Six miles of vintage and coffee and natural wine and ice cream might seem like the made-up dream of a fashion editor who gets their thrills from these sorts of things, but in Montréal, that’s a typical day around Boulevard Saint-Laurent. It’s like the final boss for ‘thrifting and a little treat’ seekers out there. And for those who don’t live in the city, it’s a short trip from dozens of major metropolitan areas in the United States. Sure, there are hundreds of cities where the vintage shopping is top-tier, but this not so little street in Montréal takes the idea to another level.
Montréal is often known for its Old Port area, which has quaint cobblestone streets and cafe-filled plazas. (For fashion lovers, it’s also known as the home to the only Ssense store.) But Boulevard Saint-Laurent, just a few miles north of the port, is worth a full day spent meandering down dozens of streets lined with shops—many of which are vintage or secondhand—that are filled with everything from low-price vintage t-shirt spots and high-end luxury to well-curated, contemporary secondhand pieces. It’s not just secondhand, though. There are also up-and-coming brands that prioritize sustainability and recycling to be discovered.
Inside Seconde Vintage, you’ll find a mix of contemporary and vintage luxury apparel, accessories, and home goods. Down the street at Floh Market, you’ll pour through racks and racks of vintage denim in prime original condition and others upcycled into new, one-of-a-kind pieces. Across the street, you’ll find a 1,000-square-foot shop stuffed with authentic band shirts priced under $200. Nearby, at Caravan Vintageyou’ll find a mix of one-of-a-kind 70s and 80s workwear. The list goes on and on and on.
Alyssa Hardy
