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.
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.
If you have ever wished to own a custom-made, stylish hat, then Ophelie Hats is where you should belong to. Located on the busy Saint Laurent Boulevard in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, this specialty boutique boasts of an exciting display of hats, in designs that cover various definitions of contemporary and classic. Founded in the year 1990 by Corine A. Serruya, a known Montreal-based designer, Ophelie Hats sells chic headpieces for fall, summer and winter. Other hair accessories like pins, clips and headbands also form a part of its trendy merchandise.
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 collection is one of the best in the city.
Brainchild of Guillaume Vaillant this Mile-End bakery was sure to be a hit from the get-go with a food philosophy that is firmly centered around fresh, quality ingredients, locally-sourced from the bakery's neighbors. Infused with a spirit of innovation and a respect for the traditional way of doing things, Boulangerie Guillaume blends together the best of the old and new, offering a staggering selection of freshly-baked, artisanal breads and savory treats each day. While the variety on offer can be intimidating at times, the simple truth is that you can't go wrong no matter what you finally choose. A modest selection of juices, hot drinks and sandwiches are served as well, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
While there is no dearth of antique and vintage items stores in Montreal, The Little Shop is certainly one-of-its-kind. Perched on a busy street, it is easy to dismiss it as a run-down brick structure. However, the moment you step inside and a treasure trove of rare vintage pieces greet you. Peruse its exhaustive collection featuring old cameras, belts, hand-woven rugs, traditional prints and vintage wedding dresses. Vintage cutlery, Anne dolls and Baptism outfits are also on display at this vibrant Montreal space.
J&R Kosher Meat and Delicatessen is the brain child of Robert Nemes who immigrated from Romania. He started this shop in 1952 to cater to the Jewish community in the neighborhood. This meat shop is one of the oldest and most renowned in Quebec that supplies quality meat. The shop relocated from its original address to a bigger space in Cavendish Mall. Over the years, the store has moved one notch higher by including amazing varieties of hamburgers, smoked meat, sausages and weekly specials as well as packaged food, takeout and delivery options.
Brainchild of Guillaume Vaillant this Mile-End bakery was sure to be a hit from the get-go with a food philosophy that is firmly centered around fresh, quality ingredients, locally-sourced from the bakery's neighbors. Infused with a spirit of innovation and a respect for the traditional way of doing things, Boulangerie Guillaume blends together the best of the old and new, offering a staggering selection of freshly-baked, artisanal breads and savory treats each day. While the variety on offer can be intimidating at times, the simple truth is that you can't go wrong no matter what you finally choose. A modest selection of juices, hot drinks and sandwiches are served as well, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
While there is no dearth of antique and vintage items stores in Montreal, The Little Shop is certainly one-of-its-kind. Perched on a busy street, it is easy to dismiss it as a run-down brick structure. However, the moment you step inside and a treasure trove of rare vintage pieces greet you. Peruse its exhaustive collection featuring old cameras, belts, hand-woven rugs, traditional prints and vintage wedding dresses. Vintage cutlery, Anne dolls and Baptism outfits are also on display at this vibrant Montreal space.
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.
Drawn & Quarterly, one of the world's premiere publishers of graphic novels as well as many other book gems, runs a vibrant flagship store in Montreal's Mile End district. Framed by its brick walls, Drawn & Quarterly showcases local publishing houses, independent comics, and small-run presses. It's like a well-curated art gallery with hand-picked objects, where bibliophiles can admire these works of art and thumb through them. They also have book launches galore with the likes of Gaiman and McKean, as well as numerous workshops.
If you are a tea lover then Camellia Sinensis will win your heart over. This is an adorable tea-room located at the Rue Émery. The place is very peaceful, lit with yellow lights that accent the Asian decor around. Once you make yourself comfortable, go over the menu and order for something regular or be adventurous and try something new; neither will disappoint you. Tea arrives in cute little Asian tea pots with delicate baked goods or slices of fresh fruits. If you like something you tasted then head over to their boutique and buy the product.