Flea markets are entertaining and often lucrative, but they may be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Flea markets can be daunting to navigate, especially for an inexperienced shopper.
The art of discerning fine art and haggling might be difficult at first, but if you get the hang of it and choose the best place to go, you’re all set!
Lucky for you, we’ve picked out some of the best flea markets that you can visit and hunt in throughout Calgary. So sit back and enjoy our top picks!
Table of Contents
How much do flea market goods cost in Calgary?
There are a lot of things that you can find in a flea market – some people actively hunt for Chinaware, furniture, showpieces, or vintage toy collectibles. That being said, these are the following that you can find in a flea market and what their estimated prices are:
Take note that the prices change depending on the location of the flea market. Are they going to be here all year round? Are they renting space? Is it a community-fair type?
If it’s the former ones, then you can expect the prices to be higher. But if its vibe is a farmers market meets flea market, then you might encounter lower prices.
The 5 Best Flea Markets in Calgary
Now that we’ve discussed the most common things found in flea markets, here’s a quick discerning criterion on how we chose the best ones for our list:
1. Iron Crow Antiques
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price Point | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Parking Spaces | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Wares | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Iron Crow Antiques, one of Calgary’s first specialty antique and vintage furniture businesses, is sure to inspire anybody with a creative eye. They have a wide range of antique goods ranging from Western and Native American to oil and gas, bric-a-brac, religious relics, and furniture.
Iron Crow Antiques manage to fill over 9000 square feet of space with one-of-a-kind and sought-after items. We think that this market has enough versatility and range for anyone of all tastes.
Though we would like to note that as much as we note its versatility and range, Iron Crow still sticks to its flagship antiques. So if your tastes aren’t into bigger pieces, or western period pieces, then this store might not be for you.
Iron Crow Antiques has a big collection, but the staff works hard to keep it current. What we do like about them is their stock is cycled on a regular basis, so there will always be something fresh to look at.
What we also like about this store is how their attendants are also knowledgeable about the background of their standout pieces. It really helps you make that decision to buy these gorgeous wares if you know where they were from and what their story is.
It’s easy to be tempted to furnish your entire home with stuff from this store, as picking just one or two items from this treasure trove might be difficult.
Pros
- Great find for bigger antique pieces
- Good place for furniture up-cyclers
Cons
- Higher priced items
- Have little wiggle room to haggle
Customer Reviews:
What a huge selection!
“What a huge selection! Stunningly Decorated! Though I didn’t get her name, the lady with the dark hair and apron went over and beyond in the customer service department! Incredibly friendly and NO PRESSURE to buy anything! This is absolutely my new favorite place. You NEED to visit this store!”
I could have easily spent hours in here looking around.
“Wow! I could have easily spent hours in here looking around. My husband and I really appreciated how everything was set up. It made it easy to find the things we like because each area had its own ‘theme’. The staff was so kind and helpful. We collect old medical stuff, and they had a pretty good selection at very reasonable prices. We can’t wait to be back!”
2. Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Parking Spaces | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Wares | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre’s flea market has a wide variety of products, and you can fill a bag with delights for about $10. Prices are usually always negotiable, and the items you’ll find here might transport you back to your childhood.
This is a traditional flea market where members of the community are invited to participate. They either set up a table to sell their wares or they come and barter for the items for sale.
It is extremely well attended, and there is always a cheerful atmosphere in the area where over 140 stalls are put up. Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association also hosts an antique and vintage market in addition to this great flea market.
Having said this, most of the items here might be smaller scale. So if you’re looking for chinawares or big antiques, you might have a difficult time finding them here.
Along with their usual wares for sale at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association Flea Market, they have the usual food as well. The genuine gems are found at the quarterly specialty antique and vintage markets, therefore serious collectors may choose to save their money until these occasions.
All in all, if you’re looking for a homey flea market, this is certainly a top pick for you. The cheerful and relaxed atmosphere is welcoming to avid hunters and casual lookers alike.
Pros
- Mix of a farmer’s market and a flea market
- Locally sourced produce and products
- Wide ranged prices
- Bartering goods is allowed
Cons
- Fine art and antiques are a rarity
- Bigger pieces are rare here
Customer Reviews:
Great, active community with lots of programs going on.
