Ahh, thrifting. What better way to spend a day? Sure, there’s a time and place for a browse through Value Village, but ideally, we’re putting our thrift dollars toward more community-focused spots. And when we say thrift stores, we mean thrift stores. The kind of place where you dig through the racks, find something incredible, and actually pay a fair price for it. Thrift stores are not consignment shops, and they’re not curated vintage. We love those too, but this list isn’t about them.
Ottawa has some seriously underrated thrifting, and we’re here to highlight the best of it. Here’s our list of the best thrift stores in Ottawa, plus a few bonus spots worth the drive.
First, the TLDR. But for more tips (and because I shamelessly want you to stick around on my website), keep scrolling!
Related: A complete list of online thrift stores in Canada
Address: 1547 Merivale Rd Unit 3, Nepean, ON
Thrive Select Thrift is tucked inside Emerald Plaza, and 100% of sales go toward Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentorship programs in Ottawa and Renfrew County. The selection includes clothing, housewares, and a friendly staff that actually makes the shopping experience enjoyable. If you’re looking to avoid Value Village, this is easily one of the best thrift stores in Ottawa.
They also have change rooms (a luxury these days), and their Instagram account is worth following for flash sale updates.
Tip: You can sign up for text message alerts for sales like “fill a bag for $30.”
Address: 1400 Clyde Ave. #16, Nepean
re-Source Thrift Shop supports Christian education and offers true thrifty prices on vintage furniture, accessories, books, and clothing in a wide range of sizes. Seniors get 15% off on Wednesdays, which is a nice perk if that applies to you.
The store is small, but if you’re in the area or taking on a full-scale expedition of the best thrift stores in Ottawa, it’s worth a stop.
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.
Address: 242 Dalhousie St, Ottawa
Shop Smart Thrift Store may be small, but it’s worth a look. They make good use of their space, and they even have a change room, which is always a win. The owner is welcoming and helpful, making this a solid choice if you’re avoiding the bigger spots like Value Village and The Salvation Army.
Address: 70b Beech St in Little Italy (behind Franco Garage)
Fabrick Collective is a social enterprise focused on kids’ clothing, making it one of the best thrift spots in Ottawa for little ones. They have a fantastic selection of clothes and kids’ items, and 30% of their profits go to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. If you’re looking for secondhand kids’ gear while supporting a good cause, this is the place to check out.
Tip: they have both an online shop and an in-person shop so you can even shop from home!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Address: 1826 Robertson Rd, Nepean
Mission Thrift Store in Nepean is well-organized and has change rooms, which is a rare find in thrift stores these days. The staff is friendly, and the prices are lower than most, especially for toys and books.
Worth noting: Mission Thrift supports evangelical Christian initiatives, which may or may not matter to you, but it’s good to know where your thrift dollars are going.
Address: 1777 Tenth Line Rd C1, Orléans
Mission Thrift Store in Orleans has great deals and lower prices than Value Village, making it a solid stop for budget-friendly thrifting. They have a good selection of affordable furniture and use a sticker colour system for daily discounts, which adds a little extra thrill to the hunt.
Worth noting: Similar to above, Mission Thrift supports evangelical Christian initiatives, so keep that in mind if it factors into where you choose to shop.
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!
Address: 368 A Bronson Ave, Ottawa
D’OR Thrift Store is a clean, well-organized spot with a solid selection and friendly service. You’ll find clothing, accessories, and a few housewares, all at reasonable prices. The owner is especially welcoming, making this a great thrift stop 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!
