Unique, antique and one-of-a-kind places to shop

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Curiosa, Purveyors of Extraordinary Things

This oddity shop sells wares and gifts within the themes of supernatural, paranormal and magical. Harry Potter fans will have plenty to peruse at Curiosa, including Hermione’s time-turner necklace, Gryffindor wax seals, Black family tapestry wallpaper and more.

Curiosa isn’t just for fantasy fans. You’ll also find specialty items made to match your aesthetic, like compass hourglasses, tarot cards, books and journals to record your dreams.

Location: 320 Harbord Street, Toronto

The Paper Place

The Paper Place is a truly one-of-a-kind store on West Queen West in Toronto’s art and design district.

Browse the selection of over 2,000 papers from Japan, Nepal, Italy and more. Whether you have creative projects on the go or you simply appreciate intricate and thoughtful designs, there is a paper here for you.

You’ll also find unique craft and office supplies, thoughtful gifts and a treasure trove of other intriguing items hand selected by the owner, Heather Sauer.

Location: 887 Queen Street West, Toronto

Blue Banana Market

Browse Blue Banana in Toronto’s bohemian Kensington Market for unique and unconventional souvenirs and gifts.

In addition to familiar brands, you’ll find products from local artisans and independent producers that run the gamut from light-hearted and off-the-wall humour to warm and sentimental. There’s also a large section of delicious food such as sauces, decadent chocolates and gourmet products. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: 250 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

Bay Street Video

Dust off your DVD and Blu-ray players and make room on your shelf to add new DVD or Blu-ray titles. Bay Street Video rents and sells just about every movie and show you can imagine and has the largest collection of DVDs and Blu-rays in Toronto.

With an extensive inventory ranging from primetime TV to lesser-known foreign films, there is bound to be something new and exciting to add to your next movie playlist. It’s well worth a visit for cinema buffs.

Location: 1172 Bay Street, Toronto

Sunday Antique Market

Recently relocated to the Small Arms Inspection Building in the Lakeview community of Mississauga, the Sunday Antique Market is one of the best discoveries you’ll make in Ontario.

From eccentric collectibles and toys to vintage fantasy cardholders, typewriters, floral curtains, mid-century furniture, vintage cameras and postcards, you never know what you’ll discover. The market is also home to delicious eateries and entertainment to enjoy between purchases. 

Location: 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga

Niagara, Hamilton and Southwestern Ontario

Prudhommes Antique & Flea Market

Just half an hour drive from Hamilton and 20 minutes from Niagara Falls is the region’s largest indoor and outdoor antique, collectables and vintage market consisting of several buildings and over 40 permanent vendors.

Open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. in the fall and winter. During the spring and summer, weekend hours are extended from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: 3125 North Service Road, Vineland Station

BeauChapeau Hat Shop

Looking for a fedora that exudes debonair charm or perhaps a stylish fascinator that will turn heads?

Among its extensive and diverse inventory of hats for all occasions, Beau Chapeau has a large collection of hats reminiscent of popular times in the early 20th century. Choose from collections that helped revolutionize the Great Gatsby era or the heyday of the iconic entertainment and fashion genres. There is also a vast assortment of well-known brands such as Tilley Hats, Kangols and Stetsons.

Location: 42 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Just Christmas

It’s Christmas every day at Just Christmas, Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas-themed store. Christmas items include personalized ornaments, clothing, home decor and a whole lot more.

Location: 34 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hamilton Antique Mall

You never know what you may find at the largest antique mall in the Hamilton area. From beautiful home decor and vintage furniture to clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories, there’s always something new to discover.

Open Mondays to Fridays, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the weekend.

Location: 233 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton

Waterford Antique Market

Find a unique collection of knick-knacks, vintage Canadian pottery, upcycled furniture, antique homeware and unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for something specific, ask the owners. They just might have something in the back.

Location: 80b Alice Street, Waterford

Grumblin’ Grannys

You’ll find all sorts of distinctive and well-crafted goods from around the world at this family-owned business. Buy something small and sentimental like jewellery or crystals or make a bigger purchase such as furniture, art or unique crafts and wood carvings. When in eastern Ontario, check out their second location in Barry’s Bay.

Location: 50 Main Street, Campbellville

Freelton Antique Market

This antique market in Freelton is host to more than 200 vendors and merchants, open Wednesdays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You’ll find everything vintage and antique, including accessories, clothing, books, silver, glassware and furniture.

Location: 248 Freelton Road, Freelton

Aberfoyle Antique Market

People from all over Canada travel to the seasonal Aberfoyle Antique Market, just an hour’s drive from Toronto in Puslinch, to trade and sell their goods, and have been doing so since the early 1960s. The market hosts over 100 dealers showcasing antiques, folk art, collectibles, furniture, jewellery, clothing and more on Sundays from late April to the end of October, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee.

