Victoria may very well hold the title for the most beautiful city in Canada. Sitting south of the rest of Canada on the 49th parallel, it is certainly the warmest. It’s a sought-after city, fondly nicknamed 'Canada’s Hawaii'. Victoria’s desirability and livability also make it one of Canada’s most expensive cities, especially for newcomers and students.
When setting up a new home, secondhand shopping can help offset Victoria’s high cost of living. It also fits into Victoria’s sustainability-first culture by keeping used items out of local landfills. There are so many usable goods already on the planet, and there’s often no need to use up valuable resources to create more.
The Garden City’s wealthy residents often donate high-quality or even new furniture to local thrift and antique shops. This makes it possible to furnish a stylish home, even on a budget. Keep reading to learn about all the best places to score great second-hand furniture in Victoria.
Buying second-hand furniture comes with plenty of advantages, including:
Find out more about supporting local and why buying Canadian-made furniture is worth it.
Ready to start your hunt? Thrifting is an affordable and rewarding way to furnish your home with one-of-a-kind pieces. New stock arrives daily, so it’s worth popping in often and following your favourite shops on social media.
Read on to discover Victoria’s best thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and online marketplaces for second-hand furniture.
This place is BIG. Having such a large selection means you can find everything you need at low prices, from furniture and decor to household items. Keep in mind that Value Village is a for-profit corporation, unlike other options, which support important social causes.
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Even more affordable than Value Village, the SA stores have good turnover, and you can often find valuable items donated from estates.
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Proceeds from shop sales go towards support programs for women and families. The items here are chosen for style and quality, and there are curated boutique sections.
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This is the best place for larger furniture and renovation materials, including paint. Homeowners and contractors donate new and gently used items, and proceeds from the ReStore go towards affordable housing developments for families.
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If you want style and quality while keeping it unique, vintage is the way to go. The price tags on furniture pieces are higher than on thrift store items, but sometimes it's worth it to have things curated.
The artsy neighbourhood of Fernwood hosts this boutique-style vintage store, where you can find unique, mid-century pieces.
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Oak Bay is a wealthy neighbourhood, and here you can find upscale, timeless furniture from luxury homes at a fraction of the cost.
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For bargain hunters and antiques enthusiasts alike, Charmaine’s offers both antiques and contemporary second-hand pieces.
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The convenience of second-hand shopping online is unmatched. Sometimes, people even list stuff for free. Just make sure to always meet in a safe, public location and bring a friend or vehicle if needed. Many sellers offer contactless, front-porch pickup and have you leave cash in the mailbox.
If you’re new to Victoria or setting up your first place, these tips will help you thrift smarter and make the most of your budget:
Found the perfect piece, but need professional help getting it home? Many shops will let you pay for an item and hold it until you can arrange transportation. For newcomers, students, and seniors, moving larger furniture can be tricky. Not everyone owns a vehicle, and some pieces need a truck or van. Plus, lifting heavy items yourself puts you at risk of injury.
Luckily, Wise Move (literally) has your back. As your go-to furniture moving service provider, use the booking platform to book the best furniture removal team for the job. Play it safe, protect yourself from injury, and keep your new furniture in perfect shape.