“Great, active community with lots of programs going on. Pretty much open almost everyday except on holidays. I enjoy their programs that I would recommend the Monday Fresh Food Basket from 4-6 p.m. Supplementing food to the community to those that could make use of the program. Welcomes all no I.D. required. Thursday’s Neighbour Night 6-8 p.m. Enjoy dinner and company with people in and around the neighborhood on the first hour. Then another hour of different activity (varies every week). Activities like gardening, painting night, mini wood working, musical night, mental health care, drumming, picnic in the Riley park weather permits and many more. Child minding is available with the help of our amazing youth volunteers. Potluck on second Friday’s of the month. Bring your favorite dish to share. Enjoy the food and laughter with the community. Volunteer opportunities available. Big shout out to our amazing volunteers and staff that helps these programs a success. Thank you. Come and see for yourself. See you there.”
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association is more like a Friendly family Village!
“Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association is more like a Friendly family Village! Always busy with people using their beautiful facilities and gym I am happily sharing one aspect .where I have been warmly welcomed there on Mondays afternoons.to. A cozy charitable fruit and vegetable market with everything from apples to strawberries to eggplant to fresh herbs and spices. Pickens from at least a dozen or more attractive baskets of these nutritious Delights alongside mountains of delicious bread donated.by Cobbs Bakery. .THE volunteers are the heart and soul of this most welcoming friendly charitable event on Monday afternoons. And all that go there for help are so grateful counting Their Blessings for these friendly women for there genuine caring and gentle Humanity thank you from Judy bone.”
3. Where on Earth Did You Get That
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Parking Spaces | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Wares | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Where on Earth Did You Get That is southern Alberta’s largest antique mall. They boast 15,000 square feet of antique and vintage treasures.
This is a family-owned and operated business that takes pleasure in the variety of vintage goods it can offer as well as the degree of customer care it provides. This store is conveniently located right off one of Calgary’s main thoroughfares.
So in terms of the convenience of location, they have that covered, especially since they only open on the weekends. They also have large parking spaces, so if you’re taking home big items, you can have the convenience of a car ride to transport them back home.
It also means that as a shopper, you’ll have access to the same wide range of products as you would at an open-air market, but with the added convenience of never having to leave the same store.
Keep in mind though that all sales are final. You can’t return an item if you’ve already bought them.
What we really like about the employees of Where on Earth Did You Get That is definitely their passion for the antique and vintage things in the store. They are really accommodating to tourists and knowledgeable about the items for sale.
All in all, Where On Earth Did You Get That is a good place to hunt unique vintage items with the convenience of finding them all in one place.
Pros
- Antique Mall (not the actual pro its just something out there)
- Has a ‘wishbook’ that adds your name and contact details
Cons
- No return policy
- Some wares are priced higher than average flea markets
Customer Reviews:
What a great idea!
“What a great idea! Having a family run business that drives the buyers to the mall so that you don’t have to stand there and hawk yiur items. Makes way more sense than a typical Farmer’s Market that requires you to stand at your booth the whole time without a promise of selling your wares. There is plenty of Parking and impartial staff that is eager to get your items sold. Great concept! I found the owner to be very transparent and clear. I would not hesitate to recommend renting a booth here to sell items at all! It is very easy to find.”
This is the place to go!
“Where On Earth – Antiques and Vintage Decor provides hands down the absolute BEST customer service experience I’ve ever experienced! It’s a family owned business – and on my first two visits, I was privileged enough to meet Brooke and her brother, on my third visit I met Brooke’s other brother and their Mom (who opened this store after being a stay at home Mom until she was 38 years old – yet was adamant she wanted to become a successful antique business owner. And look at this family business now!!!) I came into their store with VERY specific needs – and Brooke was able to find me everything – even some things still in ‘the back’ – and one thing was even something of hers from her home! This family’s knowledge of all things antique is truly mind blowing – but to me – much more important than even that – is how kind, caring, thoughtful, helpful they are. For example, Brooke got ahold of me to show me a table she thought was a much better fit for me than the one I originally picked – even though it meant her giving up some money on it! WHO DOES THAT?!? I’ll tell you who, this family. The first time I went in, I expected to do a ‘quick lap’ around the store to find what I needed. But my husband and I ended up spending the better part of the day in there. Trust me folks, this is THE PLACE TO GO! It’s totally worth the drive to Airdrie.”
4. Inside Avenue Antiques
| SPECIALIZATION | Chinaware, Collectibles, Memorabilia |
| WEBSITE | https://www.instagram.com/insideavenue/ |
| ADDRESS | 3419 8 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 3A4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 403-287-8770 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mon-Sat; 12:00 – 5:00 PM Sun |
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Parking Spaces | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Variety of Wares | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
It’s no surprise that with over 15,000 square feet of antique and vintage treasures, customers might get lost in nostalgia while exploring around Inside Avenue Antiques. Around 55 vendors operate under one enormous roof, ensuring a diverse selection of goods.
