The 5 Best Record Shops in Ottawa That Have All Your Vinyl Needs
Vinyls have made a major comeback in the past few years, but I’ve only started collecting records recently when someone gifted me a turntable. Since I had none, I ventured into local record shops to find something to play.
What I didn’t know was that Ottawa has several independent shops with extensive music collections spanning multiple genres. Whether you’re after classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, or indie records, the city’s vibrant vinyl scene has something for every taste.
In this guide, I’ll share the best record shops in Ottawa. I’ll go into what genres they offer and what artists you’ll find on their shelves.
1. The Record Centre
— Media credit: therecordcentre
Website: http://therecordcentre.com/
Location: 1099 Wellington St. W
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat, 10 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 12 PM to 4 PM
Phone: +16136954577
Located in the heart of Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighborhood, The Record Centre is known for its vast music collection. It boasts over 20,000 records, spanning a wide range of genres including classic rock, jazz, folk, and pop.
Some of the most famous names in music decorate their shelves, such as The Beatles, Black Sabbath, and David Bowie. Other than these classic hit-makers, they have newer artists like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Dua Lipa.
You can also buy all sorts of audio equipment. Whether you’re looking for headphones, speakers, or turntables, you’ll find everything from pre-loved to brand-new items.
Pro Tip:
Check out their in-store live performances! Their shop doubles as a small venue for local and touring musicians, so you can enjoy an intimate show and browse their vinyl selection afterward.
2. Vertigo Records
— Media credit: vertigoottawa
Website: http://www.vertigorecords.ca/
Location: 1208 Bank St
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat, 11 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 12 PM to 5 PM
Phone: +16132411011
Vertigo Records has an ever-growing inventory that now exceeds 20,000 pieces, making it a treasure trove for both casual listeners and serious collectors.
Whether you’re on the hunt for mainstream hits or searching for underground gems, this shop caters to a wide variety of tastes. Its standout feature is its extensive and impressive collection of rock, punk, metal, and hip-hop albums.
You’ll find a lot of the classic hits here—Nirvana, Wu-Tang Clan, Radiohead, and The Ramones to name a few. But if you’re looking for something fresh and exciting, you might want to browse their selection of local albums from homegrown artists.
Pro Tip:
If you have a specific record in mind, you can make a special order to get your hands on it at no extra cost.
3. Legend Records
— Media credit: legendrecordskanata
Website: http://www.legendrecords.ca/
Location: 1292 Wellington St. W Unit 200
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat, 11 AM to 5 PM
Sun, 12 PM to 5 PM
Phone: +16135965766
Legend Records, the oldest record shop in Ottawa, is a cornerstone of the local music scene. They’re known for their impressive collection of vintage vinyls from music icons that have shaped the global music scene.
You’ll find Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Pink Floyd. Since everything is tidy and well-categorized, you won’t break a sweat finding the albums and artists you like.
Besides the classics, they also keep up-to-date with the latest hits in music. You can snag new releases like Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour, Miley Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation, and Chappel Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
And with free parking right next to the shop, you can easily spend hours browsing the shelves and uncover music you never even knew you needed.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the discount bin! Although most records are marked down by 25%, you can sometimes find albums that are half their original price.
4. Compact Music
— Media credit: compact.music
Website: http://www.compactmusic.ca/
Location: 785 Bank St
Opening hours:
Mon-Wed and Sat, 10 AM to 6 PM
Thu-Fri, 10 AM to 8 PM
Sun, 11 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +16132338922
Compact Music might not have the largest collection of albums, but they make up for it with quality. They have rock, indie, pop, and jazz, perfect for anyone looking to expand their collection of classics and contemporary records.
But what makes this place unique is its deep dive into niche categories like holiday music and film soundtracks. They have everything from the Guardians of the Galaxy to Moana and Barbie.
Beyond the music, they’re known for their approachable, knowledgeable staff who are always ready to help you find what you’re looking for—or introduce you to something completely new.
Pro Tip:
Ask about their pre-orders for upcoming releases. They offer pre-orders for limited edition vinyl, so you can guarantee a copy of highly sought-after albums before they hit the shelves.
5. The ODDs and SODs Shoppe
— Media credit: oddsandsodsshoppe
Website: http://www.oddsandsodsshoppe.com/
Location: 1400 Clyde Ave. Unit 8
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri, 10 AM to 7 PM
Sat, 10 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 11 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +16132259027
For collectors looking for quirky finds, go to The ODDs & SODs Shoppe. It’s an eclectic treasure trove of music and memorabilia, where you’ll find hidden gems, rare pressings, and records you won’t come across elsewhere in Ottawa.
Though smaller than the other shops on this list, they have a well-rounded collection of vinyl in various genres. That includes an impressive array of film, TV, and Broadway soundtracks.
Some of the most well-known artists on their shelves include The Doors, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, and The Supremes.
Pro Tip:
Look out for their vintage music gear and memorabilia! In addition to vinyl, they have classic turntables, posters, and retro items that are perfect collector’s pieces.