A field guide to vintage stores, thrift shops, and second-hand gems

Eva B. isn't a boutique so much as a self-contained universe. Since the late '80s, this Saint-Laurent institution has been absorbing Montreal's creative energy and spitting it back out across two chaotic floors of vintage, costumes, and curiosities. The graffiti-tagged facade gives way to a labyrinth of velvet dresses, retro denim, carnival masks, and patched overalls. Upstairs skews cheaper—items often marked at just a few dollars. Downstairs is pure sensory overload.

But Eva B. doesn't stop at clothing. There's a small bistro slinging vegetarian sandwiches and dollar espressos, a backyard terrasse, and an event stage that's hosted everything from drag shows to live music. The clientele ranges from tourists to stylists to neighbourhood lifers who've been digging here for decades. It's theatrical, grungy, and utterly unapologetic. Bring clothes to swap, patience to browse, and zero expectations of order. Eva B. thrives on entropy—and that's exactly why it belongs on this list.

Hadio doesn't rely on polish—it's built its reputation on volume, value, and vintage denim that keeps Montrealers coming back. Located near Mont-Royal and Saint-Denis, this decades-strong secondhand institution leans heavy on the classics: faded Levi's, rugged Carhartt, old-school overalls, and a wall's worth of grandpa sweaters and band tees. The place looks chaotic at first glance but reveals itself to be impressively organized by category, with flat-rate pricing that strips the guesswork from thrifting.

Some pieces run higher than you'd expect; others are genuine steals. The high turnover keeps racks fresh, and there's a solid stash of patches for anyone looking to customize. Open since 1991, Hadio has resisted the urge to rebrand or chase trends, staying rooted in community over commerce. The staff trade jokes as easily as they ring up sales. It's a reminder that fashion revolutions don't always start on runways—sometimes they hang from $5 hangers.

Friperie Notre-Dame started with a simple idea: rescue what others throw away. In 2019, founders Andy Harriott and Chloé Boudreau began driving around Montreal collecting landfill-bound goods. That scrappy operation has since grown into one of the city's largest community-focused thrift shops, now housed in a unified 14,000-square-foot space in Lachine that brings together clothing, furniture, children's items, and more under one roof.

The vibe strikes a balance between curated and chaotic—not overly polished, but far from a pile-and-pray rummage fest. Prices hover around Value Village territory, but the selection is more intentional, often surfacing better quality and more distinctive pieces. The mission, though, is the real draw: keep good stuff in circulation and out of landfills. Whether you're hunting for a wardrobe refresh, a quirky lamp, or something your kid will outgrow in six months, Friperie Notre-Dame delivers utility, style, and purpose in equal measure.

Marché Floh didn't just level up—it went vertical. What started as a monthly vintage pop-up has grown into a three-floor stronghold on Saint-Denis, now home to 18 vendors slinging everything from '60s gogo dresses and '90s streetwear to early-2000s throwbacks, leather bags, and band tees. The building is packed wall-to-wall, making it one of the largest secondhand clothing destinations in the city.

The vibe lands somewhere between high-energy thrift and curated boutique, where brand-name gems sit alongside affordable one-offs in the $20–$50 range. You're not just buying clothes—you're tapping into the style archives of over a dozen local resellers, each with their own taste and perspective. There's no formula here, no fast fashion filler, just a glorious overload of personality and possibility. Whether you're a seasoned digger or a casual browser, Floh makes it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. Scale and selection earn it a permanent spot on this list.

Renaissance isn't just another thrift chain—it's a full-fledged social economy model built in Montreal. Founded in 1994 by the team behind Moisson Montréal, the organization now operates over 19 thrift stores, 11 bookstores, and a liquidation centre across Quebec, all running on three core pillars: employment, environment, and access. The Saint-Jacques location stands out for its selection, making it one of the strongest outposts in the network.

The mission is straightforward but far-reaching: help people facing employment barriers reintegrate into the workforce while keeping millions of kilos of goods out of landfills each year. Donating, shopping, or working at Renaissance means participating in that loop—every item resold funds job training and work experience, every donation avoids waste, every purchase gets reinvested. It's solidarity in action, one reused shirt at a time. Renaissance earns a spot on this list by proving that thrift can be both practical and principled, without sacrificing the hunt.

LNF might fly under the radar, but for those in the know, it's been a Mile End staple since 2010. This shop keeps a tighter edit than some of its thrift-heavy neighbours, with racks of well-kept secondhand finds that lean less chaotic and more considered. You'll spot everything from designer knits to hard-to-find streetwear, classic watches, and vintage frames—all priced with intention rather than impulse.

