Top Rated Shopping in Montreal

Located close to downtown, this open-air market has been serving lovers of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, eggs and other organic produce since 1933. Many of Montreal's restaurant owners drop by on their daily shopping expeditions. Farmers simply drive their trucks up to a series of stalls, and customers can stroll buy checking out the goods. Surrounding Marché Jean-Talon are bakeries, health food stores, cheese shops, a horticultural center, and a host of other stores.

Set in an art deco-building and in existence since 1933, this market has both indoor and outdoor sections. Aside from fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, you have your choice of a wide variety of commodities: from specialty shops selling delicious baked goods to butchers and fishmongers. La Fromagerie boasts more than 400 types of cheese from France and Quebec, including a raw goat milk cheddar. The Premiere Moisson bakery is famous for its flaky croissants and game-based pâtés. Even if you have already done your food shopping, it is a great place for people watching.

Located in the cultural and tourism heart of Old Montreal, this neoclassic building dates from the mid-18th Century. It has been home to a city hall, a reception center, and public markets. In fact, following an 1849 fire in the Parliament Building, it became the seat of the United Canada Government. Today, following two restorations, the silver-domed building is used as an exhibition hall. It teems with sidewalk cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and fine arts galleries. You will find everything from maps to fashion accessories and First People's art.

The Word Bookstore, a legendary used bookstore specializes in the classics and the humanities, and also has a large drama and poetry selection. Thanks to its location, close to McGill University, it stocks up on used text books at the beginning of the school year. The store also sells new editions of local writers, and its poetry selection is unsurpassed in the city.

Montreal's first used record outlet is in many ways still the best. Poky, musty and full of great finds in both the CD and book departments, it's a source of great, unexpected treasures. Though it offers a fairly impressive selection of used rock, R&B, classical and world music, the shop really shines in its assortment of jazz, blues, electronica and other experimental genres. You can check out the catalog online, or consult the extremely knowledgeable staff, who will be glad to let you have a listen to your prospective purchases.

Souvenir du Quebec has served a popular city institution for quite a few years. It is a well-stocked souvenir shop which has an assorted collection of keepsakes for everyone. The shop has t-shirts, key-chains, maple syrups, post cards, mugs, tall glasses and many more interesting items. Walk in to the shop to get one of the best suited souvenir for your family and friends.