Travel

Top Ontario Towns For Antique Shopping

PICTON ONTARIO

Photo: mesobeme on Instagram

If you’re an antique shopping aficionado who is looking to escape on a small town getaway this winter, there are a number of rustic Ontario locales which just may be the perfect escape. Whether you have your sights set on Stratford or Picton, here are a few top weekend destinations for a retreat from the city limits and a chance to stock up on rare, vintage collectibles.

Woodstock: Set by the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor, the town of Woodstock boasts the three-level One of a Kind Antique Mall with 500 booths. This shopping centre claims to be Canada’s largest market of antiques and collectibles. Inside, guests will find everything from retro dishware and ceramics to antique wooden cabinets and vintage hockey skates.

Stratford: Located on the Avon River in southwestern Ontario, the small town of Stratford is probably best known for being home sweet home to the Stratford Festival. However, the hometown of Canadian singer Justin Bieber is also a hotspot for antiquing. Visitors can stop by the Stratford Antique Warehouse, which is said to offer over 120 vendors. From Victorian pendants to art deco clocks, a variety of jewellery, home accents, furnishings and books are up for sale. Meanwhile, the local Gregory Connor Antiques store has been in business for 25 years, and carries relics dating back to the 17th century.

Picton: This Prince Edward County town in Southeastern Ontario has long since been regarded as a destination for antique shopping. The Prince Edward County Antique Show and Sale, which is held in the spring and in the fall, features three days of antique finds. During the rest of the year, curious antiquers can drop by local dealers like Carlton’s Treasures, or venture to the cheekily named Dead People’s Stuff antique shop in nearby Bloomfield. At Dead People’s Stuff, look out for a range of quaint vintage hats, porch chairs and kitchen items.

Port Hope: If you travel 109 kilometres east on Toronto, this Southern Ontario town offers several antique shopping destinations. Smith’s Creek Antiques, a local two-floor store in the Heritage District of Port Hope, carries 19th century furniture, artwork, pottery and musical instruments. While you’re on Walton Street in the town’s downtown core, drop by Christopher Stuart Antiques and Hinchcliff & Lee Oriental Antiques for a closer look at vintage wares.