Is it time for another day trip? Why not experience something new with an old twist? Let’s go treasure hunting at Canada’s largest outdoor antique market.
The Aberfoyle Antique Market is less than one hour from Toronto and is open on Sundays from spring until fall.
Seeing as I live nearby, this is one of my favourite places to go, at least once or twice a year. I will share everything you need to know before you go to the Aberfoyle Antique flea market.
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FAQ About the Aberfoyle Antique Market
Where is the Aberfoyle Antique Market?
The Aberfoyle Antique Market is located in the small town of Aberfoyle Ontario. It’s 3km from Guelph, which is about 45 minutes west of Toronto.
What is the address of the Aberfoyle Antique Market?
The address of the Aberfoyle Antique Market is 57 Brock Road South, Puslinch (Guelph), Ontario.
What are the Aberfoyle Antique Market hours?
The Aberfoyle Antique Market is only open on Sundays starting April 28, 2024, until October 27, 2024.
How big is the Aberfoyle market?
The Aberfoyle market on Sundays from April to October features over 100 of the best antique dealers, with an additional 30+ guest dealers.
What are the 2023 dates for the Saturday Special Show?
The Saturday Special show dates for 2024 are: Spring Saturday Special is June 8, 2024, and the Fall Saturday Special is September 21, 2024.
What’s different about the Saturday Special Show?
The two Saturday Special Shows, one summer and one fall add 90+ guest dealers to the regular Sunday market.
How much does it cost to go to Aberfoyle Market?
The regular Sunday market costs $5 per adult and parking is free. The Saturday Special Show costs $10 per adult.
Are dogs allowed at Aberfoyle Market?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Aberfoyle Market on a short leash. There is a large green space by the parking lot for them to use before going to the market.
Who Goes to the Aberfoyle Flea Market?
Whether you are a regular or a one-time visitor we all share the same common goal – to find something special.
It’s the thrill of the hunt, isn’t it?
Whether it’s a unique statement piece or a bit of nostalgia from our past.
Since 1961, the Aberfoyle Antique Market has been welcoming the:
- young and hip looking for something different to stay ahead of the trend,
- sharp-eyed collector on the hunt for their next treasure,
- a savvy designer who always finds creative inspiration in those diamond-in-the-rough items, or
- day trippers, like me, who just love to experience new things and new places in Ontario.
The Dealers at Aberfoyle Antiques
Aberfoyle antique market vendors pride themselves on tapping into private sources from estate sales and out-of-the-way auctions to find the best items.
Aberfoyle Antiques includes a wide variety of high-quality pieces. From vintage jewelry to antiquarian books, from fine art to architectural salvage, and collectible ceramics to lighting.
It’s bursting with the eclectic, including valuable antiques and sought-after vintage.
7 Tips for Treasure Hunting at the Aberfoyle Market
- Bring Cash. Most vendors are not set up with electronic payment options. Make sure you take out more cash than you think you’ll need, but there is an ATM on site.
- Do a Walk About. Start by doing a quick scan of the antiques, and making a mental note of the vendors that interest you. Take a quick photo on your phone of the vendors you want to return to.
- Ask Questions. Vendors at the Aberfoyle market are great resources and love to offer any information they have. Ask… Where did it come from? Does it have a story attached? Are there any tips for restoration or conservation?
- Pace Yourself. There is a lot of ground to cover and you don’t want to experience sensory overload too quickly. Take a break. Grab something to eat at one of the food vendors at the Aberfoyle antique show.
- Keep an Open Mind. Bring a running list of items you might be looking for, without setting your intention on a specific item because chances are you’ll never find it. Dig deep, a lot of vendors at the Aberfoyle Antique Show have piles of treasures just waiting to be discovered.
- Negotiate Price. Simply ask “What is your best price”. Or, think of the price you would pay, then offer a bit less. Chances are vendors will meet you in the middle.
- Love it? Don’t Leave it. If you find the perfect item, don’t wait, buy it. Chances are it might not be there when you return.
Aberfoyle Antique Market Reviews
Trip Advisor rates this experience as the Top 6 of things to do in Guelph. With reviewer comments giving positive praise for:
- the variety and great selection of hobby and collectable items
- finding rare and good quality vintage and antique finds
- great overall experience for the Aberfoyle Antique Show compared to other flea markets in Ontario
The only negative comments relate to the crowds, which I agree! Seeing as I’m a local, it’s easy for me to pop in or pass by if I think it looks too crowded.
Aberfoyle Antique Market Photos
Here are just some of the treasures you will find at the Aberfoyle market.
As a Holidaymaker
Adding a few vintage items to your home décor is very much on trend now, and the Aberfoyle flea market is the spot to go! It adds a bit of interest and age to a space. Not to mention it saves items from going to the landfill.
So, why not plan your next weekend day trip to Aberfoyle Antique Market for a little treasure hunting? Your special item is just waiting to be discovered at this large outdoor flea market.
If you enjoy Ontario day trips, check my Canada Travel page which is chock-full of Ontario getaway ideas.
Here are a couple that are near Guelph that you might want to add to your itinerary:
- the charming town of Elora, known for its stunning gorge and historic downtown.
- Stratford is another popular choice, famous for its Shakespearean theatre productions and picturesque Avon River.
- a bit farther southwest is exploring Norfolk County
- discover the cute hamlets of Caledon