It's not a bargain bin, but the quality justifies the numbers. Think of LNF as the place you go when you want to level up your rotation without looking like you tried too hard. The vibe is relaxed, the staff are friendly, and the shop occasionally spotlights local designers alongside vintage, giving the space a boutique feel without the boutique attitude. Come ready to browse slow and leave with something you'll actually wear. For curated vintage that prioritizes substance over spectacle, LNF quietly delivers.

Cul-de-Sac hits that sweet spot between curated and casual. Tucked near Saint-Laurent, this unassuming vintage shop stocks a rotating mix of well-worn denim, retro puffers, grandpa sweaters, military jackets, and more delicate finds like leather bags and antique jewellery—all at prices that don't feel like a punchline. It's one of those rare thrift stores still rooted in the original spirit of secondhand: affordable, approachable, and surprisingly stylish without trying too hard.

The vibe is friendly and low-key, with staff who won't hover but are happy to help. The selection skews practical with flashes of the unexpected—ugly Christmas sweaters next to delicate suede—making it equally suited to everyday staples and statement pieces. Whether you're hunting for something specific or just hoping for a lucky score, Cul-de-Sac rewards the patient browser. It earns a spot on this list by keeping vintage simple: good clothes, fair prices, no attitude.

Le Magasin du Chaînon is a thrift store with a purpose that runs deeper than the racks. Operated by the Chaînon Foundation—which has supported women in vulnerable situations since 1932—this secondhand shop generates over a quarter of the organization's annual revenue. Shopping here means directly funding secure housing, hot meals, and social reintegration programs for more than 1,600 women each year.

The storefront itself is modest and unpretentious, stocked with clothing, books, kitchenware, furniture, and brand-new toiletries, all priced accessibly and replenished through weekly donations. The vibe is calm and neighbourly, refreshingly uncurated in a landscape increasingly dominated by aesthetics. No hype, no gimmicks—just good stuff for a good cause. In a city full of vintage spots angling for cool points, Le Chaînon keeps its focus squarely where it matters: solidarity, dignity, and second chances. It belongs on this list because shopping here does more than fill your closet—it fills a need.

Mervmatsui is the kind of spot you hope nobody else discovers. Tucked into a quiet stretch of Van Horne in Outremont, this understated boutique keeps things simple: mostly menswear, all secondhand, all solid. The racks lean into utility—workwear, military surplus, '90s streetwear, heavyweight cardigans, the occasional Barbour jacket—with prices that rarely crack $100. Every piece feels considered, even the rugged ones.

Owner Todd Willis runs the place with a no-fuss attitude, happy to talk shop or take a note if you're hunting for something specific. It's curated without being precious, and that balance between taste and practicality is what keeps locals coming back. Whether you're after a sturdy overshirt or something to anchor your apartment's aesthetic, Mervmatsui delivers with quiet confidence. For men's vintage that prioritizes quality over hype, this is the neighbourhood secret worth knowing.

Seconde has quietly become one of Mile End's most reliable vintage destinations by doing something deceptively simple: blending timeless secondhand pieces with work from local designers. The result is a shop that feels like a tribute to both sustainability and style, where fur coats and vintage dresses share space with one-of-a-kind items from Montreal makers. Nothing here feels like filler.

The atmosphere helps—it's inviting without being precious, staffed by people who genuinely seem to enjoy helping customers dig through the racks. The occasional designer find at a surprisingly reasonable price doesn't hurt either. But what keeps regulars coming back is the consistency: Seconde's commitment to quality sourcing means you're rarely wading through duds to find something worthwhile. Whether you're updating your wardrobe or hunting for a statement piece, this boutique delivers on both charm and substance. It earns its spot on this list by making vintage shopping feel effortless.

Getting to Éco-Dépôt takes effort—it's well outside the city core, closer to Lachine than anywhere most Montrealers wander. But the 10,000-square-foot warehouse rewards the trip. This isn't a thrift store so much as a scavenger hunt, specializing in secondhand furniture, appliances, and homewares while also turning up clothing, vinyl, books, jewellery, and the occasional mystery object with no clear origin story.

