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.
Named after the now-defunct Eaton's, once one of Canada's most recognizable trademarks, this bright and airy complex still attracts shoppers in search of renowned brands, under one roof. Though not as big or famous as Toronto's landmark shopping center, Montreal's version boasts dozens of stores, two food courts and a multi-screen cinema. Shoppers will find every significant North American shopping chain, and many American visitors flock to Montreal Eaton Centre for the discounts offered by Canadian currency conversion. A day-long shopping-spree is bound to happen!
An entertainment and shopping center on the outskirts of Montreal, Quartier DIX30 is an expansive shopping and entertainment district. The center features over 300 retail boutiques, dining and recreational spots including cinemas, spas, and restaurants. This lifestyle hub is a shopper's paradise and a great place to spend an afternoon of retail therapy. Cinema Cineplex, Hotel Alt, Breakout, and Spin Skatepark are a few of the top destinations here.
Place Rosemère is a large shopping mall in Rosemère. With over 200 retail outlets, the mall offers specialty products like clothing for men and women, fashion accessories, shoes, cosmetics, pharmacy among others. Take a break from all the shopping by having a quick meal in one of their restaurants from their food court. Check their website for sales and discounts.
Bordered by Jeanne Mance Street, Saint Catherine, René Lévesque Boulevard and Saint-Urbain, Complexe Desjardins is a multi-functional arena that houses a shopping mall, corporate offices, and hotels in Montreal. Various commercial companies and government offices are located in this complex. Besides the commercial use, the complex is a great place to spend a day with its boutiques, restaurants, food courts and fitness center as well as the regular events that are hosted here.
This grand dame of St-Catherine Street stores has undergone many changes since it first opened more than 130 years ago. What was once the store of choice for genteel Montrealers is now a series of upscale boutiques, ranging from the Pavillon Christofle crystal ware shop to Gifts and Gear for gardeners. During the Christmas holiday season, the store revives its famous antique Enchanted Village from the 1940s. It is not uncommon for dozens of shoppers to stop and watch the mechanical animals bobbing up and down in the display window.
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.
Run by Louise Bouchard, one of Quebec's foremost herbalists, this upscale boutique pampers its customers with plants and herbs, essential oils, cosmetics, gifts, herbal teas and outstanding service. Aside from running one of the finest such stores in North America, Bouchard imparts her knowledge to the next generation at l'Herbolist College in Montreal. Manufactured in-house and claiming myriad restorative powers, the teas are a perfect complement to the house brand cosmetics, soaps and lotions. The beautifully decorated interior attracts throngs of rue St-Denis shoppers in search of some serenity.
Chocobel makes their chocolates right inside their petite Parisian-like store on De Castelnau Street. Dozens of products are noteworthy. Imagine chocolate and cheese together. It's a fabulous marriage of parmesan and iced apple cider, or dates and blue cheese, as well as goat cheese with raspberry. They have chocolate-covered lollipops with homemade marshmallow and mandarin orange. Order little chocolates made with ingredients from Quebec, like cranberries or wild ginger. Chocobel is a great place for gift ideas and general indulging. Sugar-free chocolate is available, too, flavored with maltitol.
If you prefer leather in any make or form, then head to Boutique Ricci, for designer leather creations. From bags to clothing to accesories, this place is a leather stop.
Comfort is the order of the day at this attractive Rue St-Denis shoe store. With brands like Rockport, ecco, Clarks and Mephisto, you will find everything in high quality dress and casual shoes you could ever want. And though the brand names speak for themselves, the service here stands out as well - miles from the uninformed amateurism of the chain stores, the staff here lives by their comfort guarantee. Periodic sales and promotions are available, though the regular prices are hardly out of reach.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy this massive game and toy store. From a simple chess set to the latest role-playing games, from kites to books, from stuffed animals to Monopoly (the Montreal Edition) and from Pokemon to tarot cards, there isn't much in the world of leisure that you cannot find here. The staff are all game nuts themselves, each with his or her own area of expertise. Le Valet has the feel of a place that knows it is at the top of its game.