Thrifting in Quebec City: 6 Shops to Discover
Quebec City is an interesting place, the old walled city, the French language, – it has real character. And for a thrifter, that character extends into the secondhand shopping. I set out to explore what thrifting in Quebec City had to offer, and managed to visit 6 shops. Most of the shops are spread out across different parts of the city, so my visits were woven around other things I was doing rather than a tidy crawl in one neighbourhood.
I’ve popped the shops on a map so you can plan your route before you arrive.
Thrift Shops in Quebec City
Here’s the list of Quebec City thrift shops I visited:
Shops
- Renaissance Fripe Plaza
- The Counter – Louise and Frédéric
- Entre Nous Écochange
- Village des Valeurs – 2555 Boulevard Montmorency
- Village des Valeurs – 3355 Rue de la Pérade
- Salvation Army
I love how there are bags of bits and pieces like the sewing notions and I did come across a couple of odd finds including the cigarette machine. Was surprised that no one bought the vintage handkerchief box so it came back to New Zealand with me.
Best For…
- Vintage Finds and Homewares: The Counter – Louise and Frédéric. This was my favourite stop. This is where I picked up a beautiful vintage hanky box – the kind of small, characterful object you don’t know you need until you spot it. If you love vintage homewares and curiosities, this is the one not to miss.
- Clothing: Entre Nous Ecochange This shop leaned heavily toward women’s clothing and had a reasonably curated feel. Built around the idea of sustainable secondhand exchange, which fits the whole ethos of thrifting nicely. Worth a browse if you’re in the area.
- Furniture: Salvation Army and Village des Valeurs Both the Salvation Army and the two Village des Valeurs locations are your best bets for furniture. Expect big floor space and lots of stock across clothing, housewares, and furniture. The furniture sections can be hit or miss depending on the week, but when the stock is good the prices are hard to argue with.
- General Thrifting: Renaissance Fripe Plaza Renaissance is a not-for-profit Quebec thrift chain that funds employment programs, so your shopping does a bit of good beyond the find itself. Solid range of clothing, housewares, and books. A reliable stop and worth giving yourself proper time to browse.
Where to Fuel Up
Quebec City has no shortage of great cafes, particularly in the Old Town area. If you’re planning a thrift day across different parts of the city, factor in a stop for a coffee and a crêpe to keep your energy up between shops.
After visiting Renaissance Fripe Plaza I took a drive around the area and came across Cafe’ du quartier unassuming from the outside but my kind of vibe inside. Very retro decor, mismatched tables and chairs, macramé hanging pot plants and they even display local artists work. Fortunately for me someone spoke english and I was able to order a lovely toasted sandwich, served on a vintage plate. Highly recommended if you love all things retro.
Tips for Thrifting in Quebec City
- Plan for the Spread Unlike some cities where the secondhand shops cluster in one neighbourhood, Quebec City’s thrift stores are spread around. There were a number near Old Quebec City however some walking is required. I do prefer shops that have a variety so tend to look for stores that have homewares etc
- Visit Both Village des Valeurs Locations The two stores are in different parts of the city, and stock varies. If furniture is on your list, it’s worth checking both rather than assuming one will be enough.
- Go Mid-Week if You Can Like most thrift stores, stock tends to be freshest after the weekend donation rush is processed. Busy Saturdays mean the good stuff moves fast.
- Brush Up on Basic French Price tags and signage are in French. You’ll be fine, but it’s worth knowing your sizes in French and being able to read a tag quickly.
Video Highlights of Thrifting in Quebec City
will include travel
Final Word on Thrifting in Quebec City
Quebec City is well worth adding to your thrifting travel list. My personal highlight was that vintage hanky box – a small, perfect find that I didn’t think I would find in the wild.
If you’re heading to Quebec City and want to work in a thrift day, this list is a solid starting point. And if you’ve already visited some of these shops, or know of ones I missed, drop them in the comments below – I’d love to hear about them. I did explore more in the area, falls, gardens and more which will be coming in the next blog.