Everyone loves a good bargain, especially for a highly treasured antique item. Whether you are a maximalist or a minimalist, a highly prized antique adds a touch of elegance to any home. After all, antiques are synonymous with history; unlike mass-produced items, they carry meaning and often have intricate designs that are hard to replicate.
Antiques are also valued for their exclusivity and rarity, because they have survived for ages they carry sentimental value. If you are a collector or simply love the value antiques bring to a home, we rounded up some of the best places to shop for them in Ontario. Ready to embark on your adventure? Read on, buckle up, and save some space in your trunk.
Aberfoyle Antique Market
The Aberfoyle antique market is only a 20-minute drive from the town of Guelph. Having been in the antique business for over 60 years, the market is open every Sunday from early Spring to Fall. It is considered one of Canada’s largest outdoor antique markets, with over 100 dealers selling everything you could imagine, from tiny trinkets to massive statement pieces and other vintage items. Among the several vintage items you can spot, and buy are mid-century dressers and decorative art pieces with incredible detailing, featuring luxury materials like marble and interesting woodwork.
Marion Antiques
Located in Brighton, Canada, Marion Antiques is your one-stop shop for all types of vintage antiques. Only 15 minutes away from Prince Edward County, people flock here in droves to choose from a variety of collectibles that include china, crystals, paintings, jewelry, and seasonal garden pieces. The market is well-staffed, and their knowledgeable employees contribute to an enjoyable shopping experience by always being ready on hand to provide service and assistance, answering all your questions, and giving you a sneak peek into their extensive inventory.
Southworks Antiques
One of the most interesting things about Southworks antiques is their variety. Here you are apt to find dozens of dealers spread across the vast 35,000 square feet of space. The market itself is located in an old textile factory and includes several booths for every interest. From jewelry and glassware to clothing and vintage signs, everything is available. Southwork Antiques has a robust reputation in the industry and has contributed props to various movie sets and television series. Since 1993, Southworks Antiques has fed customers’ passion for art, history, and design. Some of the pieces sold have graced prestigious hotels as far away as Korea, thanks to the influx of customers who come from all over the world.
The 400 Market
If you are visiting from another province, you’ll need to set aside a few hours to visit this sprawling market in Ontario. Spanning more than 105,000 square feet, it includes over 500 vendors under one roof. The market welcomes thousands of visitors every weekend. Its real ambience and mission evolved over the years. For some people, it is a place to bring visitors from out of town to explore new finds and see what’s new, while for others, it is a place for ardent collectors to get their next all-time favourite piece. With a cornucopia of choices, you are bound to find a much sought-after antique. If you are not a dedicated collector, it is also the ideal place to buy a diamond ring or a plasma TV.
Gallery Elder
Located on Richmond Road in Ottawa, Ontario, Gallery Elder is a boutique antique shop that books appointments and accepts walk-ins. It houses a unique collection of antiques, paintings, sculptures, and objects. The art gallery specializes in 17th-19th-century works, including furniture, paintings, and other objects from Europe, Asia, and North America. Among the treasure trove of items, you are most likely to find are European furniture from the 1800s, medieval stone heads, and 18th-century paintings, ceramics, and textiles.
Antique treasure hunting is a unique experience. By shopping for a vintage piece at one of these locations, you support small, local, and independently owned businesses and help keep the culture of vintage antiques alive!