Global Major Cities Guide

General tips on shopping in Montreal, including markets, grocery stores, and shopping districts.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Shopping in Montreal, Canada

Montreal is a vibrant city that offers a diverse shopping experience, blending European charm with North American convenience. Whether you're looking for luxury brands, local artisan goods, budget-friendly finds, or quirky and unique items, Montreal has something for everyone. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the city's shopping scene effectively.

1. Luxury Shopping in Montreal

Montreal is home to several high-end shopping destinations where you can find luxury brands, designer boutiques, and upscale department stores.

Key Locations:

Rue Sainte-Catherine (Downtown):
- This bustling street is the heart of Montreal's shopping scene. You'll find luxury department stores like Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, which houses brands like Gucci, Prada, and Chanel.
- Nearby, you'll also find Simons, a Canadian department store offering a mix of high-end and mid-range fashion.
Quartier DIX30 (Brossard):
- Located just outside Montreal, this upscale shopping district features luxury boutiques, fine dining, and entertainment options.
Mile End and Old Montreal:
- For high-end, independent designer boutiques, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal or the trendy Mile End neighborhood.

Average Costs:

Designer handbags: CAD 1,500–5,000+
Luxury clothing: CAD 500–2,000+
Fine jewelry: CAD 1,000–10,000+

Cultural Tips:

Luxury stores often offer personalized service, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Tax refunds are available for non-residents on certain purchases. Keep your receipts and inquire about the process at the store.

2. Local Markets

Montreal’s markets are a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs. They’re perfect for experiencing the city’s local culture.

Key Markets:

Jean-Talon Market (Little Italy):
- One of the largest public markets in North America, offering fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
- Great for picking up Quebec specialties like maple syrup, ice cider, and artisanal chocolates.
Atwater Market (Saint-Henri):
- Known for its gourmet food vendors, butchers, and florists. It’s a great spot to find high-quality local products.
Marché Bonsecours (Old Montreal):
- A historic market building housing boutiques that sell Quebec-made crafts, jewelry, and clothing.

Average Costs:

Maple syrup: CAD 10–20 per bottle
Artisanal cheese: CAD 15–30 per block
Handmade crafts: CAD 20–100+

Cultural Tips:

Vendors are usually friendly and open to conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask about the origins of their products.
Bring cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept credit cards.

3. Budget-Friendly Stores

For those looking to shop on a budget, Montreal offers plenty of options, from thrift stores to affordable fashion retailers.

Key Locations:

Rue Sainte-Catherine (Downtown):
- In addition to luxury stores, this street has budget-friendly options like H&M, Uniqlo, and Winners (a Canadian version of TJ Maxx).
Thrift Stores:
- Eva B (Boulevard Saint-Laurent): A quirky thrift store with affordable vintage clothing, accessories, and even a café.
- Village des Valeurs (Value Village): A chain of thrift stores offering second-hand clothing, books, and home goods.
Dollarama:
- A Canadian dollar store chain where you can find affordable household items, snacks, and souvenirs.

Average Costs:

Thrift store clothing: CAD 5–30 per item
Fast fashion clothing: CAD 20–100 per item
Souvenirs at Dollarama: CAD 1.50–4 per item

Cultural Tips:

Thrift shopping is popular in Montreal, especially among students and young professionals. Arrive early for the best selection.
Bargaining is not common in stores, but you can sometimes negotiate prices at flea markets.

4. Unique and Quirky Shopping Spots

Montreal is known for its creative and artistic vibe, which is reflected in its many unique shopping destinations.

Key Locations:

Boulevard Saint-Laurent (The Main):
- A hub for quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and independent designers. Check out stores like Annex Vintage and Citizen Vintage for retro finds.
Plateau Mont-Royal:
- This bohemian neighborhood is full of independent bookstores, record shops, and artisan boutiques. Don’t miss Drawn & Quarterly, a world-renowned bookstore specializing in graphic novels and indie publications.
Old Montreal:
- Explore shops like Espace Pepin, which sells unique home decor and fashion items made by local designers.
Underground City:
- A network of underground malls and passageways connecting downtown Montreal. It’s a great place to shop during the winter months.

Average Costs:

Vintage clothing: CAD 20–100 per item
Artisan goods: CAD 30–150+
Books and records: CAD 15–50

Cultural Tips:

Many quirky shops are run by local artists or small business owners. Supporting them is a great way to contribute to the local economy.
Take your time browsing; these stores often have hidden gems.

5. Practical Information for Shopping in Montreal

Shopping Hours:

Most stores are open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.
Markets typically open earlier, around 8:00 AM, and close by 6:00 PM.
Some stores may have reduced hours on Sundays or holidays.

Taxes:

Quebec has a combined sales tax of 14.975% (GST + QST), which is added at checkout.
Non-residents can apply for a tax refund on certain purchases. Check with the store for details.

Payment Methods:

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used.

Language:

French is the official language of Quebec, but most shopkeepers in Montreal are bilingual (French and English). A friendly “Bonjour” when entering a store is appreciated.

Tipping:

Tipping is not expected in retail stores, but it is customary to tip service providers like hairdressers or delivery drivers (10–15%).

6. Seasonal Shopping Events

Black Friday (November): Major discounts at malls and department stores.
Boxing Day (December 26): Post-Christmas sales with significant markdowns.
Sidewalk Sales (Summer): Streets like Rue Sainte-Catherine and Boulevard Saint-Laurent host outdoor sales with great deals.

Montreal’s shopping scene is as diverse as its culture, offering something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re hunting for luxury goods, local treasures, or quirky finds, this guide will help you make the most of your shopping experience in the city. Bon shopping!