Founded to divert usable goods from landfills, Éco-Dépôt sources stock from movers, clients, and junk haulers, then sifts, sorts, and—when stumped—turns to its social media community for identification help. Prices range from pocket change to four figures, but the owners curate rather than dump, making the experience less overwhelming than its footprint suggests. For DIYers, collectors, and anyone with a soft spot for the forgotten and oddball, it's a destination worth the detour. This is where castoffs get a second act.

Kitsch'n Swell isn't just a store—it's a time warp dressed in hot pink. This Plateau institution holds claim to being Quebec's largest retro boutique, specializing in rockabilly, pin-up, and vintage-inspired style from the 1920s through the 1950s. What began as a curiosity shop in 2008 has grown into a full emporium of nostalgic flair, where tiki prints, wiggle dresses, poodle skirts, and London-made garments share space with mid-century home décor and delightfully kitschy gifts.

Where most vintage shops embrace the eclectic, Kitsch'n Swell commits hard to a specific aesthetic: old-school glam with a wink. It's part costume, part lifestyle, and entirely about standing out. You might come for a dress but leave with a novelty ashtray or Elvis-era pomade—everything here evokes a particular past that's playful, polished, and just the right amount of over-the-top. For lovers of retro culture or anyone looking to shake up their look, this is the blast from the past you've been waiting for.

Ex-Voto sits just south of the Little Italy arches, but its spirit feels more global-local hybrid than strictly Montreal. Since 2014, this independent Rosemont boutique has carved out a niche blending gently used women's wear with ethically produced goods from local creators and a handful of international artists. The shop splits cleanly: one side thrift, the other gift shop, with feminist tees, screen-printed accessories, handmade jewellery, ceramics, and houseplants filling the gaps.

It's curated with conviction. Zero-waste practices, cleaned and frozen vintage garments (yes, frozen—for pest control), and a focus on supporting small-batch makers give the space the feel of a lifestyle manifesto rather than just another place to shop. Ex-Voto doesn't shout for attention, but it doesn't play it safe either. From statement tees to glass straws, it's a reliable bet when you need a thoughtful gift, a unique piece, or just a reminder that buying better is possible. It earns its place by making ethics and aesthetics feel like the same thing.

The Gallery isn't trying to be cool—it just is. This NDG thrift collective houses five distinct vintage vendors plus a rotating cast of monthly guests, delivering serious range: jock to goth, women's to kids', plus enough nostalgic bits to trigger a few memories mid-browse. But the real draw is the pricing: every single item in the shop tops out at $35.

Set just off the 24 bus route, The Gallery thrives on high turnover and no-nonsense economics. Think $20 Silver jeans, $25 Patagonia jackets, $10 vintage Nike—curated without the ego, budget-conscious without feeling picked over. The team recently downsized to one floor to keep costs low and quality high, restocking daily to keep the racks fresh. The vibe is relaxed, the staff actually want to help, and nobody's gatekeeping the good stuff. For anyone who believes vintage shouldn't require a trust fund, The Gallery proves accessible thrifting isn't dead—it's just in NDG.

KILOfripe doesn't chase flash—it sticks to what works. This Saint-Laurent shop has built a loyal following through accessible pricing, rotating stock, and a mix of eras that keeps things interesting without trying too hard. The everyday stuff—tees, jackets, denim—leans casual and wearable, but dig deeper and you'll find standout pieces from the '50s and '60s, including pin-up dresses and classic leather. The vibe skews youthful, but the inventory isn't slave to trends.

Despite the name, KILOfripe prices by item rather than weight, with most finds landing between $15 and $60. It's also one of the rare spots that invites customers to reach out if they're hunting for something specific—part resale shop, part personal sourcing service. The mission is straightforward: keep good clothes in circulation and make vintage shopping feel less like a treasure hunt and more like a habit. For consistent quality without the markup, this is where to look.

Boutique Swing doesn't rely on hype—it runs entirely on taste and the person behind it. Known mostly by word of mouth, this Plateau shop specializes in sharply curated menswear with an emphasis on leather jackets, tailored suits, and classic accessories that punch well above their weight. The layout feels more showroom than secondhand, with high-quality fabrics and timeless cuts arranged with obvious care.

What sets Swing apart is its owner, whose encyclopedic knowledge of vintage fashion and design is matched only by his warmth. Whether you're on a mission or just browsing, he'll walk you through the history and craft behind every piece—often sparking conversations that outlast the shopping itself. Prices reflect the quality, but most leave feeling they've found something special rather than just another thrift score. Even if you're not in the market for a jacket or tie, this place is worth a visit. For some, it's a one-time stop. For others, it becomes the only place they'll shop.

