Lea GagnonTime to splurge at the best shopping areas in Montreal
Ever heard of Rebecca Bloomwood? Well, I’m no shopaholic (okay, maybe a little), but Montreal turns me into a card-swiping, label-loving fashionista just like her.
The city’s streets whisper promises of hidden gems, while its stylish boutiques beckon with irresistible treasures. It’s a retail therapy paradise, where every corner holds the potential for a new wardrobe staple – or ten.
So if you’re ready for a shopping spree that would make even Becky proud, join me as we dive into the heart of Montreal’s shopping scene. We’ll uncover vintage havens, explore designer districts, and maybe even snag a few deals that would make Bloomwood squeal with delight.
Malls and shopping centres
Complexe Desjardins
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Location: 150 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3Y2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-845-4636
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
With over 125 stores, it’s a one-stop shop for fashion, food, and fun. You can snag the latest trends, grab a quick bite, or catch a movie – all under one (very large) roof.
Even if you’re not a shopaholic, the complex itself is worth a visit. Its unique architecture, including a stunning glass roof, makes it a landmark in its own right.
Plus, it’s connected to the underground city, so you can shop until you drop without braving the elements.
Place Ville-Marie
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Location: Place Ville Marie, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2B6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-861-5217
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Place Ville-Marie (PVM) is where retail therapy meets cultural and culinary delights, all under one roof (and even underground!).
This place goes beyond just retail. The Galerie PVM boasts a unique selection of boutiques that range from high-end fashion to chic accessories. Whether you’re hunting for the latest trends or timeless pieces, you’ll find it all here.
And let’s not forget the food! Their Cathcart food hall is a gourmet delight since it offers an array of global flavours. Imagine biting into a juicy Korean fried chicken or savouring a Montreal-style bagel while enjoying the indoor-outdoor space.
Eaton Centre
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Location: 705 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3B 4G5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-288-3708
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
With over 175 retailers, this Montreal mecca is a haven for fashionistas, tech enthusiasts, and home decorators alike. From snagging the latest Levi’s to decking out your pad with chic finds from Aritzia, your inner consumerist will be in paradise.
When your feet need a break and your stomach starts rumbling, head to Canada’s first Time Out Market, nestled right inside the Eaton Centre! It’s a sprawling 40,000-square-foot foodie paradise where the city’s culinary stars converge.
Place Montreal Trust
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Location: 1500 McGill College Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Perched on the corner of Ste. Catherine and McGill College Avenue, Place Montreal Trust is a five-story oasis of retail therapy. Its stellar lineup of over 70 stores, including fashion giant Zara, bookworm haven Indigo, and bargain-hunters paradise Winners, is enough to make any shopper swoon.
But the true pièce de résistance? Its jaw-dropping 30-metre indoor water fountain (the tallest in North America) is a sight to behold. During the holidays, it metamorphoses into an illuminated Christmas tree that transforms the entire mall into a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale.
Carrefour Laval
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Location: 3003 Boul. le Carrefour, Laval, QC H7T 1C7, Canada
Contact: +1 450-687-1360
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
With over 300 stores spread across a stylish and easily navigable floor, Carrefour Laval is the epitome of retail therapy. Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion at Simons, everyday essentials at Hudson’s Bay, unique gifts at Imaginaire, or the latest beauty trends at Sephora, this place has it all.
And when hunger strikes, fear not! From sushi to poutine to gourmet chocolates at Lindt, the diverse food court and sit-down restaurants like PF Chang’s and La Cage – Brasserie Sportive offer a culinary adventure to fuel your shopping spree.
You can even pump your adrenaline with indoor skydiving at SkyVenture Montreal or bounce your way to fun at iSaute’s trampoline centre.
Luxury and designer shopping
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
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Location: 1307 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1P7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-842-7711
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a six-story ode to opulence (the largest of its kind in Canada). Here, Gucci, Chanel, and Valentino aren’t just brands, they’re destinations where the latest runway creations await your discerning eye.
But the allure doesn’t stop at fashion. The beauty hall overflows with exclusive brands like Tom Ford and Sisley to ensure that your beauty routine is as luxurious as your attire.
And when you’ve indulged in retail therapy to your heart’s content, we recommend going to Café Holt since it offers a chic 1940s Hollywood ambience where you can savour a gourmet lunch or sip a cappuccino.
Les Cours Mont-Royal
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Location: 1455 Peel St, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1T5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-842-7777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Originally built as the luxurious Mount Royal Hotel in 1922, Les Cours Mont-Royal retains its historic charm with a grand chandelier, marble staircases, and wood panelling that hint at its opulent past.
Now, let’s talk fashion. This is where you go to indulge in haute couture. So be ready to swoon over iconic brands like DKNY, Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. Whether you’re hunting for the latest runway trends or timeless pieces, the exclusive boutiques here will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
After a day of retail therapy (or window shopping), you can treat yourself to a pampering session at Spa Diva, Montreal’s largest spa. Or, embrace your inner child and visit the Barbie Expo, the world’s largest permanent exhibition of Barbie dolls.
High streets and outdoor areas
Sainte Catherine Street
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With over 1,200 stores, from high-end designer boutiques to beloved Canadian department stores like La Baie and Simons, you’ll literally find everything your heart (and wallet) desires at Sainte Catherine Street.
Now when the weather outside is frightful, just head underground! Sainte-Catherine Street connects to Montreal’s famous Underground City, a subterranean maze of shops, restaurants, and even movie theatres.
This area is also a cultural hub since it’s home to major venues like Place des Arts, where you can catch a performance by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra or admire contemporary art at the Musée d’Art Contemporain.
Mont-Royal Avenue
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This street is a haven for one-of-a-kind fashion finds, rare vinyl records, and artisanal crafts. It’s the perfect place to express your individuality and discover hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll even be tantalised by the aromas wafting from charming cafés and diverse restaurants. You can indulge in freshly baked pastries, savour classic French cuisine, or discover innovative vegan dishes.
Just don’t forget to grab a legendary Montreal bagel from nearby St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel for a quick and delicious bite on the go!
Laurier Avenue
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Laurier Avenue is brimming with independent boutiques offering exclusive designer apparel, unique accessories, and stylish home décor that you won’t find anywhere else.
For example, Rituels, a refined store specialising in grooming products and accessories for men, offers a unique shopping experience with its curated selection of high-quality goods .
The street is even adorned with beautiful murals and art galleries, making it a place for both shopping and artistic exploration. The old fire station, now the Montreal Firefighters Museum, adds a touch of historical charm to your shopping experience.