Location: 57 Brock Road South, Puslinch

One-of-a-Kind Antique Mall

Put on your most comfortable shoes to explore one of Canada’s largest antique malls, located a few minutes north of Highway 401 in Woodstock. Housed in a former factory, there are three massive floors to explore that feature over 500 vendors. You’ll find the most obscure items as well as toys, vintage jewellery, furniture and various types of memorabilia. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: 97 Wilson Street, Woodstock

Purely Wicked Apothecary

Find unique products from incense, candles, teas, and bath and skin care to jewellery, apparel and accessories, as well as puzzles, games and other great gift ideas. Open Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: 633 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

Georgian Bay and Central Ontario

Danfield Antique Furnishings and Fine Art

Dan Field’s passion and extensive knowledge of antiques is evident when you hear his funny and fascinating stories about the history behind numerous antiques in his store. Specializing in the sale of 19th-century Canadian heirlooms, the store sells antiques that will pleasantly surprise with rare discoveries and intriguing backstories.

Location: 207 Marsh Street, Clarksburg

Thornbury Antique Market

Just a short distance from Thornbury Cider and Brewhouse and other eateries is the Thornbury Antique Market, where you’ll find rare, well-crafted furniture with intricate designs and a great selection of antiques and collectables. There’s over 464 square metres (5,000 square feet) of the market to explore, featuring the inventory from over 15 antique vendors. Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: 99 King Street East, Thornbury

Redman's Antique Barn

Most treasure hunters will admit that there’s a genuine excitement in looking for the perfect gem. With 25 booths of vendors in one place, there are endless selections of antiques and collectables that range from rare coins to vintage furniture.

Location: 15751 Island Road, Port Perry

Ottawa and Southeastern Ontario

Ward 14

Come for the wacky consignment vintage shop and stay for a cocktail or two. This cocktail bar/consignment shop hybrid is a truly entertaining pitstop in Ottawa.

Ward 14 prides itself on excellent cocktails and a great selection of quality craft beers and ciders. You can also browse the quirky consignment collection, which includes vintage clothing, rare books, old toys and so much more. Open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Location: 139 Preston Street, Ottawa

Primitive Designs

This family-owned business specializes in unique antiques and hand-crafted merchandise from around the world. From its location near Highway 28, it’s easy to identify the larger-than-life structures of science fiction creatures and robots at the entrance of this Northumberland gem.

Around the 743 square metre (8,000 square feet) property you will see a gallery of additional gigantic and quirky displays. Many have been created out of recycled metal. Inside, the store is full of sculptures, paintings, wooden crafts and so much more.

Location: 2762 Northumberland County Road 28, Port Hope 

Legacy Vintage Building Materials & Antiques

Many well-known interior designers have visited this gem to purchase one-of-a-kind vintage décor and hardware. Legacy Vintage carries products that reflect Colonial, Neo Classical, Georgian, Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau periods and styles, to name a few.

The extensive inventory ranges from vintage and antique doors, lighting and building parts to fencing, windows and more. The building itself has a storied past as the former site of the Canadian Pacific Railway Express Yard. If you have an appreciation of architecture and the detailed craftmanship of the past, you will enjoy visiting this Cobourg delight.

Location: 540 Division Street, Cobourg

Boretski Antique Gallery

Belleville offers an array of exciting shopping and dining experiences in the newly revived downtown area. The Boretski Antique Gallery is one of the most enticing spots for antique lovers.

You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a 1920s showroom of fine clothing. Find original Stetson hats, vintage evening gowns from the roaring 20s, and tailored dresses from the era. Explore fashion items from all periods up to the 1970s.

Location: 300 Front Street, Belleville

Antique Alley

Off the beaten path of most shopping excursions in Kingston, Antique Alley is tucked away on Wellington Street, with over 418 square metres (4500 square feet) of space filled with an array of collectibles, antiques and unique gems.

Spot vintage typewriters, china, décor and more while visiting this antique lover’s paradise. Open Sundays and Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: 207-B Wellington Street, Kingston

Martello Alley

Only steps away from Antique Alley, Martello Alley is a historic spot in downtown Kingston that has become a go-to for original and printed artwork from local artists and beyond. Learn more about this unique gallery cooperative and its creative owners.

Location: 203-B Wellington Street, Kingston

Northern Ontario

The Rad Zone

The store that brought skateboarding to Sault Ste. Marie in the 80s has evolved into a "must visit" location for avid music collectors. Find vinyl records from various music genres. Music collectors can spend hours perusing bins that contain some of the most iconic album covers that are difficult to find elsewhere.

There’s even a healthy inventory of 8-track and laser disc titles available. Rad Zone has another storefront dedicated to comic book lovers. A third storefront contains fashion items and skateboarding products, including vintage skateboards. There’s a huge inventory of products at the stores and although the staff is quite small in number, they're very knowledgeable about the extensive products available.

Location: 721 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie

Currie's Music and Antiques

Musicians will want to peruse the wide collection of vintage instruments at Currie’s Music and Antiques, in addition to nostalgic microphones, turntables, stereos, amplifiers and more. There are other rooms in the store that feature non-musical antiques and other memorabilia and rare eclectic discoveries.

Location: 230 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst

Black Cat Antiques

If you’re looking for rare oddities, check out the inventory at Black Cat Antiques. Located in Thunder Bay’s business district, this family-owned business has a plethora of nostalgic items that add to the element of surprise for treasure hunters. Those seeking traditional gems will not be disappointed with the collection of fine china, jewellery and more.

Location: 133 Frederica Street West, Thunder Bay