As thrifters, we all know Value Village. We know the Salvation Army. And we also know we sometimes gotta dig a little deeper for our best thrift adventures. Here’s a list of the best thrift stores in Ottawa, that aren’t the big chains shops. And when I say thrift stores, I mean THRIFT stores. The kind of thrift store where you might find a pair of vintage 501s for $5 and you can only pay for them in cash. There are some fantastic consignment and vintage shops in Ottawa but you won’t find those on this list!
Self-diagnosed with ADHD? Me too! Here’s the TLDR.
- Thrive Select Thrift
- re-Source Thrift Shop
- May Court Bargain Box
- Shop Smart Thrift Store
- Fabrick Collective
- St John's Community Thrift Shop
- Society of St. Vincent De Paul (Wellington)
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Merivale)
- Society of St. Vincent De Paul (Gloucester)
- Mission Thrift Store (Nepean)
- Mission Thrift Store (Orléans)
- uOttawa Free Store
- D’OR Thrift Store
If you’re feeling kind, please keep scrolling and click around. My website engagement rate will thank you.
Related: A complete list of online thrift stores in Canada
Thrive Select Thrift
Address: 1547 Merivale Rd Unit 3, Nepean, ON
Thrive Select Thrift in Ottawa is located in Emerald Plaza and 100% of sales support Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentorship in Ottawa and Renfrew County. They have a nice selection of clothes, housewares and friendly staff. It’s definitely a top choice for one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa if you’re avoiding Value Village. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for information about flash sales. And yes, they have change rooms!
Tip: You can sign up for text message alerts for sales like “fill a bag for $30.”
re-Source Thrift Shop
Address: 1400 Clyde Ave. #16, Nepean
re-Source Thrift Shop in Ottawa is a volunteer-run store supporting Christian education. Seniors get 15% off on Wednesdays, and there’s a great selection of sizes. You can find vintage furniture, accessories, and books at true thrifty prices. The store is small, but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area (or perhaps if you are embarking on a major thrift expedition across all of Ottawa).
May Court Bargain Box
Address: 228 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa
May Court Bargain Box is a small thrift store in Ottawa, run by volunteer staff. The selection is good quality, though prices seem a wee bit higher than other small thrift stores. They only accept cash, and the profits support hospice care. Even though it’s a bit small, the inventory changes often, so you can always find something new.
Shop Smart Thrift Store
Address: 242 Dalhousie St, Ottawa
Shop Smart Thrift Store is a small place but definitely worth having a look around. They make good use of their space and even have a change room to try stuff on! The owner is very welcoming and helpful, making it one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa if you are avoiding the big ones like Value Village and The Salvation Army.
Fabrick Collective
Address: 70b Beech St in Little Italy (behind Franco Garage)
Fabrick Collective is a ‘social enterprise’ focused on kids’ clothes, making it one of the best thrift stores for kids stuff in Ottawa. They also donate 30% of profits to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. They have a fantastic selection of clothes and kids’ items.
Tip: they have both an online shop and an in-person shop so you can even shop from home!
St John’s Community Thrift Shop
Address: 275 Elgin St, Ottawa
St John’s Community Thrift Shop is a cozy spot in a church basement at Elgin and Cooper. It’s open pretty limited hours so double check they are open before you go. The staff is kind, and the inventory, though small, is of good quality, making it easy to find something great without spending hours.
Tip: Bring your coins as it’s cash only!
Society of St. Vincent De Paul (Wellington)
Location: 1273 Wellington St. W, Ottawa
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul thrift store on Wellington is a community staple not far from downtown. They have pretty cheap clothes and a decent music section downstairs. The staff is friendly and always willing to help. Though prices have gone up recently, it’s still a classic in Ottawa for a good thrift hunt.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Merivale)
Address: 1620 Merivale Rd, Nepean
The St. Vincent de Paul on Merivale might possibly have the largest selection of ‘nice’ stuff amongst Ottawa thrift stores. The prices are great, and the staff is friendly. The auction area is fun to check out too.
Tip: There’s always a sale colour and lots of new items.
Society of St. Vincent De Paul (Gloucester)
Address: 1650 Queensdale Ave Suite 4, Gloucester, ON
Yes, another St. Vincent De Paul thrift store in Ottawa, this time in the South. It’s clean, organized, and has a good selection of clothes and trinkets. The friendly staff, neat displays, and the convenience of a changing room makes it one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa.
Mission Thrift Store (Nepean)
Address: 1826 Robertson Rd, Nepean
Mission Thrift Store in Nepean is well-organized and has change rooms, a rare find amongst thrift stores! The staff is friendly, and the prices are lower compared to other stores, especially for toys and books.
Mission Thrift Store (Orléans)
Address: 1777 Tenth Line Rd C1, Orléans
Mission Thrift Store in Orleans offers great deals and lower prices than Value Village. They have a good selection of affordable furniture and use a sticker colour system for daily discounts, adding a fun surprise element to shopping. While the prices are reasonable and most staff are friendly, experiences can vary, as with any thrift store. This makes it one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa for finding budget-friendly items.
uOttawa Free Store
Address: 100 Thomas More Private #102, Ottawa
The Free Store is a gem for the uOttawa community. You can donate items you don’t need and pick up things you want for free! Open to students, staff, and alumni, it’s a convenient spot for finding clothing, decor, and appliances in good condition. This unique concept makes it absolutely one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa… if you are lucky enough to be apart of this community!
D’OR Thrift Store
Address: 368 A Bronson Ave, Ottawa
D’OR Thrift Store is a cute, clean spot with a wide selection and friendly service. You can find clothes, accessories, and a few housewares, all at reasonable prices. The owner is very nice, making it one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Well there you have it! Lot’s of independent thrift stores in Ottawa to support rather than Value Village. Happy thrifting!