Le Ninety has staked its claim on a specific slice of history: the 1990s, when streetwear and casualwear hit their stride. This Saint-Denis boutique deals in heavyweight Canadian-made crewnecks, American denim, and the kind of pieces that were built to last decades before "sustainable fashion" became a marketing term. The sourcing team digs through warehouses weekly, rescuing quality goods before they disappear overseas or into the waste stream.

The space itself splits the difference between boutique polish and underground cool, with a clean layout that lets the clothes do the talking. But Le Ninety isn't just retail—it doubles as a venue for art installations, pop-ups, and creative collaborations with local artists and collectives. Prices reflect the curation, but you're paying for more than a tag; you're buying something that was made to last and saved for a reason. For anyone who believes fashion and memory belong together, this is the spot.

Palmo Goods isn't chasing trends—it's honouring longevity. This Mile End boutique specializes in vintage clothing, accessories, and homewares spanning the 1940s through the early 2000s, curated with the precision of lifelong collectors. The focus is Americana: denim, military surplus, workwear, western styles—garments built to outlast and outclass today's mass-produced alternatives.

Founders Ashlie and Antoine treat each piece like a historical artefact with swagger, valuing patina as much as practicality. The shop's philosophy encourages mixing eras, layering textures, and making vintage your own rather than cosplaying a specific decade. Whether you're hunting a rugged canvas chore coat or something to offset minimalist staples, Palmo delivers heritage with a modern edge. It earns its spot on this list by proving that the best vintage isn't about nostalgia—it's about quality that transcends time. For anyone serious about building a wardrobe that lasts, this is required browsing.

Lazy is for the vintage lover who wants the thrill of the find without the dig. This Plateau shop strips thrift of its chaos, offering a clean, accessible space where everything is pre-washed, thoughtfully selected, and geared toward style-conscious sustainability. Whether you're after a faded band tee, a retro slip dress, or a classic denim jacket, the racks stay tight and the options stay strong.

The store's ethos is rooted in slowing fashion down—trading fast turnover for lasting quality. A Trade-In program rewards circular shopping, the staff offers genuine styling advice, and there's a commitment to inclusivity that goes beyond window dressing. It's a space built around self-expression and rethinking how we buy clothes. You won't need to wade through polyester purgatory to find a gem here; Lazy's already done the work. For anyone who loves vintage but hates the hunt, this is the answer.

Kitsch à l'Os is less a shop and more a cabinet of curiosities sprawled across eight themed rooms. Founded in 2013 as a hub for retro and antique goods, this Hochelaga-Maisonneuve destination has evolved into a curated wonderland showcasing over 120 local artisans alongside a treasure trove of vintage finds. Browsing here feels less like shopping and more like exploring a museum where every corner reveals something unexpected.

The inventory bridges quirky charm with historical intrigue: kitschy salt-and-pepper shakers, vinyl records, pristine 1950s food containers, handmade jewellery, stationery, and objects that defy easy categorization. Each room functions as its own art installation, blending modern handmade pieces with the timeless pull of yesteryear. It's maximalist without being overwhelming, nostalgic without being precious. For anyone who appreciates the weird, the wonderful, and the carefully preserved, Kitsch à l'Os delivers an experience that goes far beyond retail. This one earns its spot by being genuinely unlike anywhere else.

Club 777 feels less like a thrift store and more like stepping into a Y2K fever dream—and that's the whole point. This Plateau collective brings together over a dozen vendors, each with their own spin on early-2000s style: rhinestone-studded tanks, punk-inflected denim, baggy cargos, slick Oakleys, and playful reworks that blur the line between vintage and DIY. Prices stay accessible, the dedicated jewellery section anchors the space, and every rack carries a distinct curatorial fingerprint.

What makes Club 777 worth the visit isn't just the inventory—it's the people behind it. You're shopping the eyes of individual collectors and stylists, each with their own aesthetic and energy. The layout strips away dig-for-it chaos and replaces it with curated chaos, where every piece has a story. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the community, leave with something that makes your outfit feel like a time capsule you actually want to wear.

There's no sign outside. No website. Not even an official name, really—just a two-storey Parc-Ex row house stuffed to the rafters with vintage gold. Inside, owner Gill has transformed her home into a labyrinth of lace, leather, jewellery, glassware, and decades of accumulated style. It's part costume department, part time capsule, the kind of place where a designer belt sits next to a fur hat and a pair of Morpheus-worthy sunglasses goes for ten bucks. Cash only—there's an ATM across the street.

