Looking for a fashion bargain? Then head over to Plaza St. Hubert Street where over 400 merchants are gathered underneath the famous green awnings. Glitzy club wear and prom dresses figure prominently here and you'll find plenty of wedding dresses too. Founded in 1954, it's where serious shopaholics gather to find fantastic bargains on shoes, brand name clothing, formal wear, jewelry, lingerie, perfume, cosmetics, knick-knacks, electronic goods, games, textiles and food. There are also terrific restaurants and cafes along this street where you can refuel. The quality varies widely so pay careful attention to be sure to get the best value for your shopping dollar.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It's one of the better bargain areas of north Montreal for the careful shopper.
Sherel's expert tip: Take the subway to the Jean-Talon, Beaubien or Rosemont stops to reach the Plaza.
It may be famous for its nightlife but Montréal's Gay Village also has some fun shops to visit. Stroll along Amherst Street to visit some of the quirky vintage shops such as Frip Frap selling anything that's worth buying. It's got quite the collection of retro tables and chairs. Second Chance is another vintage store selling popular items from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Visit G.O.D. for some heavenly men's fashions or KA·VIE·ART for collectibles made by Quebec artisans. The notorious Priape is an adult store famous for its wacky window displays. When you tire of shopping, head to the good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Gay Village has a great collection of vintage shops.
Sherel's expert tip: Parking is a challenge in this neighborhood so take public transportation or grab a cab.
Strategically located in front of Place-des-Arts and the Place des Festivals, the Complexe Desjardins houses 110 stores, a hotel, food court and several restaurants. You'll find the usual big brand names, a few bargain stores and some specialty boutiques. What makes this shopping center so attractive is the vast public plaza filled with natural light and plants where concerts, events and presentations are held throughout the year. During the Jazz festival, shows and workshops take place here. It's connected to the Underground City and within walking of the Quartier des spectacles (Entertainment District), Chinatown, Ste Catherine street and other attractions.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Where else can you skate, shop, eat and take in a show all in one place?
Sherel's expert tip: There's free WiFi access throughout the complex.
The beautiful domed tower of the historic Marché Bonsecours is one of the most recognizable buildings in Old Montreal. It shares the same name as the nearby church. In the past, this building has served as a public market, a concert hall, Montreal's city hall and even the Parliament of Lower Canada. It became a permanent public market in 1859 and remains a popular spot renowned for housing 15 artisan boutiques highlighting Québec artists, designers and artisans. Look for original creations from members of Le Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec (Québec's Craft Council). Enjoy a great selection of cafés, bistros and restaurants as well.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It's the best place to pick up original, high-end Quebec designer goods.
Sherel's expert tip: Bonsecours translates roughly to good help or safe harbor and was one of the first buildings spotted by sailors arriving at the port of Montreal.
Ste. Catherine is one of the largest stretch of retail stores in Canada with access to over 1,200 merchants. Designer boutiques have sprung up in the area and attract well-to-do professionals and fashionistas alike. The district is especially popular with English-speaking residents and visitors. Montréal's iconic stores such as La Baie, Ogilvy, Simons, Holt Renfrew and Birks can be found here alongside the Eaton Center, Complexe Les Ailes, Place Montréal Trust, Les Cours Mont-Royal and the famous Underground City. Faubourg Ste. Catherine has a great food court and small market with speciality stores. Close by is the Les Ailes de la Mode,the 40-million-dollar shoppers' paradise.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It has the largest collection of big box stores in Montreal and is a favorite downtown street for shoppers.
Sherel's expert tip: The main drag of shops starts at Atwater Street. Head east along Ste Catherine for all the major shopping centers and stores.
Montreal's winters are long and cold and summers short and hot, so it makes sense that a whole complex of indoor shopping has evolved. The Underground City is 19 miles of tunnels connecting over 60 commercial complexes and residences. Close to half a million people use the Underground city daily to access hotels, shopping malls, banks, corporate headquarters, museums, university buildings, seven metro stations, two commuter train stations, and the Bell Centre hockey arena. There are 120 above ground entrances and once below you can access Place Bonaventure, Windsor Station, Les Cours mount-Royal, Place Montreal Trust, the Eaton Centre, Place de la Cathedrale, Complexe Les Ailes de la Mode, the Stock Exchange Tower and the World Trade Center. In 2004 the Underground City was rebranded and given the name RESO/ La Ville Souterraine. Leave your winter coat back at the hotel, head underground and shop 'til you drop.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: This underground shopping center is particularly lively during the cold winter months when shoppers seek shelter.
Sherel's expert tip: The name RÉSO is a homophone of the French word réseau or network of tunnels.
Funky Mont-Royal Avenue is the main street through Montreal's Plateau area. It is well known for its many "friperies", stylish second hand shops where you can design the "Montreal look" that has made the city famous as Canada's fashion center. There are over 300 merchants along this street, all selling something off-beat and unique. Shop for reasonably priced original products, cool hats and jewelry, great shoes, music, books and other accessories. Mount-Royal Avenue is a great place to rent or by a bike and to find some good restaurants including vegetarian places for lunch, dinner or just a coffee and pastry to keep up your shopping energy.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Mont-Royal Avenue is a scenic shopping street running through one of Montreal's favorite neighborhoods featuring 300+ merchants.
Sherel's expert tip: Apres shopping, continue west along Mont Royal and you'll end up at the mountain and Mont Royal Park.
Since 1792, "The Main" has been the dividing line between the east and west sides of Montreal. Saint-Laurent Boulevard, a.ka. "the Main" is by far the busiest street in the city and the commercial hub of Montréal. The mélange of cultures here is reflected in the crazy mix of stores. There's everything from the high-end to the low-end in fashion, home furnishing, jewelry, books, music, collectibles and shoes. If you're in town for the sidewalk sales, held in the spring and fall, you're in for a shopping frenzy of bargains galore. The Main is also a great place for eating, drinking and dancing.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Both sides of Montreal come together here to shop, eat, drink and dance.
Sherel's expert tip: It's best place in the city to pick up foods from around the globe.
Along with great shopping, Rue Saint-Denis is the city's best hangout for drinks on the many patios while watching trend - setting locals. Take a walk between Mont-Royal Avenue and Sherbrooke Street and you'll be visiting the epicenter of Canadian trendy and hip fashion with many boutiques offering the latest from top Quebec's designers. You'll also find unique decor and wares for the home, exclusive cosmetics and perfumes, unique jewelry, books and music. This is also where shoppers gather for breakfast,lunch, dinner and drinks especially when the weather is warm and sunny. Evenings, when stores stay open late, is a good time to shop before heading out to the dance venues.
Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It's one of the best places to find Quebec designer fashions at great prices.
Sherel's expert tip: North of Sherbrooke look for trendy boutiques while the south end comprises the Latin Quartier with hip bars and restaurants.
A city within a city, Place Ville Marie is a large shopping complex in central Montreal.The lights you see sweeping across the night skies come from the rotating beacon on its rooftop. The center allows visitors direct access to key subway stations, the South Shore bus terminal, and the Windsor and Central train stations. Two major hotels are also linked to Galerie Place Ville Marie: the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. Comprising an underground shopping plaza,it's known locally at PVM. You'll find over 80 upscale boutiques and stores offering ready-wear-collections and high-end products as well as a food court and several good restaurants. A clever cruciform structure designed by the Sino-American architect, Ieoh Ming Pei allows natural light into the center of the building giving the plaza a light and airy feel complimented by notable pieces of public art.
