Vintage Treasure Hunt Kensington Market Toronto
Discover unique fashion and eclectic finds in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, a haven for vintage lovers and treasure hunters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local vendors often present
Vintage Treasure Hunt Kensington Market Toronto
Best Time
Local vendors often present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover unique fashion and eclectic finds in Toronto's vibrant Kensington Market, a haven for vintage lovers and treasure hunters.
"It's a lot of fun, and we don't have many vintage stores where we are from so it was a lot of fun."
Check for Original Tags
Beware of items sold as vintage that still have current retail tags. Verify prices to avoid overpaying. :moneybag:
Explore Beyond the Main Street
Wander through the side streets for hidden gems and smaller, independent vintage boutiques. :mag_right:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Curated Vintage Apparel
Various shops throughout Kensington Market
Discover unique secondhand clothing, shoes, and hats for all styles. Expect a curated selection, often with higher price points for rare finds.
Local Vendor Pop-Ups
Outside Vintage Depot and other market locations
Explore stalls featuring local artists, designers, and creatives, especially on weekends. Find handmade jewelry, art, and more.
Retro Market Finds
Kensington Market
Experience a unique shopping event with local Toronto creatives, from tarot readings to vintage fashion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Kensington's Vintage Scene
Timing Your Thrifting Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Original Tags
Beware of items sold as vintage that still have current retail tags. Verify prices to avoid overpaying. :moneybag:
Explore Beyond the Main Street
Wander through the side streets for hidden gems and smaller, independent vintage boutiques. :mag_right:
Weekend Vendor Buzz
Weekends bring pop-up vendors, adding to the market's vibrant atmosphere and offering unique finds.
Inspect for Flaws
Carefully check items for stains or damage. Some vendors may offer discounts if flaws are found. :thread:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Original Tags
Beware of items sold as vintage that still have current retail tags. Verify prices to avoid overpaying. :moneybag:
Explore Beyond the Main Street
Wander through the side streets for hidden gems and smaller, independent vintage boutiques. :mag_right:
Weekend Vendor Buzz
Weekends bring pop-up vendors, adding to the market's vibrant atmosphere and offering unique finds.
Inspect for Flaws
Carefully check items for stains or damage. Some vendors may offer discounts if flaws are found. :thread:
Embrace the Eclectic Vibe
Kensington Market is known for its unique, bohemian atmosphere. Enjoy the street art and diverse shops. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often enjoy the unique, curated selection of vintage clothing and the vibrant atmosphere of Kensington Market. However, some find prices to be high, with concerns about authenticity and markups on non-vintage items. The market's eclectic charm and the presence of local vendors are frequently praised.
"I really enjoyed visiting Kensington Market for the first time. My daughter’s interest in vintage brought us here and opened up a whole new shopping experience for us. This shop and all the others we went into had great finds. We don’t have many vintage stores where we are from so it was a lot of fun. One thing that discouraged me from buying “vintage” was finding items that are current but are sold as vintage. I realize that many stores will stock new and old items. That’s fine and understandable. It’s disheartening to see items that can easily be found new elsewhere being up-charged. Sadly it happened here with a t-shirt my daughter liked. It had a price tag from Hot Topic for $20 hanging from the neck tag in the back and a store price tag for $38 hanging from the front. Oopsie. I brought it to the counter to confirm and was told that the selling price was indeed the $38 one. I’m sure many stores do this but when you have proof you’re being scammed it prevents future visits."
Maria
"Hello Vintage Depot. We just spoke on the phone and with no email address or cell phone number to receive photos you requested I send them to Google reviews so here they are.... I hope you have this jacket in stock. Thank you."
Eden Wong
"The overcoat and jacket I’ve bought from here get many compliments. There’s decent outerwear, although recently the basement has been infested with Carhartt jackets. It’s a good place to look at clothes (some rare menswear from the 60s and 50s), but not so much to buy as the prices are revoltingly high. They get away with it since it’s “curated vintage,” but at the end of the day I don’t care what retail prices would be. Used clothing has no business being this expensive, especially when most of it isn’t even that old (80s-2000s).
If you’re looking for a statement piece and you’re willing to splurge on it, I’d recommend this place. Otherwise, it’s not worth it."