Collectors will like the exquisite Chinaware, porcelain figurines, lamps, collectible dolls, chairs, desks, and other furniture pieces. You can also find Coca-Cola memorabilia, comics, jewelry, movie products, and much more on display in this mall.
Because it is open every day, this antique store in Calgary is a great place to go treasure hunting on a regular basis rather than waiting for weekly or monthly flea markets.
Inside Avenue Antiques’ vendor booth layout makes the most of the limited space and allows shoppers to easily roam through and check out everything on offer.
What we like about this flea market is that despite the space being filled with different kinds of wares, it never feels like you’re fighting crowds, no matter how busy it gets. The layout is kind to shoppers and the store is well-lit.
This ensures that serious collectors do not miss any of the treasures that are on display. The majority of the booths are staffed by stallholders, but if they aren’t there, and this is also something we like, the mall attendees would gladly call them for you.
Inside Avenue Antiques’ pricing is fairly reasonable, and it tends to be a little flexible as well, so visitors should not be afraid to bargain! Vendors make it a point to rotate their inventory frequently, so even regular buyers will be rewarded with new finds every time they return.
Pros
- Spacious parking
- Great selection of items
Cons
- Higher priced items
Customer Reviews:
This little mall always has a delightful selection from a variety of vendors.
“This little mall always has a delightful selection from a variety of vendors. The staff are always incredibly helpful, and it’s hard not to enjoy yourself as you wander about. I’ve found some rare things here that I’d never thought I’d see in person! My prize tea set came from this little mall, and I love it just as the day I found it. There is a little bit of junk in here, but the majority of it is well-cared for and in great condition. Quite busy on weekends now!”
I look forward to paying them a visit every time I come to Calgary.
“Never have I ever come across such a diverse set of military antiques and other militaria at an antique store, quite possibly my new favorite store in Alberta. But don’t let my obsession with militaria confuse you, they have two very large shops one next to the other, filled to the brim with every kind of antique under the sun, I look forward to paying them a visit every time I come to Calgary.”
5. Curiosity Inc.
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Parking Spaces | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Variety of Wares | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Curiosity Inc. aims to uncover extraordinary goods and showcase fabulous and unique showpieces for every buyer and hunter out there. If you’re on the lookout for one-of-a-kind pieces, whether it be big motorbikes or small knick-knacks, this is a fun place to explore.
According to many of its patrons, Curiosity Inc is driven by the joy of discovery. So we think that casual customers and avid collectors may be confident in the authenticity of the items that are featured in the store.
One of the things that we love about this shop is their updated Youtube channel where they archive their discoveries and discuss in great detail the stories behind the pieces they collect. This could also be a useful way to see what’s currently featured in the store.
Their channel also features other experts to fill in gaps where the owner could be lacking in knowledge. We think this is one of the things that makes visiting this store so special.
There is virtually no limit to what could be discovered within Curiosity Inc. Hence, you can find stuff from old pictures to motorcycles. Other things you might find include oil cans, advertising memorabilia, musical instruments, vintage coins, nautical antiquities, and everything bizarre and wonderful which have all been uncovered for a new lease on life.
Pros
- Updated Youtube account to check for wares
- Negotiable prices
- Knick Knacks and antiques alike available
Cons
- Pricing not avSmall parking space
- Space is smaller inside which makes it feel a little crampedailable on website
Customer Reviews:
Very clean and organized, almost has a bit of everything in stock.
“Very clean and organized, almost has a bit of everything in stock, prices are more than reasonable too. Guarantee you will see something you’ve never seen before. Alex the owner is really nice and is very knowledgeable. He also has a great YouTube channel, Curiosity Incorporated.”
Great shop
“I have been to Curiosity Inc. quite a few times at their old location and the new one. Great shop. Alex is a friendly guy and was great to meet him in person…I found this place via youtube and it was neat to go visit in person. Bought a few things from there now and again and its one of those places to go to more than once as new items are coming in frequently. If I don’t find a vintage toy or something I am searching for, they always have some tasty locally made sauces and salsa which are great too”
Frequently Asked Questions
So, that’s our top picks for the best flea markets in Calgary! We hope that you get to visit these wonderful sites all on your own and find some adventures and great trinkets!
Think we missed a great place? Shoot us a message and we’re definitely gonna check it out!
Want to do something else while in town? Well, here are our suggestions:
