Where to go shopping in Montreal

Montreal, the cultural heart of Canada, offers an unparalleled shopping experience. Known for its blend of European charm and North American innovation, this city has something for every shopper. From bustling commercial streets and luxury boutiques to quirky thrift stores and artisan markets, Montreal is the perfect place to do some shopping, whether you're looking for high-end luxury brands at the local department stores, vintage boutiques, or art galleries that proudly display the work of local creators.

Montreal is not a cheap city by any means. However, if bargain-hunting is your thing, the city does have some great markets where you may be able to strike a deal. Downtown Montreal (Centre Ville) is the best place to find these markets, along with some of the better local boutiques selling local products, and of course the flagship department stores with their luxury brands.

Shopping in Montreal is as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. And you can make your shopping trip easier on yourself by leaving your bags behind with Bounce. We partner with local businesses to provide convenient luggage storage wherever you are. If you don't want to carry heavy luggage, or you simply bought more than you can carry and need a place to store some of the amazing things you purchased for a little while, we can help. With your new purchases safely looked after at any of our Montreal luggage storage spots, you can keep shopping. Or, choose to enjoy Canada's best nightlife and live music scene, knowing your belongings will be safely looked after until you're ready to pick them up.

All you need to know when shopping in Montreal

Shopping in Montreal is as dynamic as the city itself. But where you go can have a big influence on the kind of stores you'll find. Downtown Montreal is mostly about the big brands and department stores, although that's not to say that you can't find some interesting boutiques there, too. If you know what kind of shopping you want to do, whether it's flea markets, boutique stores, or high fashion, you can plan your route around the city based on the areas you want to visit.

Shopping architecture

Montreal’s shopping hubs range from vibrant outdoor streets to expansive underground malls. Sainte-Catherine Street is a prime destination for mainstream shopping, while Old Montreal offers boutique-style experiences. The Underground City, a vast network of connected shopping complexes, ensures year-round convenience regardless of weather.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops open between 9:30 AM and 10 AM and close by 6 PM or 7 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Sundays typically have reduced hours, and many independent shops may close earlier. During the holiday season, expect extended hours and festive markets.

Pricing and bargaining

While prices are usually fixed in boutiques and malls, local markets and pop-ups might offer some room for negotiation. In general, Canadians are not big on haggling, so while you may get a dollar or two knocked off at a local market, most stores price items with the expectation that that's what you will pay. Don’t forget to check for seasonal sales during Boxing Day (December 26) and Black Friday (late November).

Shop like a local

Bring a reusable bag to fit in with Montreal’s eco-conscious culture. It's getting almost impossible to get free bags from stores, and having to buy new bags to carry your purchases can really add to the cost of your shopping expedition. Also, while most places accept cards, it’s wise to carry some Canadian dollars for smaller vendors. You can find cash-dispensing ATMs throughout the city, and depending on your arrangements with your home bank, you may be able to take Canadian money straight out of the machine for the best possible rate.

Coolest shops in Montreal

Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods are home to some truly unique shopping experiences. Here are a few must-visit spots:

Eva B

A mix between a thrift store, café, and event space, Eva B is an iconic destination for vintage lovers. Packed with clothing, accessories, and costumes, this quirky shop is a treasure trove of eclectic finds. It's a great example of the kind of effortlessly cool shopping experience you can have in Montréal, so if you're after a truly one-of-a-kind item, check out one of the best choices for thrift shopping in Montreal. Spend some time in the café and maybe enjoy some live music or another performance while you're there.

Address: 2015 Saint-Laurent Boulevard

Pro tip: Drop off your shopping bags at a nearby Bounce location to explore the area hands-free. Bounce has locations throughout Montréal so no matter how much shopping you do, you can always drop your new purchases off with us and then continue enjoying the city. That way, a shopping excursion can turn into a night out on the town, and you don't have to worry about what you'll do with your things.

Marché Bonsecours

Located in Old Montreal, this historic market is a hub for local artisans. From handcrafted jewelry and clothing to fine art and gourmet treats, Marché Bonsecours is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. Technically, this is a shopping mall, but the historic architecture combined with the high quality of the stores inside make it feel a long way away from the classic North American suburban shopping mall experience. It would be almost too easy to spend a day here browsing the shops and looking for unique items, you'll need a budget to match.

Address: 350 Saint-Paul Street East.

Annex Vintage

This trendy shop in the Mile End neighborhood specializes in vintage clothing and accessories with a modern twist. The carefully curated selection is ideal for fashion-forward shoppers, and like many of the vintage stores in Montréal, you can often find some truly amazing one-of-a-kind pieces at real bargain prices.

Address: 5364 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal

Shopping in Montreal beyond clothing

Montreal offers much more than just fashion. If clothes shopping in Montreal isn't your thing, don't worry. There are plenty more great things to browse for here. Explore these specialty shops and markets for unique, non-clothing finds:

Atwater Market

One of Montreal’s most popular public markets, Atwater Market is known for its gourmet offerings. From fresh produce and fine cheeses to locally-made maple syrup, it’s a paradise for food lovers. Let your inner foodie run wild in one of the best food markets in a city that is known for them, and try the local produce of Québec and beyond.

Address: 138 Atwater Avenue

Drawn & Quarterly

A haven for book enthusiasts, this independent bookstore is renowned for its selection of graphic novels, local literature, and zines. In many ways, this bookstore acts as much as a community hub as it does a place to shop. It's also worth considering supporting independent bookstores as they become more and more rare in our towns and cities. Don’t miss the regular book launches and events here, too.

Address: 211 Bernard Street West

Aux 33 Tours

Vinyl enthusiasts will love Aux 33 Tours, a record store offering an impressive collection of new and used records across all genres. If you miss the excitement of browsing for new music and getting recommendations from knowledgeable staff, this is a great place to recapture that atmosphere. And if you're of the younger generation (the group streaming music instead of buying it), you'll get a kick out of this retro but still vibrant place.

Address: 1373 Mont-Royal Avenue East

Traditional shopping options in Montreal

For those seeking more conventional shopping experiences, Montreal has a variety of options to explore at malls like the Eaton Centre and Les Cours Mont-Royal.

Eaton Centre

Situated on Sainte-Catherine Street, the Eaton Centre is a major downtown shopping mall featuring popular brands like Zara, Uniqlo, and Sephora. The food court is also worth a visit for a quick bite. While it doesn't offer anything particularly unique, this mall is a great place to come if you have a lot of things you need to buy under one roof, or just want a few basic items and don't need to go anywhere special.

Address: 705 Sainte-Catherine Street West

Quartier DIX30

Located just outside Montreal in Brossard, this lifestyle center combines shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s home to over 300 stores, including premium and outlet options.

Address: 9090 Boul. Leduc, Brossard

Place Montréal Trust

Another downtown favorite, this mall boasts a mix of international retailers and local boutiques. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for busy travelers. It's found right next to the Eaton Centre, so if you can't find what you're looking for at one of these locations, chances are you'll find it in the other.

Address: 1500 McGill College Avenue

Montreal’s shopping scene is as multifaceted as its culture. From chic boutiques and vintage stores to sprawling malls and gourmet markets, the city offers endless opportunities for retail therapy. If you're a shopping fan, you'll be in heaven, and even if you're not, chances are good you'll find something to enjoy in the varied stores of the city center and the neighborhoods of Montréal. Don't forget that Bounce is always here to help look after your bags so that you never need to carry more than you can handle.