If you love thrifting and finding unique gifts and homeware, yummy coffee and treats, and delicious brunches and lunches, Athabasca has an afternoon of fun for you!
Downtown Athabasca is perfectly set up for an awesome “Thrift & Finds Crawl”. If you don’t know what a “thrift crawl” is, think pub crawl but with second-hand shopping! And here in Athabasca, you can visit some unique retailers along the way, too.
For this order of stops, you could park at the Riverfront, but there are other parking options where you could start your crawl. There’s parking on 51st Street and you could loop around from there.
Wear walking shoes, this crawl is about 3 km long. The Town of Athabasca is built on the Athabasca River Valley, so there are some hills. There are a lot of places for refreshments along the way if you need a break.
If you are looking for more thrift & finds opportunities, there are a few to drive to. You’ll never know what you’ll find, so it’s worth it.
Ready, Set, Crawl…
1. Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery – 4911-49st
Starting from the Athabasca Riverfront Park, walk south (away from the river) on 49th Street. About halfway up the block, you’ll come to the first stop.
Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery is a great place to start your crawl. Fuel up on one of their espresso drinks and an in-house baked treat, or a breakfast wrap! They have a daily lunch special and other delicious meal items.
Paddymelon isn’t just on the list as a fuel stop, but as a place to find unique home decor, candles, scarves, Canadian-made jewelry, baby gifts, books, and more!
www.facebook.com/PaddymelonGifts
2. Athabasca Video – 4913 49 St
Once you leave Paddymelon, backtrack a few steps to Athabasca Video.
They don’t just sell DVDs, but actually specialize in signed sports & movie memorabilia and comic books. They also carry an eclectic selection of toys, games and musical instruments. Always great service!
3. Ella & Birch Collective – 4916 A 50 St
From Athabasca Video, continue walking south (back past Paddymelon) to the corner, turn right and walk over to 50th St. Turn right and walk down the east side of the block until you come to Ella & Birch. You can’t miss it… they always have an amazing window display.
Ella & Birch Collective is a boutique with a collection of clothing, accessories, soap and spa products made and designed by women in Canada! Comfy well-made clothing, handmade soap (the store smells amazing), lovely jewelry and more.
4. Bubel’s – 4922 50 St
After leaving Ella & Birch, continue down the block (north) about 3 buildings down. There you will find Bubel’s department store.
Bubel’s is a family-owned and operated department store that harkens to the past. It carries clothing and footwear for the whole family! They also carry a unique selection of swimwear, toys, games, models, movies, CDs and vinyl records.
5. Glas Floral Studio – 5003 50 Ave
From Bubel’s, continue walking towards the river. When you get to the corner you’ll see a newer building kitty corner. That’s where you’ll find Glas Floral Studio.
“Glas offers unique home decor curated from designers throughout Canada and the United States. Our preference lies with local, woman-owned companies and items with a story, quality of material and eco-friendly practices.”
Glas always has interesting and inspiring finds of all kinds. Their flower art is one of a kind, too.
6. A Little Bit of Everything – 5003 50 Ave, #101
A Little Bit of Everything is in the same building as Glas, just a couple of doors to the west.
A Little Bit of Everything is exactly that: some used, some new, some food, some clothing, some arts & crafts! They are a local favourite, always bringing in new and exciting items and crafts.
7. Rhi-Defined New & Used – 5506 50 Ave
From a Little Bit of Everything, you could walk to the Train Station. On the west side of the station is a walkway that leads to the Rotary Trail which follows the river. Walk west (away from downtown) on the Rotary Trail until it swings up and meets the highway again. Cross the highway there and you’ll see Rhi-Defined New & Used.
Rhi-Defined is a classic thrift store with a mix of furniture, household goods and clothing. They also have new jewelry, collectables and more.
8. Riddle & Gift Shop at Athabasca Native Friendship Centre – 4919 53 St
From Rhi-Defined, walk along the highway back towards Downtown until you get to 53 ST. Turn right and the second building up is the ANFC.
At the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre, you can get 2 shopping experiences in one! Upstairs is their Gift Shop which has a beautiful selection of Indigenous-made gifts, jewellery and arts. Downstairs you’ll find Riddle, their second-hand store. Tons of clothing, household goods and more are available.
If you do the crawl on a Friday, they will sometimes be serving delicious homemade soup and bannock. Also a local favourite!
9. Lolly Pop Thrift Shop
When you exit the Friendship Centre, head back down to the highway. Continue east (towards downtown) until 51st ST. Turn right and go up the block about 5 buildings. You’ll find Lolly Pop Thrift Shop there.
Lolly Pop Thrift Shop has a great selection of used housewares, clothing and more. They pride themselves on having a neat and tidy space for you to do your best thrifting! Another family-owned business that delivers great service.
10. Flowers by Christina
And finally, to your last stop, Flowers by Christina. Head back down to the highway from Lolly Pop and walk back to the main street (50th ST). Turn right and head to halfway up the block to find Flowers by Christina.
Flowers by Christina has a beautiful assortment of gifts and flowers for any budget. Home decor, food items and more, plus their gorgeous flowers.
Take A Break
If you’re getting tired from carrying your haul, no worries, there are plenty of places for snacks, drinks and meals along your route. From convenience stores, fast food, food trucks, Chinese food, family dining and pubs, Downtown Athabasca has it!
Get something to go and enjoy it at the Riverfront Park. There are picnic tables and seating with river views for your convenience.
Take a look at our website listings for more info on where to eat/drink: www.visitathabasca.ca
Other Thrift & Finds in the Region
Country Bliss Treasures & Gifts – 5114 3 St, Boyle
“Welcome to Country Bliss! We are very excited to share some wonderful decor! Whether you’re searching for a piece of character to fill that special area of your home or need a heartwarming gift for your loved ones…..we have it!!”
Second Time Round & More – 5800 Elm Dr, Boyle
Second Time Round has an amazing selection of thrift items, from clothing, household goods, furniture and more.
Remember, small towns have some of the best thrift items around!
What will you find?
If you are looking for a day trip out of the city, or want to spend some time before an event in Athabasca, be sure to take on the Downtown Thrift & Finds Crawl. You’ll be sure to find some items that won’t be found anywhere else!
For more information about retail stores in the Athabasca Region, check out our website: www.visitathabasca.ca/things-to-do/shopping/stores-boutiques
