Yash Thapa

If you love the thrill of the hunt, there’s no better place in Ottawa to spend a full day treasure hunting than The Glebe. This charming, walkable neighbourhood is packed with eclectic thrift shops, secondhand boutiques and vintage stores that each bring something different to the table, from curated designer gems to funky retro finds. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just looking to refresh your wardrobe sustainably, here’s your Ultimate Thrifting Itinerary in The Glebe with a timeline to help you make the most of your day.

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10:00 AM – Coffee at Ten Toes Coffee House

📍 593 Bank Street

Before you dive into your thrift haul of the day, grab a latte or matcha at Ten Toes Coffee House. This charming café is a favourite among locals for its bright space, cozy design and strong brews. It’s the perfect starting point to sip, settle in, and plan your strategy for the day.

☕ Try their seasonal drinks and grab a pastry if you’re feeling snacky—thrifting on an empty stomach is a rookie move. Feeling extra peckish? If you’re thrifting on the weekend, you can get their delicious brunch (available from 10am – 3pm)

 

 

 

 

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11:00 AM – Goody Mart

📍 593 Bank Street

Your first stop is Goody Mart, a streetwear lover’s dream. It’s modern, curated and full of nostalgia—from retro cartoon tees and ‘90s sportswear to sneakers, bucket hats and rare finds. It’s more like a cultural moment than a thrift shop, and every corner feels like an Instagram backdrop. They specialize in the early 90s to Y2K aesthetics and you can expect to find many things, not just clothes. The store is filled with eclectic pieces that are hard to find anywhere else.

🛍️ Don’t miss their accessories section or the pop-culture knickknacks—they make great conversation pieces.

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12:00 PM – Bad Dog Co. 

📍 617 Bank Street

Next, stroll up to Bad Dog Co., a shop with serious attitude. Here, it’s all about print tees, vintage denim and bold prints. They focus primarily on culturally relevant items from the 1970’s to now, with a passion for 90’s street style. They have a good mix of Feminine and Masculine clothing pieces, with the largest selection of masculine items on this list.

🎸 This is a great place to score a killer leather jacket, vintage jeans, or a band tee that looks like you’ve had it since high school.

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1:00 PM – Hokum

📍 809 Bank Street

Make your way to Hokum, a playful and quirky blend of antiques and quirky curiosities. The shop is full of personality, offering everything from statement outerwear to oddball collectibles and home goods. They are a partial thrift store, with mainly home goods/paintings that are vintage items and the rest of the store being new. It’s the perfect place for those who love the unexpected.

🧡 Tip: Take your time here. There’s always something hiding in plain sight.

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2:00 PM – Lunch Break

Time to pause and recharge. Grab a laid-back but satisfying lunch at Von’s Bistro for modern comfort food or stop into Feleena’s for classic Mexican flavours in a colourful setting. If you’re looking for a quick bite, Drip House serves food and drinks, that hit the spot.

🌮 Don’t forget to hydrate—thrift stamina is real.

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3:15 PM – The Jungle

📍 850 Bank Street

Welcome to The Jungle, where streetwear, vintage and local design collide. This bright, plant-filled shop is a haven for trendsetters and secondhand fans alike. You’ll find graphic pieces, throwback accessories and handpicked gems from both the past and present. Specializing in streetwear, you can expect to find Y2K classics, vintage handbags in excellent condition, vinyl records of all genres, snapbacks of all your favourite teams and jerseys galore!

🌿 The vibe is fresh and energetic—great for finding something bold and different

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4:30 PM – Walk-In Thrift

📍 889 Bank Street

Round out your day at Walk-In Thrift, a calming little thrift and spiritual boutique hybrid. You will find affordable clothing and gently-used pieces, but what sets it apart is its focus on healing and wellness. The shop also carries a selection of crystals, spiritual tools, and handmade goods.

🔮 Browse the gem selection or pick up a new cozy sweater—it’s the perfect wind-down before dinner.

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5:00 PM – Celebrate Your Haul

After a full day of thrifting, it’s time to kick back. Grab a beer at Irene’s Pub or settle in for dinner at The Rowan. Go through your finds, plan your next outfit and bask in the glow of a successful, sustainable shopping spree.

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🛍️ Thrifting Tips for The Glebe:

• Create a mood board ahead of time…Making a mood board helps you manifest what you want to find and makes it easier to identify things that work within your desired aesthetic.

• Bring a reusable bag or two… you’re going to need it!

• Wear comfy shoes

• Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily change out of.

• Wear things you normally gravitate to/love to wear, this will help you figure out if the items you find would work with your style and fit into your daily wardrobe.

• Carry some cash, just in case.

• Keep an open mind, the best treasures are often unexpected.

💡Bonus Tip:
If you really want to level up your thrift day, plan your outing on a 613 Flea Saturday at Lansdowne Park. Start your morning at the market, browsing rows of vintage vendors, artisan goods and hidden gems. Once you’ve filled your first bag (and maybe grabbed a snack), head north up Bank Street and follow this itinerary in reverse—starting with Walk-In Thrift, then making your way up to Goody Mart to finish strong. It’s a full-day thrifting circuit with even more to discover.

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The Glebe offers the kind of thrift adventure that’s equal parts stylish, sustainable, and fun. With a little time, some patience, and this itinerary in hand, you’re guaranteed to leave with a few new favourites—and maybe a little good thrift karma too.

Happy thrifting!