While Toronto is renowned for its antique malls along Highway 401 and its active Ontario flea market scene in the summer, featuring iconic venues like the Prudhommes Antique Flea Market and the Aberfoyle Antique Market, Montreal and Quebec City are all about high-end antiques.
Quebec has long been a legendary source of the best antiques in Canada. This province played a crucial role in French history and now occupies much of the land where French settlers founded the colony of New France in the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s no wonder why Quebec City, Montreal, and Centre-du-Québec have become antiquing hubs in Canada! The area is home to one of the largest networks of antique dealers and collectors in the country, as well as talented antique furniture renovators and designers.
The Best Antique Markets and Flea Markets in Quebec City, Quebec
Even if you can afford them, good antique pieces are becoming harder and harder to find in Canada these days. A good place to start antiquing is Rue Saint-Paul in the Old Port area of Quebec City. Once home to over 15 antique stores, this restored community of 18th-century houses remains one of the province’s most vibrant areas. Since the early 1970s, it has hosted the most famous antiques row in the country, with stores like Antiquités Bolduc and G & M Bourguet Antiquaires Inc, which have been selling collectibles from the 1800s to the 1900s since 1967.
Antique enthusiasts will find jewelry, busts, and trinkets; an assortment of furniture from different periods; folk and religious art; antique cabinets; benches; chairs; buffets; dressers; chests; lamps; and many other authentic items from Quebec, Canada, and Europe.
1. Antique District – Quebec City
In Quebec City’s Antique District, the 400-meter stretch of Rue Saint-Paul (and the connecting Rue Saint-Pierre) holds no less than eight antique stores and vintage shops. This concentration of valuable vintage and antique items makes it a unique shopping destination in Quebec, and collectors should be sure to visit.
The history of the stores on Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Saint-Pierre is fascinating, as reflected in the items for sale. The shop owners are inexhaustible sources of information about the stories behind the pieces they sell. Antique enthusiasts who enjoy unique, characterful items in their homes will find it hard to leave this area near the Old Port of Quebec City empty-handed. Rue Saint-Paul and Rue Saint-Pierre are a treat for shoppers and collectors alike. Stores like Antiquités Bolduc and G & M Bourguet Antiquaires Inc. offer an entertaining journey through bygone days.
Rue Saint-Paul also leads visitors to many of Old Quebec City’s attractions, including the Museum of Civilization, Place Royale, the Petit-Champlain district, and the famous Saint-Roch district. Once one of the oldest working-class suburbs, Saint-Roch has become Quebec City’s trendy downtown district. Although antiques, art, and history have a prominent place in the Old Port, travelers will find some of the best restaurants in Quebec in its arteries, from fine French cuisine to local specialties.
Where: Rue St-Paul & Rue Saint-Pierre, Québec, QC G1K 3V9
When: Opening hours vary between stores
Web: Opening hours vary between stores
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2. Encans Gelineau & Fils – Quebec City
Encans Gelineau & Fils is one of those stores that needs to be seen to be believed. It is large and spacious, filled to the brim with extraordinary antiques and art. In addition to exquisite collectibles available for purchase almost every day of the week, Encans Gelineau & Fils holds weekly auctions to cater to visitors seeking specific collectibles.
It’s easy to lose yourself in wonder at Encans Gelineau & Fils. The owners are clearly passionate about antiques and vintage goods, and their curation of the store is unmatched. Anyone looking for an auction experience or an interest in antiques should definitely head here. You will not be disappointed.
Where: 7900 Bd Laframboise, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2R 1G7, Canada
When: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 17:00, Saturday: 11:00 – 15:00
Web: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/encans-gelineau-fils/
3. Marché aux puces de Sainte-Foy – Quebec City
The Marché aux puces de Sainte-Foy is a large flea market open during the late summer and fall. It takes over a parking lot right next to the Sainte-Foy bus terminal in Quebec City, and vendors tend to return year after year. As a result, many of them know each other and call out to each other. Visitors can feel as though they have stepped into a large family gathering.
As with most flea markets, arriving early to the Marché aux puces de Sainte-Foy will give you first dibs on the merchandise, especially since vendors have been known to start selling as early as 5:00 a.m.! No matter what time of day you go, there is always plenty to see at Marché aux puces de Sainte-Foy, and visitors are sure to leave with their hands full, whether they come early or late.
