The 10 Best Shopping Area in Montreal Updated 2022
As Montreal’s second largest mall, Place Bonaventure is home to over 700 stores, restaurants, movie theaters, a skating rink, and many more attractions for the entire family.
Montreal is an exciting city to shop, with a unique atmosphere and vibe. Whether you want a chic, urban experience or you’re looking for a cozy and authentic spot, there’s a place for everyone here.
Here are our top 10 best shopping areas in Montreal to help you navigate the city and find your perfect spot.
Best Shopping Malls and Centers in Montréal
Plaza St Hubert
In the market for some new clothes at a reduced price? You may then find over 400 vendors gathering under the beautiful green awnings at Plaza St. Hubert Street.
There’s a lot of glitzy club wear and prom dresses, as well as lots of bridal gowns.
Since its inception in 1954, it has been a mecca for bargain hunters looking for anything from designer shoes and formal dress to jewelry, lingerie, perfume, cosmetics, trinkets, electronics, toys, and even food.
You’ll also find a number of excellent eateries and cafés along this route. To ensure that you obtain the most value for your money, pay attention to the quality.
Recommended because: It’s a great place for bargain hunters in north Montreal.
Expert tip: To get to the Plaza, take the train to Jean-Talon, Beaubien, or Rosemont.
Le Village Gai
Montréal’s Gay Village may be most known for its nightlife, but it also boasts a number of interesting businesses to peruse.
The odd vintage boutiques like Frip Frap, which offer anything worth purchasing, can be found on Amherst Street. Retro dining tables and chairs abound in this space.
Vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s may be found at Second Chance. If you’re a fan of G.O.D. and KAVIEART, you’ll want to check out their respective boutiques.
One of the best-known adult stores in the world is the infamous Priape. After a long day of shopping, reward yourself with a meal at one of the many restaurants, cafés, or pubs nearby.
Recommended because: Vintage businesses may be found in abundance in the Gay Village.
Expert tip: Getting about by car is difficult in this area, so either use public transit or hail a cab.
Complexe Desjardins
The Complexe Desjardins, with its 110 stores, hotel, food court, and several restaurants, is ideally situated in front of Place-des-Arts and Place des Festivals.
Big name brands, discount retailers, and niche boutiques may all be found in the area. The public plaza, which is filled with natural light and greenery, is what makes this retail complex so appealing.
Concerts, events, and presentations are hosted here throughout the year. Shows and seminars are held here during the Jazz Festival.
The Quartier des spectacles, Chinatown, and Ste Catherine Street, among other attractions, are all within walking distance.
Recommended because: Is there somewhere else where you can skate, dine, and see a performance all in one place?
Expert tip: The entire complex has free Wi-Fi.
Marché Bonsecours
The majestic dome of the old Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal is one of the city’s most iconic structures. Its name is derived from that of the neighboring church.
Previously, this edifice operated as a public market, a music hall, Montreal’s City Hall, and even the Parliament of Lower Canada. 1859 saw the market’s transformation into an everlasting public gathering place.
Today, 15 artisan businesses on-site celebrate and promote the work of local artists, designers, and craftspersons.
Make sure to look for original works by members of the Quebec Craft Council (Quebec’s Craft Council). You may also dine at a number of cafes, bistros, and restaurants.
Recommended because: They provide a wide selection of high-end, unique Quebec designer items.
Expert tip: Bonsecours, which means “good aid” or “safe harbor” in French, was one of the first structures that approaching ships at Montreal saw.
Ste-Catherine Street
Ste. Catherine has nearly 1,200 retailers, making it one of Canada’s major retail corridors.
There are a number of high-end shops in the region that cater to the tastes of both the well-heeled and the fashion-conscious. Residents and visitors from English-speaking countries flock to the area.
The Eaton Center, Complexe Les Ailes, Place Montréal Trust, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and the famed Underground City are all located in this area of downtown Montreal.
There is a nice food court and a little market in Faubourg Ste. Catherine with specialty shops. Just a few blocks away is the 40 million dollar shopping mall Les Ailes de la Mode.
Recommended because: It is one of Montreal’s most popular shopping streets because of its significant concentration of big box retailers.
Expert tip: To get to the major shopping district, walk down Atwater Street. All of the major commercial complexes and establishments may be found along Ste Catherine to the east.
