One of the many things I love about exploring Downtown Toronto is the variety of thrift stores you’ll discover at every corner. As I’ve gotten more acquainted with the city, my list of places to shop secondhand has only continued to grow. It’s no wonder that a city as diverse and multicultural as Toronto has produced some of the greatest vintage shops with such one-of-a-kind pieces.
Below are four of my favourite places to thrift in the city <3
Vintage Depot
This store was a sweet little discovery on one of my strolls through Kensington Market last spring. I had no intention of making a purchase, however, ten minutes later I had both arms full and a fitting room started for me. That’s how it goes right?
After giving it much thought – because we like intentional shopping over here – I said yes to a gorgeous new blazer and a fur coat. I can’t wait to wear them this fall!
Vintage Depot has everything from cowboy boots, hoodies, t-shirts, denim-everything, beanies, jackets, and more! I’d recommend giving yourself at least half an hour to check out their collection.
Address: 70 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1
Sunday Variety Market
It may seem as though I spend all my time on the west end of the city … which may be true. However, I have lots of love for the east – one reason being the St Lawrence Market. If you’ve never been, picture endless vendors, food stands, butchers & artisans, bakeries, indoor & outdoor seating, and a variety of nearby restaurants & cafes.
Located here is Sunday Variety Market. With plenty of vendors to check out, it’s a one-stop-shop for vintage, antique and handmade goods.
During the summer, you’ll find this market under the big white tent on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Variety is always flooded with shoppers and rightfully so … There is just so much STUFF. If you have the will to endure the crowd, the loud music, and the overwhelming inventory of vintage products, I promise it’ll be worth the visit.
Address: 125 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
Sonic Boom
While I love the convenience of bluetooth, aux cords, music streaming services, and the like, nothing quite hits the spot like physical formats of music. I was introduced to cassettes, CDs, and vinyl very early courtesy of my parents, and I was won over.
At a very young age, I fell in love with the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley, Queen, Michael Bolton, and many others – which is why I have a soft spot for stores dedicated to keeping CDs, cassettes, and vinyl alive. I feel very lucky that a good chunk of my childhood was spent collecting CDs and listening to the radio, the good old way.
If you find yourself on Spadina Avenue, there’s a high chance you’ll run into Sonic Boom. I discovered it many years ago on a first date, and it quickly became one of my favourite places. The range of artists and music genres is incredible. You’ll find newer artists like Sombr, Olivia Dean, and Sabrina Carpenter, to older artists like Bruce Springsteen, Steely Dan, and Marvin Gaye.
Wandering through the aisles makes me feel like I’m in a movie set in the 90s or early 2000s every single time. Before you know it, you’ve discovered (and rediscovered) countless artists and albums. You can easily spend an hour or more here,
Address: 215 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
No spot. Vintage
With a similar vibe to Vintage Depot, and also in Kensington, No spot. Vintage brings a cool charm to the neighbourhood. It has everything from sunglasses, baseball caps, windbreakers and utility jackets, unique rings, Levi’s jeans, and more!
Whether you decide to start at Vintage Depot or No spot. Vintage is completely up to you, but I recommend checking out both if you’re in Kensington Market!
Address: 56B Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1
Signing off!
Xoxo,
Kundisai Linda
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