Sir Fretsalot of Camelot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kensington Market is easily accessible by public transit in Toronto. Take the streetcar (e.g., the 506 Carlton or 510 Spadina) and get off near the market. Parking can be challenging, so public transport is often recommended.
Yes, Kensington Market is a very walkable neighborhood. The main streets and surrounding alleys are best explored on foot to discover all the vintage shops and unique stores. :walking:
The best way is to wander! Many shops are clustered together, but don't be afraid to explore side streets. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :athletic_shoe:
Limited street parking is available, but it can be difficult to find, especially on weekends. There are also paid parking lots nearby, but they can be expensive. Consider public transit or ride-sharing services. :car:
Yes, biking is a great option. There are bike racks available throughout the market, allowing you to easily secure your bike while you shop. :bicycle:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kensington Market is a public neighborhood and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the streets and shops. :free_entrance:
Opening hours vary by shop, but most vintage stores are typically open from late morning to early evening. Weekends often have longer hours, and some vendors may be present on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It's best to check individual shop hours online.
While the market itself is free to enter, some special events or pop-ups hosted within the market might have their own admission fees or require purchases.
Yes, browsing is always free! You only pay for items you decide to purchase. Enjoy exploring the diverse collections. :eyes:
Local vendors often set up outside shops like Vintage Depot on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, especially during the summer months.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Finds
You can find a wide array of vintage items, including secondhand apparel, shoes, hats, accessories, and unique home goods. Many shops focus on curated selections from different eras.
Prices can vary significantly. 'Curated vintage' shops often have higher prices for unique or designer pieces. However, you can still find good deals if you search diligently.
Curated vintage refers to shops that hand-select items based on style, quality, and rarity, often leading to higher price points than typical thrift stores.
While some smaller vendors might be open to negotiation, especially if you're buying multiple items or find a minor flaw, it's not always guaranteed. It's best to be polite and inquire.
Vintage Depot is frequently mentioned for its selection. Many other independent shops throughout the market offer diverse vintage finds. Exploring is part of the fun!
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use, but it's always polite to ask the shop owner or staff before taking extensive photos, especially if it might disrupt other shoppers. :camerawithflash:
The entire market is a visual feast! Look for vibrant street art, unique storefronts, and the eclectic mix of people. The colorful buildings and murals are particularly photogenic.
Yes, taking photos of items you're considering buying is usually fine. It can help you remember details or compare items later. :iphone:
For commercial photography or professional shoots, you'll likely need to seek permission from the market authorities or individual shop owners. :movie_camera:
Street photography, fashion photography featuring vintage finds, and capturing the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekend when local vendor pop-ups add an extra layer of interest.
These stalls often feature handmade crafts and unique items that can capture a child's imagination. While the primary draw is vintage apparel, the overall atmosphere of the market, with its diverse food options and quirky shops, makes for an interesting outing for the whole family. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the market involves a good amount of walking.💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the main vintage stores, keep an eye out for local vendor pop-ups on weekends, as these can sometimes offer more accessible price points for unique handmade items.
Exploring the market's diverse food stalls can also be a budget-friendly way to experience the local flavors. Prioritize walking or using public transit to get to the market to save on transportation costs.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Vintage Shopping in Kensington
Beyond specific stores, the market itself is a visual delight. Local vendors often set up stalls on weekends, particularly outside Vintage Depot, offering handmade goods, jewelry, and art.
This adds another layer to the treasure hunt, providing opportunities to support local creatives. The overall vibe is bohemian and artistic, making the shopping experience as much about the atmosphere as the finds. When exploring, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to wander. The charm of Kensington Market lies in its discoverability. Don't be afraid to peek into smaller boutiques and alleyways, as you never know what hidden gems you might uncover. The market is a testament to Toronto's diverse culture and its thriving independent retail scene.
Navigating Prices and Authenticity
This leads to the advice of being a savvy shopper. Always inspect items for original price tags or signs of recent manufacturing. While 'curated vintage' implies a higher standard, it's important to distinguish between genuinely old pieces and items that are simply second-hand.
Despite these concerns, many still find value in the market. The quality of outerwear and the availability of rare menswear from the 50s and 60s are often praised.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit