frou-frou.ca
For vintage accessories and jewellery, FrouFrou by Pat stands apart. The shop specializes in costume jewellery from the 1920s through 1980s, with rotating displays of brooches, earrings, and statement necklaces.
Beyond jewellery, expect vintage purses, scarves, and the occasional carefully selected garment. The shop’s focus makes it particularly valuable for completing outfits sourced elsewhere.
For more ByWard Market exploration, see our ByWard Market complete guide.
Centretown Vintage Corridor
Bank Street through Centretown offers concentrated vintage shopping
Centretown’s stretch of Bank Street has quietly become Ottawa’s vintage corridor, with several shops clustered within walking distance of each other.
Bellwethers Vintage
Address: 227 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON
Bellwethers focuses on wearable vintage rather than collector pieces, curating a selection that works for everyday wardrobes. The shop excels at denim—vintage Levi’s, Lee, and Wrangler appear regularly at reasonable prices.
Men’s and women’s selections receive equal attention, unusual for Ottawa vintage shops. The atmosphere remains relaxed and unpretentious, with staff happy to help newcomers navigate the racks.
Past Lives Thrift
Address: Bank Street, Centretown
Past Lives strikes a balance between curated boutique and accessible thrift store. Prices remain lower than the ByWard Market shops while still offering quality filtering—you won’t wade through damaged or stained items.
The shop’s strength lies in 1990s and early 2000s pieces, appealing to the Y2K revival trend. Expect band t-shirts, vintage sportswear, and the occasional designer find mixed throughout the racks.
Ragtime Vintage
Address: Bank Street, Centretown
Ragtime has operated in Centretown for years, earning a reputation for authentic vintage rather than trendy resale. The selection skews toward collector-quality pieces from the 1940s through 1970s.
Prices reflect the quality and rarity—this isn’t the shop for budget shopping. However, for specific era pieces in excellent condition, Ragtime consistently delivers.
Lainey’s Luck
Address: Bank Street, Centretown
Lainey’s Luck offers a more eclectic mix than its neighbours, blending vintage with interesting modern pieces. The ever-changing inventory means frequent visits are rewarded—today’s racks look different from last week’s.
The shop particularly appeals to vintage newcomers, with prices accessible and staff welcoming to questions about eras and styles.
The Glebe’s Eclectic Shops
The Glebe offers unique vintage finds alongside neighbourhood charm
The Glebe’s independent spirit extends to its thrift offerings. While you won’t find large charity warehouses here, the neighbourhood’s vintage shops reward exploration.
Goody Mart
Address: Bank Street, The Glebe
Goody Mart defies easy categorization, blending vintage clothing with antiques, collectibles, and the genuinely weird. The shop’s chaotic energy appeals to treasure hunters willing to dig through eclectic displays.
Furniture, housewares, and decorative objects compete for space with clothing racks. Prices vary wildly based on item—you might find a $5 t-shirt next to a $200 mid-century lamp.
The Jungle
Address: Bank Street, The Glebe
The Jungle lives up to its name with densely packed racks and displays requiring committed browsing. The shop specializes in vintage housewares and furniture alongside clothing, particularly excelling in mid-century modern pieces.
Regular visitors develop systems for navigating the inventory, knowing which sections refresh most frequently. Weekend mornings see the most turnover as new items reach the floor.
For more Glebe neighbourhood shopping, explore our Glebe Ottawa complete guide.
Wellington West & Little Italy
Wellington West and Little Italy offer curated vintage experiences
These adjacent neighbourhoods have developed distinct vintage identities, with shops reflecting their communities’ creative sensibilities.
The Recollective
Address: Wellington Street West, Hintonburg
The Recollective stands out as Ottawa’s premier destination for vintage furniture and home goods. The curated collection emphasizes mid-century modern design, with pieces restored to display-ready condition.
Beyond furniture, expect vintage lighting, ceramics, and art. Prices reflect the curation and restoration work, but pieces are ready to use immediately—no additional work required.
Thrive Select Thrift
Address: Multiple locations including Wellington West Website: thrivethrift.ca
Thrive Select represents the evolution of charity thrift shopping, with clean displays and organized sections more reminiscent of retail than traditional thrift. The shop benefits the Thrive Foundation’s housing programs.
Clothing dominates, with furniture and housewares available depending on donations. Prices fall between charity shop bargains and boutique vintage—expect $5-25 for most clothing items.