Where: 930 Ave Roland Beaudin, Quebec City, QC G1V 4H8, Canada
When: May – October: Sundays, 5:00 – 16:00
Web: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/marche-aux-puces-de-sainte-foy/
✈️ Plan Your Trip: Book Your Stay in Quebec City, QC
The Best Antique Markets and Flea Markets in Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has almost as many good areas for antiquing as Quebec City. Some of the best areas are Notre-Dame West, downtown near McGill, and Westmount from Green Avenue to Boulevard Décarie. The antique district is particularly notable for discovering the city of Montreal.
Often described as a human and urban adventure, the district is primarily located on Notre-Dame Street West (between Guy Street and Atwater Avenue) and extends to Atwater Avenue and the Saint-Henri neighborhood.
Some of the most iconic venues in the district include Hôtel des Encans, Grand Central Inc., Rowntree Antiques, and Milord Antiquités. There, you can find some of the finest Quebec furniture and silverware, as well as European country furniture, lamps, and decorative objects, which are hard to find nowadays.
1. Antique District – Montreal
The Antique District in Montreal has a well-established reputation and is a must for anyone interested in learning about the city’s history. It is also a treasure trove for antique hunters and serious collectors. Often described as a unique urban experience, the district is primarily located on Notre-Dame Street West (between Guy Street and Atwater Avenue) and is best explored by spending a day getting lost among its treasures.
Antique dealers in Montreal’s Antique District specialize in merchandise local to the area, though antiques from farther away and even from abroad are also featured. Shops such as L’Allumeur, Baronne de l’insolite, Antiquités L’Ecuyer, Antiquités Rowntree, and Grand Central Inc. offer a wide range of items, including Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, Bauhaus, Arts and Crafts, Rococo, experimental, kitsch, romantic, retro, and industrial styles.
Where: Notre Dame Street West, Montreal
When: Opening hours vary store to store
Web: Opening hours vary store to store
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2. Grand Central Inc. – Montreal
For those interested in decorative arts and high-end home furnishings, Grand Central Inc. is a must-see store when visiting Montreal. Located in the heart of the antique district since the late 1970s, Grand Central stands out with its Victorian building and collection of antique light fixtures, as well as its decorative arts from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
Grand Central Inc.’s expertly curated collection will appeal to anyone searching for a unique item for their home. While the store specializes in antique chandeliers and sconces, it also offers an extensive selection of antique furniture, sculptures, clocks, vintage wall clocks, porcelain, and objets d’art. Grand Central Inc.’s knowledgeable staff is happy to help everyone, ensuring that no visitor interested in antiques leaves empty-handed.
Where: 2448 Notre-Dame West, Montreal, QC H3J 1N5
When: Monday – Friday: 09:30 – 17:30, Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00
Web: https://grandcentralinc.ca/
3. Lachute Flea Market – Montreal
The Lachute Flea Market is one of the most popular and famous flea markets in the Montreal area. Operating since 1955, it has been featured regularly on TV shows, in national newspapers, and on radio programs. It is a bustling, friendly flea market with a little bit of everything for sale to cater to every taste.
The Tuesday market is open twice a week and tends to be the larger and busier of the two. It features a farmers’ market alongside an antiques and flea market. Those with an eye for fine antiques are advised to arrive before dawn to rummage through the treasures and trinkets. The vendors and shoppers are incredibly friendly, and it’s clear that everyone enjoys spending a few relaxed hours exploring the stalls at the Lachute Flea Market.
Where: 25 Rue Principale, Lachute, QC J8H 3X2, Canada
When: Tuesdays 05:00 – 17:00, Sundays: 9:00 – 16:00
Web: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/lachute-flea-market/
4. Marché aux Puces Saint Michel – Montreal
A bit out of the way, the Marché aux Puces Saint Michel is located in an unsuspecting, run-down old warehouse on the Crémazie Highway. It can be a genuine adventure worth the extra effort to get there.
Unlike the organized, carefully arranged window displays of Atwater’s well-known antique district, visitors may find the Marché aux Puces Saint Michel utterly chaotic. With two floors to explore, there is so much to see that it almost feels like walking around a museum rather than a flea market. From vintage furniture and retro toys to snappy dresses, crockery, ancient tools, antique books, and vintage road signs, it is a real treat to get lost in this treasure trove.
The Marché aux Puces Saint Michel is a weekly flea market held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Fridays tend to be quieter, with fewer vendors and customers. For the best items and bargains, plan to visit on Saturday or Sunday. Since the market is covered, it is held rain or shine (or snow). Those hunting for eclectic home accents with an open mind are almost guaranteed to find unique conversation pieces at the Marché aux Puces Saint Michel.