RÉSO (or La Ville Souterraine)
As a result of the city’s harsh winters and brief summers, a massive indoor mall has sprung up in Montreal. Connecting more than 60 business and residential properties, the Underground City has 19 kilometers of tunnels.
Every day, half a million people utilize the Underground city to go around hotels, retail malls, banks, corporations, museums and university buildings as well as the seven metro stations, two commuter rail stations, and the Bell Centre hockey arena.
Place Bonaventure, Windsor Station, Les Cours Mount-Royal, Place Montreal Trust, the Eaton Centre, Complexe Les Ailes de la Mode, the Stock Exchange Tower, and the World Trade Center are all within a few blocks of one another.
The name “Underground City” was changed to “RESO/ La Ville Souterraine” in 2004 to reflect the new marketing identity. Enjoy some retail therapy while your coat is in the hotel’s storage room.
Recommended because: During the chilly winter months, when people seek refuge from the elements, this retail mall’s underground level comes alive with activity.
Expert tip: As the name RÉSO suggests, it’s derived from the French term réseau, which means “network of tunnels.”
L’avenue du Mont Royal
The Plateau district of Montreal is bisected by the funky Mont-Royal Avenue. As Canada’s fashion capital, Montreal is famed for its many “friperies,” trendy second-hand boutiques where you can create the “Montreal style.”
Nearly three hundred small businesses line this one street, each offering a distinctive product or service. Find unique items at reasonable prices, as well as hats, jewelry, shoes, CDs, and other media.
You can rent or buy a bike on Mount-Royal Avenue, and you’ll also find several fantastic vegetarian restaurants for lunch and supper, as well as places to stop for a coffee and croissant while you’re out shopping.
Recommended because: There are more than 300 shops on Mont-Royal Avenue, which runs through one of Montreal’s most popular districts.
Expert tip: Take the Mont Royal Parkway west after shopping and you’ll arrive at the mountaintop and the Mont Royal Parkway.
Boulevard St Laurent
As far back as 1792, “The Main” has served as the demarcation line between Montreal’s east and west sides.
The Main, also known as Saint-Laurent Boulevard, is the city’s busiest thoroughfare and the center of commerce in Montréal. The eclectic variety of shops reflects the city’s diverse population.
Fashion, home furnishings, jewelry, literature, music, collectibles, and shoes are all available. In the spring and fall, the city’s sidewalk sales attract bargain-hunters from all over the world.
Also, the Main is a terrific spot to dine and drink, as well as to dance the night away.
Recommended because: Shop, dine, drink, and dance the night away in this cosmopolitan neighborhood.
Expert tip: In terms of global cuisine, it’s the greatest eatery in town.
Rue St Denis
Many terraces along Rue Saint-Denis provide refreshments while observing the city’s trendiest residents while you shop.
Between Mont-Royal Avenue and Sherbrooke Street, you’ll find a slew of shops showcasing the newest designs from some of Quebec’s best-known designers.
Decor and products for the house, special cosmetics and fragrances, one-of-a-kind jewelry, literature and music may also be found in the store.
When the weather is bright and sunny, here is where shoppers meet for breakfast, lunch, supper, and beverages.
Stores that remain open later in the evening are ideal for pre-dance shopping.
Recommended because: There are some of the finest deals on Quebec designer clothing to be found here.
Expert tip: The fashionable shops may be found in the north of Sherbrooke, while the Latin Quartier can be found in the south.
Place Ville Marie
Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, Place Ville Marie is a massive retail mall. The spinning beacon on its rooftop generates the sweeping floodlights you see in the night sky.
In addition to the Windsor and Central railway stations, the South Shore bus terminal, and significant metro stations, the center provides direct access to the center.
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth and the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure are also connected to Galerie Place Ville Marie. Locals nickname it “PVM” since it consists of an underground retail mall.
More than 80 upmarket shops and retailers, including a food court and numerous excellent restaurants, can be found in the area.
With the help of Ieoh Ming Pei’s ingenious cruciform construction, natural light is allowed into the building’s core, creating a bright and airy sense in the plaza that is complemented by outstanding public art.
Montreal Eaton Centre
Address: 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine O Montreal, QC H3B 4G5
Website: http://www.centreeatondemontreal.com/
Phone: (514) 288-3708
I appreciate how neat and orderly everything is here. When I’m in town, it’s usually just a fast dash in and out, but there are some interesting possibilities even if it’s small.
COVID has made me crave areas where I can simply wander and remain warm.