Tribe Co.
Address: Preston Street, Little Italy
Tribe Co. combines vintage with local makers, creating a shopping experience that bridges second-hand and handmade. The vintage selection emphasizes wearable pieces over collector items.
The shop’s Little Italy location connects it to the neighbourhood’s walkable charm, making it worth combining with cafe stops and restaurant browsing.
Community Charity Shops
Community charity shops offer the best prices for budget-conscious shoppers
For true thrift store bargain hunting, Ottawa’s charity-run shops deliver the lowest prices and the largest selections. These stores price to move inventory rather than maximize revenue.
Mission Thrift Store
Locations:
- 1419 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
- 225 McArthur Avenue, Vanier
- 3500 Fallowfield Road, Nepean
Mission Thrift operates as Ottawa’s largest thrift chain, with warehouse-style stores carrying everything from clothing to furniture to small appliances. The Christian charity model means rock-bottom prices—clothing regularly sells for $3-5, and furniture deals abound.
The Carling Avenue location draws the most traffic, with the largest footprint and most consistent furniture selection. Weekday mornings offer the best combination of fresh stock and manageable crowds.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Locations:
- 1270 Merivale Road
- 1171 Cyrville Road
- 1317 Michael Street
St. Vincent De Paul’s stores support the Catholic charity’s community programs. Like Mission Thrift, these are true charity operations with prices reflecting that mission.
The Merivale Road location offers particularly strong furniture and housewares sections. All locations accept donations during operating hours.
re-Source Thrift Shop
Address: Carling Avenue, Ottawa
Re-Source focuses on housewares, furniture, and home goods rather than clothing. The shop appeals to apartment furnishers and home renovators seeking affordable options.
Quality varies with donations, but patient shoppers find solid wood furniture, functional appliances, and decorative pieces at charity prices.
Budget Thrift Destinations
Budget thrift stores offer the best values for price-conscious shoppers
Shop Smart Thrift Store
Address: Orleans location Price Range: Most items under $10
Shop Smart delivers on its name, with aggressive pricing that makes regular shopping affordable. The store’s Orleans location serves the east end with large selection and frequent turnover.
May Court Bargain Box
Address: Rideau Street, Ottawa
The May Court Bargain Box operates as one of Ottawa’s oldest charity thrift shops, supporting the May Court Club’s community programs. The downtown location makes it accessible for quick lunch-hour browsing.
Clothing dominates the inventory, with particularly strong offerings in professional wear. The volunteer staff has operated for decades, bringing genuine expertise to the sorting process.
D’OR Thrift Store
Address: St. Laurent Boulevard area
D’OR focuses on budget pricing while maintaining organized displays. The shop carries the standard thrift mix—clothing, housewares, books, and accessories—at prices that won’t break student budgets.
Specialty Vintage Shops
Specialty shops focus on particular eras or item types
Last Unicorn
Address: Bank Street, Centretown
Last Unicorn lives in the space between vintage clothing and costume shop, carrying pieces that lean theatrical while remaining wearable. The selection appeals to costume designers, drag performers, and anyone seeking statement pieces.
Prices reflect the specialty focus—expect to pay more for the unusual items that make Last Unicorn distinctive.
Fabrick Collective
Address: Varies (check social media)
Fabrick operates partially as a pop-up and online, specializing in carefully curated vintage with a designer focus. The rotating locations create urgency around shopping—when a pop-up appears, committed thrifters respond.
