The Best Thrift and Vintage Shops in Vancouver

Most people coming to Vancouver know the classic things to do, from biking the Stanley Park seawall to visiting the iconic steam clock. But Vancouver's shopping scene remains somewhat of a hidden gem, especially when it comes to top-tier vintage and thrift stores.

From vintage boutiques to curated consignment shops, we’ve put together a guide to the best thrift and vintage shops in Vancouver's most iconic second-hand shopping neighbourhoods.

Thrift Shopping in Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive is one of the most vibrant, funky areas in town. An eclectic mix of artist hubs, unique boutiques, and culinary delights from different cultures has resulted in a bustling neighbourhood with real spirit.

This convergence of cultures has helped shape one of the city’s most iconic thrifting scenes.

The Only Vintage

Check out The Only Vintage, a project from Odyssey International, Vancouver’s top used clothing recycler. Here, they sift through thousands of pounds of used clothing every week. The result? A curated, sustainable, size-inclusive collection specializing in rare and vintage fashions.

Mintage

Founded in 2003, Mintage operates three different vintage stores across the city. The Commercial Drive location is their original shop, and it carries vintage items from the 1920s to the early 2000s, alongside upcycled and repurposed clothing, artisanal leather goods and locally-designed jewelry.

Rewind Resale

Another Commercial Drive consignment classic is Rewind Resale. This proudly queer-owned resale and consignment store has been operating since 2009, and now has three stores across the lower mainland. Their mission prioritizes reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the climate by keeping clothing out of landfills.

Thrift Shopping in Mount Pleasant 

The Mount Pleasant neighbourhood has long been known for excellent dining, beautiful parks, and independent shops. Among these shops are excellent spots for secondhand finds.

The Mintage Mall

A thrift shop day in Mount Pleasant must include a stop at The Mintage Mall, Vancouver’s first vintage collective. Organized like a delightful thrift-shopping maze, this sprawling space specializes in colourful vintage clothing from different eras, plus custom T-shirt printing, art, taxidermy, jewelry, and punk screen-printing projects.

Woo Vintage

Hit up Woo Vintage to check out an incredible selection of curated items from the 1890s to the 1990s. They make sure to restore, repair and clean garments before stocking them so quality is never compromised.

F as in Frank

Finally, visit F as in Frank Vintage Clothing. This spot is a must-visit destination for anyone feeling nostalgic for 80s and 90s fashion. They stock everything from iconic brand-name items to cool vintage hats and sunglasses.

Thrift Shopping Downtown

Downtown Vancouver might have a reputation for upscale luxury shopping, but its second-hand options are equally as show-stopping. With thrift stores in virtually every sector of downtown from Gastown to Strathcona, you can spend hours thrifting and never run out of places to visit.

Community Thrift & Vintage

Check out Community Thrift & Vintage, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports at-risk people through its supportive work training program. With two locations a block apart in Gastown, the selection is vast, and you can find incredible deals on secondhand items. All profits are donated to the PHS Community Services Society, adding another reason to shop sustainably.

Wildlife Thrift Store

Wildlife Thrift Store is located at the corner of Granville and Drake Street in a building that was built in 1917. This massive thrift shop donates a portion of its proceeds to people in the neighbourhood experiencing mental health and poverty issues.

Forastera Vintage

Another great thrifting spot is Forastera Vintage, located in the Strathcona neighbourhood downtown. With a diverse selection of vintage clothing, accessories and art, this shop’s artsy vibes seem like they’re right out of an indie movie, all while they work toward reducing textile waste. Immersed in the community, they also host events like the “Collective Words” poetry night.

Chinatown Vintage Community Thrift Shop

Chinatown's reputation for budget-friendly bites has expanded to include bargains in the shopping department. One excellent spot for secondhand finds is Chinatown Vintage Community Thrift Shop on East Pender Street. Browse racks of luxury designer labels and contemporary styles, knowing your purchase also supports the revitalization of the Chinatown neighbourhood through the shop’s work as a social enterprise of the Chinatown Foundation.

Space Lab

Also in Chinatown, antique lovers will find Space Lab, a vintage and antique store full of fascinating curiosities like typewriters, turntables and taxidermy. Hit up this spot for cool treasures and trinkets you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

When you’re done, stop off for coffee and a snack at Social Crust Cafe & Catering, a social enterprise operated through Coast Mental Health. This cozy café supports young adults with barriers to employment.

Thrift Shopping in Kitsilano

Locals call the Kitsilano neighbourhood “Kits,” and they love it for its beachy, laid-back vibes. Iced coffee from a local Kits café and then some thrift shopping? Sounds like a perfect day.

Rummage Community Thrift

Start out at Rummage Community Thrift on Burrard and 4th Ave, where they prioritize keeping clothes and other items out of the landfills while supporting the local neighbourhood. The retro décor here is truly funky, with unexpected treasures around every corner.

Wayback Vintage & Thrift Store

Visit The Wayback Vintage & Thrift Store on Broadway.folr stylish finds like furs, retro high heels and statement hats. This local vintage staple embodies the true spirit of thrifting.

SPCA Thrift Store

Last up on our thrift shopping list is the BC SPCA Vancouver (West) Thrift Store, located on the corner of Broadway and Dunbar. Find your next stylish outfit here while knowing that a percentage of proceeds goes towards helping animals in need.

After you visit some of these one-of-a-kind shops, you’ll understand why Vancouver’s got a reputation for having some of the best vintage clothing stores, consignment stores, and antique stores around. While you’re out exploring the city’s second-hand shops, stop by a few zero-waste stores to make your shopping trip even more sustainable.