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A stay in Quebec means discovering fabulous landscapes and meeting exceptional people. But if you’re staying in a city, you could also go shopping. Spending a few days in Montreal? If so, here are the must-see places to go shopping.
Looking for clothes? Check out Montreal’s thrift stores!
Montreal is brimming with clothing boutiques. You’ll be able to find the piece of your dreams quite easily. Take a trip to one of the many thrift stores, such as the Renaissance centers. As well as giving yourself a treat by replenishing your wardrobe at a lower cost, you’ll be helping this association that puts people in difficulty back on the right track.
Eva B.
Located at 2015 Rue Saint-Denis, Eva B. is one of Montreal’s must-visit thrift stores, in my opinion. With two floors full of vintage clothing for men and women, this boutique offers a wide selection of unique pieces ranging from the 1920s to the 1990s. You’ll find retro clothing, accessories, shoes and even home decor. Classy!
Citizen Vintage
This thrift store, located at 5330 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, is renowned for its carefully chosen selection of high-end vintage clothing.
From classic Levi’s jeans to 1970s dresses, Citizen Vintage offers a diverse range of quality pieces for men and women. The store also offers vintage accessories, handbags and shoes to complete your retro look. Let’s go!
Annex Vintage
Nestled at 56 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Annex Vintage is a trendy thrift store offering a unique selection of vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry. The store focuses on items from the 1980s and 1990s, with an eclectic, colorful atmosphere that attracts fashion lovers looking for original, trendy pieces. Ready to take a trip back in time?
Le Chaînon Boutique
This thrift store, located at 4375 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, is an ideal destination for those looking for affordable, high-quality second-hand clothing. In addition to offering a good range of clothing for men, women and children, Le Chaînon Boutique supports an important cause by donating a portion of its profits to local charity Le Chaînon, which helps women in difficulty.
Kitsch’n Swell
Located at 3976 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Kitsch’n Swell is a vintage thrift store offering an eclectic selection of unique clothing and accessories.
With its retro ambience and shelves full of hidden treasures, this boutique is the ideal place to unearth original pieces from the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to clothing, Kitsch’n Swell also offers vintage decorative items and vinyl to complement your retro style.
Harricana by Mariouche
Founded by designer Mariouche Gagné, Harricana is located at 300 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, in Montreal. This boutique offers a luxurious range of clothing, accessories and handbags made from recycled furs and sustainable materials.
Harricana’s collections are renowned for their timeless elegance and commitment to sustainability, making this boutique a destination of choice for eco-conscious fashion lovers looking for unique, high-end pieces.
Harricana par Mariouche also offers home accessories and decorative items made from recycled materials, giving customers the opportunity to live an eco-responsible lifestyle through their fashion and interior design choices.
As a designer and entrepreneur committed to ethical fashion, Mariouche Gagné has received numerous awards for her work, including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s Gala Reconnaissance 2020.
Montréal shopping centers
There are plenty of them. And you’ll be spoilt for choice. One of my favorites is the Eaton Centre on Sainte-Catherine Street West. Let’s find out more:
Montreal Eaton Centre
Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the Eaton Centre is one of the city’s most popular shopping malls. With its many fashion boutiques, restaurants and entertainment options, the Eaton Centre offers a complete shopping experience for Montreal residents and visitors alike.
You’ll find national and international brands, as well as dining spaces for every taste. Be prepared to get lost because of its size, and remember to explore the subterranean areas to reach other parts of Montreal, especially in winter.
705 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC H3B 4G5
Complexe Desjardins
Complexe Desjardins is another major shopping center in the heart of downtown Montreal. In addition to its fashion boutiques, Complexe Desjardins also houses offices, restaurants, services and even a hotel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural and artistic activities in this multifunctional complex, in addition to their shopping session. It’s much smaller than the Eaton Centre, but stylish and close to Place des Arts.
150 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montreal, QC H5B 1E9
Les Cours Mont-Royal
Les Cours Mont-Royal is an upscale shopping center located in downtown Montreal, close to luxury hotels and tourist attractions. Occupying a magnificent historic building, this shopping center offers an exclusive selection of fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, restaurants and upscale services.
Les Cours Mont-Royal offers an elegant and refined shopping experience for shoppers looking for luxury brands and quality products such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith and more.
1455 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3A 1T5
Rockland Centre
Located just minutes from downtown Montreal, Centre Rockland is a regional shopping center offering a diverse shopping experience. With over 170 stores, including popular brands, restaurants and services, Centre Rockland is a destination of choice for residents of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The mall also offers events and promotions throughout the year to keep shoppers entertained. I’ve never been there myself, just them from friends.
2305 Chemin Rockland, Town of Mount Royal, QC H3P 3E9
Fairview Pointe-Claire
Fairview Pointe-Claire is a major shopping center located in Montreal’s western suburbs. With its wide variety of stores, dining options and movie theatre, Fairview Pointe-Claire is a popular shopping and entertainment destination for families and area residents.
The mall also offers convenient services such as electric vehicle charging stations and valet parking. If you want to get out of Montreal Centre and spend a day shopping, I recommend this place.
6801 Transcanada Hwy, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5J2
Quartier DIX30
I also like the ambiance of the shopping center (boulevard Leduc, Brossard). This space isn’t designed like a traditional shopping mall. It’s like a village, with neighborhoods divided according to activities. You’ll find everything here. Clothing, linens, eyewear, restaurants, grocery stores, spas… You’ll find all the major local and international brands, and even places to have fun, like a swimming pool or a virtual games room.
Montreal markets
Let me finish with the food. If you don’t want to spend your time in a restaurant, you’ll have to buy your ingredients to cook yourself. It’s also a good opportunity to bring back a few tasty souvenirs.
Let’s start with the markets. If there’s one you shouldn’t miss, it’s, in my opinion, the Jean Talon market (7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal). It’s THE place to shop. You’ll find delicious meat (Nordest for organic or Porcmeilleur for incredible ham and bacon).
You’ll also find plenty of fresh produce shops, where you can treat yourself to quality seasonal fruit and vegetables without spending too much. You’ll be able to discover the harvests of small local producers, and why not have a chat with them? I’ve even tasted Algerian cakes there – improbable!
Looking for top-quality maple syrup? This market makes it easy to find and stock up at low prices. Culinary workshops are also on offer, so you can hone your skills and come away with mastered Quebec recipes. And don’t forget: this market is one of the largest open-air markets in North America.
You can also stop off at the Atwater Market (138 Atwater Ave, Montreal), which showcases ultra-fresh local produce.