The Little Shop has earned a quiet reputation among theatre wardrobe teams, film crews, and Hollywood production staff, but it's equally welcoming to curious locals who stumble in off the street. Don't expect minimalism or easy browsing; this place is overflowing by design. It's one of the last true secrets in the city—and its presence on this list is both a recommendation and a warning: once you find it, you won't want to share it either.

Le 63 doesn't deal in polite vintage—it deals in attitude. This Plateau shop sits at the intersection of garage culture, rock'n'roll, and motorcycle style, stocking everything from worn-in leather jackets and WWII-era goggles to patches, belt buckles, and hair pomade. The space feels part clubhouse, part time capsule, with vintage moto gear that reads as lived-in rather than costume-y. Newer pieces from Brixton and Deus Ex Machina add modern edge without diluting the grit.

What earns Le 63 a spot on this list is the balance: collectible oddities like old license plates and retro vinyl share space with functional riding wear, and the staff's knowledge runs deep. You might pop in for a visor and leave with a story, a playlist recommendation, and a reason to come back. For anyone drawn to the rougher side of vintage, this is the real deal.

Annex Vintage is what happens when a thrift shop, an indie gift store, and a curated design gallery decide to share a lease. This Mile End boutique leans hard into the fun side of nostalgia, stocking Y2K vintage, flannels, bombers, and throwback sweaters alongside a dizzying collection of art prints, zines, incense, handmade jewellery, and apothecary goods. You might walk in looking for jeans and leave with a Baggu tote, glittery nail polish, and a patch that says "Don't Talk to Me."

The vintage selection is tight and on-trend, pulled from a rotating roster of local consignors and always in flux. But Annex isn't really about clothes alone—it's about the full vibe, the kind of store that makes you feel like you're already inside your dream apartment. Prices reflect the curation, but there's something at nearly every level. If you're into well-made objects with personality, this spot delivers.

La Pompadour operates as a deliberate counterpoint to minimalist fatigue. Run by Stéphanie Finjean, this Mile End shop focuses on postmodern design and objects from the 1970s through the 1990s—an era often dismissed, here treated with care and context. The edit leans into bold geometry, saturated colour, chrome, plexiglas, and playful forms, drawing lines between Memphis-era irreverence and everyday domestic life.

Clothing, furniture, lighting, and decorative objects coexist without hierarchy, selected less for nostalgia than for how they still function and provoke today. It's a shop for people who find mid-century modern a bit safe and want something with more personality—and maybe a sense of humour. For clients looking beyond browsing, Finjean also offers sourcing and interior styling services, extending her curatorial eye into private spaces. La Pompadour earns its spot by championing a design era most vintage shops overlook, and making a convincing case for why that's a mistake.

Era treats archival clothing less as relic and more as raw material. Founded by Elaine Leveille in 2004, this Saint-Henri boutique takes pieces dating from the 1920s through the late 20th century and repairs, reworks, or fully reconstructs them into contemporary garments guided by runway references. Sleeves become tops, hems turn into skirts, leftover fabric finds its way back into circulation. Nothing is wasted.

The approach is deliberately hands-on, rooted in craft and a near-zero-waste philosophy rather than trend-chasing. Leveille positions vintage as a living design practice: expressive, adaptable, and wearable now rather than preserved behind glass. For shoppers wary of fast fashion but uninterested in costume, Era offers an alternative built on longevity, skill, and the idea that style is something you shape rather than buy off a rack. It belongs on this list for proving that secondhand doesn't have to mean second life—it can mean entirely new.

Take Three is what happens when three Montreal designers—Aly, Kim, and Sarah—pool their skills into a single storefront. The result is a collaborative boutique where vintage fashion, original design, and on-site alterations coexist under one roof. Aly handles styling and curation, keeping the racks current; Kim and Sarah bring over a decade of sewing experience, crafting and altering garments in-house. The ethos is clear: fashion should be meaningful, and it doesn't have to come off a factory line.

Each owner's work is available alongside the others. Alyway Era offers curated vintage and reworked pieces with a '90s sensibility; Kimilala transforms discarded materials into one-of-a-kind designs that balance raw textures with refined detail. The shop also platforms local artists, giving the space a community-hub feel beyond retail. Take Three earns its place on this list by making sustainability feel less like a sacrifice and more like a creative act—proof that buying secondhand can also mean buying into something new.