Follow their social media for location announcements and new arrival previews.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Ottawa
Strategic thrifting maximizes your finds and minimizes frustration
Timing Your Visits
Best times to shop:
- Tuesday-Wednesday mornings - New stock from weekend donations
- First weekday of the month - Fresh inventory after month-end donations
- Before season changes - Seasonal clothing arrives 2-3 weeks before weather shifts
Times to avoid:
- Saturday afternoons - Peak crowds, picked-over racks
- Holiday weekends - Limited hours, heavy traffic
What to Bring
- Cash - Some smaller shops remain cash-only
- Phone - For researching brands and comparing retail prices
- Reusable bags - Many charity shops don’t provide bags
- Patience - Good finds require time investment
Pricing Guide
| Store Type | Clothing Range | Furniture Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charity shops | $2-10 | $20-100 |
| Curated thrift | $10-40 | $50-300 |
| Vintage boutiques | $25-150+ | $100-500+ |
Quality Checks
Before purchasing vintage items:
- Check seams and zippers for damage
- Look for stains, particularly under arms
- Verify elastic hasn’t deteriorated
- Test buttons and closures
- Smell fabrics (musty odours can be difficult to remove)
Thrift Store Map by Neighbourhood
Ottawa’s thrift stores cluster in specific neighbourhoods
ByWard Market:
- Darling Vintage (9 Clarence St)
- Adorit Boutique (67 Clarence St)
- FrouFrou by Pat (Dalhousie St)
Centretown/Bank Street:
- Bellwethers Vintage (227 Bank St)
- Past Lives Thrift
- Ragtime Vintage
- Lainey’s Luck
- Last Unicorn
The Glebe:
- Goody Mart
- The Jungle
Wellington West/Little Italy:
- The Recollective
- Thrive Select Thrift
- Tribe Co. (Preston St)
Suburbs:
- Mission Thrift (Carling, McArthur, Fallowfield)
- St. Vincent De Paul (Merivale, Cyrville, Michael St)
- Shop Smart (Orleans)
FAQ
What are the best thrift stores in Ottawa?
Darling Vintage in the ByWard Market offers the most curated vintage selection. For budget finds, Mission Thrift locations across the city provide the lowest prices. Bellwethers Vintage on Bank Street balances quality and accessibility for everyday wearable vintage.
Where can I find cheap second-hand furniture in Ottawa?
Mission Thrift and St. Vincent De Paul stores offer the lowest furniture prices, often under $100 for solid pieces. The Recollective on Wellington West provides curated mid-century furniture at higher price points but ready-to-use condition.
Which Ottawa thrift stores have vintage clothing?
The Bank Street corridor in Centretown offers concentrated vintage shopping with Bellwethers, Ragtime, Past Lives, and Lainey’s Luck within walking distance. ByWard Market’s Darling Vintage and Adorit carry higher-end vintage and designer pieces.
Do Ottawa thrift stores accept donations?
Yes. Mission Thrift and St. Vincent De Paul accept donations during operating hours at all locations. Call ahead for large furniture items. Most vintage boutiques do not accept donations—they work on consignment or buy directly.
What’s the difference between thrift and vintage stores?
Thrift stores sell donated goods with minimal curation at low prices, benefiting charitable causes. Vintage stores curate specific eras and styles, pricing items based on rarity, condition, and demand. Ottawa has both types across different neighbourhoods.
When do Ottawa thrift stores get new inventory?
Charity thrift stores receive donations daily, with weekend donations hitting floors by Tuesday-Wednesday. Vintage boutiques acquire inventory irregularly through estate sales, consignment, and buying trips. Follow social media for new arrival announcements.
Are Ottawa thrift stores cash only?
Most larger charity shops accept cards. Smaller vintage boutiques vary—some remain cash-only or have minimums for card purchases. Bring cash to smaller shops to avoid disappointment.
Where can I find designer brands at Ottawa thrift stores?
Adorit Boutique in the ByWard Market focuses on designer and higher-end labels. Thrive Select sometimes carries designer donations. For true bargain designer hunting, visit Mission Thrift or St. Vincent De Paul regularly—finds require patience.
What are the best thrift stores for furniture in Ottawa?
The Recollective specializes in curated vintage furniture. Goody Mart and The Jungle in the Glebe carry eclectic furniture selections. Mission Thrift locations offer the best budget furniture selection, particularly the Carling Avenue store.
Do Ottawa vintage stores buy used clothing?
Some do. Darling Vintage and Bellwethers occasionally purchase specific items. Most vintage boutiques work on consignment rather than outright purchase. Charity shops accept donations but don’t pay for items.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s thrift scene offers genuine depth, from carefully curated vintage boutiques to sprawling charity warehouses where everything costs less than a coffee. The key is matching your expectations to the shop type—don’t expect boutique curation at charity prices, and don’t expect charity bargains at curated shops.
For newcomers to thrifting, start with the Bank Street Centretown corridor where multiple shops cluster within walking distance. Experienced thrifters should establish regular routes through favourite spots, knowing that the best finds reward consistent visits.
The sustainable shopping movement has raised thrifting’s profile, but Ottawa’s shops remain refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re furnishing a first apartment, hunting for a specific vintage piece, or simply enjoying the treasure hunt, the city delivers.
Sources: Ottawa Tourism, We Are Thrifters, individual store websites and social media.
