What’s old is new, and what’s vintage is chic. If you’ve been paying attention to the latest home décor trends, then you’ll know that antiques are in. But let’s be honest—antiques have never been out in the first place. The idea of finding something unique, something that was loved in a past life and might be loved again, has always been wonderfully de rigueur in some form or another. And now, with environmental stewardship and sustainability at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s one of the most fun ways you can do your part for the earth. While you’re at it, you’re going to do something good for your soul, too, since antiquing is the ultimate way to indulge in a little bit of retail therapy. After all, self-care is pretty de rigueur these days, too.
Reconnect with supporting local this spring, as you get out and enjoy the milder weather and the long-awaited sunshine. Get lost in our charming small towns, and reconnect with yourself as you discover fresh joy in your retro, vintage and antique finds. Durham Region has some of the best antiquing destinations in all of Ontario, so you can spend the day exploring a trove of endless and timeless treasures. To get you started, here are some of our favourite vintage vendors throughout Durham.
Brock Township
There and Back Antiques and Vintage Finds
14 Cameron St. E., Cannington
This quaint shop in Cannington is a little bit vintage, a little bit antique, and a whole lot of cool stuff. There is no shortage of unique items to stoke your creativity. Whether you’re into authentically antique glass bottles and pottery, retro dye-cast collectible cars, nostalgically vintage children’s toys, or cameras that have snapped the photos of people from long ago, you are sure to find something incredibly cool that not only tells a story from the past, but that will tell a piece of your story as you make it your own.
1420 Thorah Concession Rd. 4, Beaverton
This family-owned-and-operated business prides itself on its unique selection of home and cottage décor, and vintage and antique items. Here, you will find a variety of locally made products and other tastefully selected items for you to choose from. But what makes this antique and décor shop extra special is that it is located in the former Beaverton Metal Works building, which has been completely transformed to take you back in time the moment you step through the doors. It’s the ultimate vintage experience.
4 Blackwater Rd., Sunderland
This popular antiquing destination in the quiet community of Sunderland is located in a 130-year-old former general store. Come get lost in history as you look for that unique piece or that fabulous find which tells a story only you can hear. One-of-a-kind pieces wait patiently for you to love them once again.
Uxbridge
9269 Concession Rd. 3, Sandford
Visit a breathtaking 50-acre farm surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque grounds as you indulge your craving for antique furnishings and accessories. You will also find proprietary art and models, and an interesting array of hand-selected giftware from local artisans. Delight in the perfect accessory to accompany your antique furniture piece, and come away with a day full of antiquing memories.
Scugog
1894 Scugog St., Port Perry
Get lost in a collection of groovy, funky, vintage, retro and downright cool pieces from the past. This 5,500 square-foot storefront is made possible by over 30 vendors who all have a passion to acquire and collect. Each one offers something different, so you can spend time—hours, even—visiting each one and perusing their awesome antiques.
119 Perry St. Unit 5, Port Perry
A household name and a great place to visit, Caviar and Cobwebs has been a staple for antiquers in Port Perry for almost 30 years. Take in the essence of history as you browse a large collection of antiques, collectibles and vintage jewellery. Give a treasure from the past a new home. There are great finds to be found, and great stories to be carried forward with each unique piece.
15751 Island Road., Scugog
Welcome to Port Perry’s largest antique store. One of a kind, collectible and antique pieces await your discovery. Stroll through this gorgeous barn in search of your new favourite treasure or family heirloom. Spend the day cruising down memory lane. You will find everything from cookies at the gluten free store to the porcelain kitchen sink. There is something for every antique lover.
Clarington
1621 Pebblestone Rd., Courtice
Friendly owners and a wonderful selection of vintage items. What more could you ask for from a day of antiquing? Discover why this spot is a favourite place for antique lovers to return again and again. Get your fill of wooden window frames, vintage soda signs, repurposed tractor seat stools the fragrance of old books and so much more.
6 Park St., Orono
This multi-collector antique market, located in a large, repurposed church, has three floors and over 7,000 square feet of vintage and antique finds, as well as coveted collectibles. Furniture, lamps, dishware, toys—whatever your antique fancy, you are bound to find it here… as well as many other treasures that you can give a new home to.
5337 Main St., Orono
Browse relics of the past from some 30 booths and showcases of vintage and antique finds. Each item has its own unique story, set in the picturesque, small town of Orono. A welcoming, friendly atmosphere where you can lose yourself for an hour or two, and come away with that one-of-a-kind item for your home.
1546 Taunton Rd., Hampton
An 18,000 square-foot red barn that is iconic to the landscape of the hamlet of Hampton holds vintage and antique treasures galore. Give a unique piece a new home and new life. Furniture, dishware, records, oil cans and more. Come and see what you can find.
Whitby
111 Euclid St., Whitby
Doug and Susann Anderson operate this labour of love out of their historic home, built in the 1830s. Vintage, antique and collectibles have been amassed over the course of 40 years—so you know you’re going to find something good. Come shop in person, or check out their stock online for just a small sample of all the wonderful things they have.
2001 Thickson Rd. S., Whitby
If your antiquing delights bend towards restyled, repurposed and reclaimed furniture, then this is the shop for you. Over 4,000 pieces have been given new life since 2013, and there is no end in sight. See what a once-loved piece of furniture can be again, with a little flair, a little love, and a little furniture paint. There is a piece waiting to be brought to your home right now—you just need to look for it.
114 Dundas St. W., Whitby
Be transported by this gorgeous shop hung with glittering chandeliers, and filled to the brim with repainted treasures. These aren’t your typical upcycled pieces, these are works of art in their own right. Come get inspired, and leave with your very one reimagined furnishing… and maybe a vintage or antique accessory or two to showcase it.
Ajax
19 Notion Rd., Ajax
Retro. Antique. Unique. This young, aspiring store features treasures of the past from many different vendors and collectors. Browse this large, maze-like warehouse for relics that speak to you, and see what new stories you can come away with. Here, vintage isn’t just a description, it’s a way of life. Have a new antique experience, support local, and help make Vintage Vendors an antiquing favourite for years to come.