CF Carrefour Laval
Address: 3035 Boulevard le Carrefour Laval, QC H7T 1C8
Website: http://www.carrefourlaval.ca
Phone: (450) 687-1360
The greatest shopping center in the greater Montreal area, in my opinion!
Almost any business or restaurant imaginable may be found in this shopping center. Lovely Christmas decorations and a well adorned house. There is a lot of walking to be done at this mall, so be prepared!
During COVID hours, the mall limits the amount of visitors, but on a Saturday, it was a little too crowded for my liking. For a cold day, the underground parking was quite convenient.
If you’re in Montreal, don’t miss it! (and Laval).
Jeans Jeans Jeans
Address: 5575 Casgrain Avenue Montreal, QC H2T 1Y1
Website: http://www.jeansjeansjeans.ca
Phone: (514) 279-3303
The first pair of jeans you buy here will make you realize what a fool you have been making yourself out to be buying jeans from anywhere else.
At 1985, I discovered a specialist store like this one, and the last time I bought pants in a pompous department store was in 1985.
In the end, I was annoyed by the plethora of ‘extras’ the owner tried to sell while you waited for your pants to be adjusted, which effectively nullified any savings.
Then, around eight years ago, I came across an item in The Gazette that mentioned Jeans Jeans Jeans (I believe it was written by Sandra Philips).
After measuring you up, the person who brings your new pants understands exactly what you’re looking for.
Parking can be a problem at times, but there is indoor parking accessible across the street; I never took advantage of that option, but others may have.
The furnishings are as basic as they get, but the billboard stating why you are leaving with the best price anywhere is amusing to read.
Place Montreal Trust
Address: 1500 Avenue McGill College Montreal, QC H3A 3J5
Website: http://www.placemontrealtrust.com/
Phone: (514) 843-8000
Place Montreal Trust is only one of the several shopping centers in downtown Montreal linked by the RESO tunnel. The Centre Eaton is to the east, while the Carrefour Industrielle Alliance is to the west.
Wherever the food court is located, Winners is my favorite shop at Place Montreal Trust. Once, there was an Italian clothing store in the mall called Rinascimento that closed down.
Chain retailers like Zara, Laura, Reitman’s, and so on have taken over most of the retail space in recent years.
It’s true that De Cabana, an independent retailer, distributes Canadian labels like Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman (of which I have mixed feelings, to me some pieces are cool and stylish, but some pieces are tacky and gaudy, and some are just downright matronly).
Stores range in price from low-end to mid-range.
Centre Rockland
Address: 2305 Rue Rockland Mont-Royal, QC H3P 3E9
Website: http://www.centrerockland.com
Phone: (514) 342-2872
Although malls are dwindling in popularity, Centre Rockland is the one I return to time and time again.
When I’m unsure of what I want or want to try something on before purchasing, I like to go to this store because of its “Townie” ambiance.
Several elements of the hotel have recently been refurbished to bring it up to date. For the most discerning eaters, the food court has been revamped and now offers a wide variety of options.
Eggspectations and No. 900 Pizza are also on-site.
World Trade Centre Montreal
Address: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria Montreal, QC H2Y 3Y9
Website: http://www.centredecommercemondial.com/
Phone: (514) 982-9888
There are two Yelp listings for this business, and I have no idea which one is the correct one.
During our trek from Old Montreal to our hotel, we happened upon the Centre De Commerce Mondial De Montreal. Montreal’s World Trade Center is its full name in English (if I translated correctly).
A combination of an office complex, a hotel, and a shopping mall can be seen in this building’s design. The inside is just as stunning as the outside.
Please allow us to explore the complex and find all of its hidden gems. The next time I’m in Montreal, I’ll have to save this place for another visit.
Les Galeries du Parc
Address: 3575 Avenue du Parc Montreal, QC H2X 3P9
Phone: (514) 284-2900
There are no apparel retailers here, which is unusual for a mall of this size. It’s a movie theater, a metro supermarket, an Eden grocery, a pharmacy, and a dollarama all rolled into one. There are a few locations where you can get mall food.
Conclusion
With this list, we have compiled the most comprehensive list of the best shopping areas in Montreal. These areas include malls, strip centres, big box stores, independent shops and more.
Whether you are looking for a great place to eat, some incredible shopping options, or just a central location that is close to public transportation, these areas are sure to have something for you!