Where: 7707 Avenue Shelley, Montréal, QC H2A 3N9, Canada
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
Web: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/marche-aux-puces-st-michel/
5. Finnegan’s Flea Market – Montreal
Finnegan’s Flea Market is charming and has become part of the local history of Hudson, Quebec. Open once a week from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in October, the market is hugely popular, partly due to its proximity to Montreal. This, combined with its country setting overlooking the Lake of Two Mountains and its six-acre vendor area, gives Finnegan’s Flea Market wide appeal in the province.
Finnegan’s Flea Market offers a vast range of goods, including antiques, collectibles, handmade items, and furniture, all waiting to be discovered. In addition to stalls selling typical flea market merchandise, organic vegetables, and hot dogs, there is a barn full of antiques, both restored and reproduction, which is open year-round by appointment.
Many of the vendors have been selling their wares at Finnegan’s Flea Market for over 25 years, creating a true community vibe at this event. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms and are sure to return week after week!
Where: 775 Main Road, Hudson, Quebec J0P1H0
When: First Saturday in May to the last Saturday in October: Saturdays 09:00 – 16:00
Web: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/finnegans-market/
6. Kitsch À l’Os – Montreal
At first, Kitsch à l’Os may seem a little overwhelming, covering an area of over 2,000 square feet. However, this could not be further from the truth. Often referred to by locals as an Ali Baba-worthy treasure trove, Kitsch à l’Os is incredibly well organized. Goods are arranged into eight themed rooms, each with a different name, making it easy and enjoyable for shoppers to stroll through.
Kitsch à l’Os celebrates the past with antique and vintage items ranging from the early 1900s to the 1990s. The merchandise includes jewelry, vintage appliances, crockery, illustrations, vintage pull-down charts, publications, artisanal soaps and tonics, vintage garments, mixology utensils, and fine porcelain, as well as decorative and industrial objects.
Visitors are often overwhelmed with nostalgia as they wander through the rooms, and many make a list of items they want to take home. Anyone seeking a conversation starter for their home is sure to find one here. Kitsch à l’Os also offers one of the most extensive selections of vintage (and new) Quebec-themed souvenirs, including antique license plates, road signs, and plaids.
Where: 3439 Rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC H1W 1H4, Canada
When: Monday – Friday: 12:00 – 18:00, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00
Web: https://www.kitschalos.com/
7. Marché aux Puces Sainte-Genevieve – Montreal
Sometimes, dodging the rain is part of the fun of visiting a flea market. Other times, you just want to stay dry. Marché aux Puces Sainte-Genevieve is an indoor flea market spread over two floors and open all year. So, anytime you feel like bargain hunting, Marché aux Puces Sainte-Genevieve takes away the weather worries and invites you in.
With such a wide variety of goods at Marché aux Puces Sainte-Genevieve, everyone’s tastes are certainly covered. Flea market enthusiasts will find genuine antiques, vintage items, dinnerware, jewelry, electronics, retro toys, sports memorabilia, and collectibles, among other things. Though the market is open year-round, the vendors regularly mix up their goods, so there is always something new to be found. Antique treasures are scattered throughout, so be sure to hunt thoroughly.
Where: 15674 Boul Gouin O, Sainte-Geneviève, QC H9H 1C4, Canada
When: Sundays: 09:00 – 16:00
Web: http://westislandfleamarket.com/
8. Eco Depot Montréal – Montreal
Eco Depot Montréal is an expert in upcycling, repurposing, and DIY design. The large store is filled with amazing items, many of which have been worked on by the in-house staff. These guys probably don’t know anything about reclamation of secondhand wares that isn’t worth knowing.
Of course, for those not looking for inspiration for a DIY project, there are plenty of items to buy at Eco Depot Montréal. Staff are available to assist with purchases, so feel free to buy whatever you like! Eco Depot Montréal also supports the community by donating a percentage of its annual profits. What more excuse do you need to spend money here?
Where: Suite 108 B, 150 Boulevard Montréal-Toronto, Lachine, QC H8S 1B8, Canada
When: Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 – 21:00
Web: https://ecodepotmontreal.com/en/
✈️ Plan Your Trip: Book Your Stay in Montreal, QC
Bonus: Canada’s flea markets on a map!
Now you can see the best flea markets and antique fairs in Canada, on a map! We’ve included all the above flea markets in Quebec, and added some of Canada’s most acclaimed antique fairs (Ontario and British Columbia). Click on the image below to access our map feature for free.
