Anne-Charlotte PasseraAfter 12 years living in Montreal, we’ve been able to pull together an extensive shopping guide.
But when you’re new to the city, you can feel a little lost, even if you’re fluent in French and English. You can find everything in Montreal. You just have to know where to go without expecting everything to be the same as back home.
The first thing we learned the day we arrived in Montreal was that a small convenience store is called Dépanneur. Translated in French, one would think it was meant for cars. It’s not the case.
At the dépanneur, there are no fruits and vegetables. It’s the place to buy drinks, beer, little things useful for everyday life, chips for happy hour, and cigarettes. You can find them everywhere on the island of Montreal. Usually, you can only pay by cash or by debit card (minimum amount required).
Tobacco shops do not exist here in Quebec. For that, you have to go to the dépanneur, the supermarket, or the gas station.
So, are you ready to discover our best spots to do your shopping in Montreal?
First necessities – Where to shop in Montreal
You’ll soon discover that shopping in Montreal is expensive. At least, if you want to eat like at home such as France.
To save money, you’ll have to shop in different places. I know, it’s a pain. But, with a little organization, it’s possible.
A few years ago, buying groceries cost me $125 a week. There were only three of us, me and my sons aged 11 and 3. Now that we are 4 and my children are older, it costs us about $200 a week. We eat more meat because my husband is a big carnivore. That said, when I was alone with my children I did not have a car. My choices of supermarkets were quite limited.
Delicatessens exist here, but they cost a fortune. We go there for special occasions. For everyday shopping, here are some stores that you’ll often come across. Enquirer at the one near your home. Sometimes, they deliver for less than $5. This can be convenient if you don’t have a car and live upstairs with small children.
Don’t forget to bring back your empty beer bottles or soda cans to the store. You’ll get money back for them pending their size. It’s worth it! You can get 5 cents to 20 cents per bottle or can.
The Dollarama
The Dollarama or the dollar store is very popular. We quickly discovered it and shopped there the first year we arrived. As the name suggests, everything is $1 even if you can find something for $2, $3 or $4.
There is a little bit of everything at this store. It’s convenient for food like spaghetti sauce, cookies, cereals, body products, etc…
You can either pay with cash or by debit card.
Jean-Talon Market
Although not a brand name, the Jean-Talon market is an institution in Montreal. You won’t find a better place to buy your fruits and vegetables. However, don’t expect to be able to keep them for more than a week or 10 days.
Moreover, you won’t find a poultry or fish stand. At least, not like on European markets. Around the market, there are stores with organic meat, organic fish, a cheese maker, a bakery. It’s very nice. It’s very good. But it is very expensive!
There is a parking lot below the market that is not too expensive. You’ll waste less time parking there than going around the block to find a free spot. Otherwise, the closest metro station is Jean-Talon (blue and orange line).
Little tip: cash only at the stands. The market is open all year long.
I recommend (when it’s in season) that you buy the extra-large $7 can of applesauce. It’s delicious and you really get your money’s worth. You can freeze some for later. The stand is located next to the main entrance.
Maxi
If the idea of paying more than 2$ or even 3$ for a baguette makes you sick, Maxi offers you his for less than 1$. Usually, it’s still warm when you come to pick one up. You have to eat it the same day because it doesn’t survive well. It’s not great bread, but it’s better than eating sliced bread.
Maxi has the best prices on:
- yogurts;
- cereals;
- milk;
- orange juice;
- butter;
- canned goods.
I don’t recommend buying your meat there though because it’s not great quality.
Adonis
Personally, I love this supermarket. You can find tarama, hummus, fresh white cheese, Teissère syrup. The fruits and vegetables are of good quality as well.
It’s a good place to buy meat and even halal meat and marinated chicken skewers. They offer competitive prices for their meat and cheese.
They also sell take-away food. I recommend their whole chicken with garlic sauce. It is delicious.
If you don’t have a car to get there, there is one in Montreal next to the Atwater metro.
Métro and IGA
The Métro and IGA supermarkets are the big names for shopping in Quebec. However, it is a little more expensive than the other places already mentioned. Nonetheless, the meat and fish are good. Don’t buy your cheese at Metro, it’s way too expensive. IGA often gives some good deals or offers better prices.
You can subscribe to their membership card which is FREE. This gives you points. After a certain amount spent allows you to have a discount on your next shopping.
Costco
If you are a large family or planning a big party or wedding, Costco is the place to go.
You have to be a member to shop there. The annual membership costs at least $60. However, it can be worth it if you go at least 6 times a year. Furthermore, everything has to be bought in large quantities.
You will find everything there. It’s worth the trip for:
- Toilet paper;
- Laundry detergent;
- Cheese;
- Fish, their salmon is the best we’ve had so far;
- Meat;
- Pound cake (too good);
- Avocados;
- Lemons;
- Green beans;
- Beer.
There’s no point in bringing bags, because nothing will fit. They do provide boxes though if you don’t have any. To get there you will absolutely need a car.
The SAQ
Looking for alcohol? The SAQ is the only place to go for that in Quebec. You will find some beer there, but it’s better to go to the supermarket or to a dépanneur for that. Remarkably, there are convenience stores that specialize in microbrewery beer.
Of course you can buy wine at the supermarket or convenience store as well, but it is of poor quality. For more choices and better selections, you have to go to the SAQ. Plus, it’s the only place to buy hard liquor.
Have you been caught up in the gin trend? Well, Quebec makes its own gins. There are all kinds of gins made from mushrooms, seaweed, forest herbs, etc… Not bad.
Ask one of the salesmen at the SAQ if you can have a tasting.
A free SAQ card exists. If you plan to go frequently, take the card. With the accumulated points you’ll be entitled to interesting discounts.
There is also a SAQ outlet at Marché Central. 15% off when you buy 3 bottles. Moreover, the prices are reduced.
We went there to buy our alcohol for our WEDDING. It was worth it. Between their discounts, our accumulated points, the gift cards, we spent 220$ instead of 440$. Not bad!
Shopping in bulk – what is it?
Shopping in bulk is trending in Montreal. It’s a good thing.
In a nutshell, a bulk store allows you to do your grocery shopping for dry food based on the quantity YOU desire. You can either bring your own containers, buy some in the store or used the brown paper bags put at your disposal for FREE.
You will pay by weight. Don’t forget to weigh your containers BEFORE filling them up.
We particularly like going there to fill up our spice jars. Better quality, less costly. Furthermore, it’s a good place to test out more eco-friendly toothpaste and deodorants that are refillable. You’ll find a bit of everything in the store.
Bulk stores are popping up everywhere in Montreal. If you’re looking for a big one, you can go to Mega Vrac on Masson Street Rosemont. You can even order online.
Moreover, if you enjoy making your own cosmetic products, soaps, candles, I discovered a store that sells the ingredients in bulk. One Soak is right HERE.
What to do when you are sick in Montreal
To see a doctor here, you have to be patient. However, before wasting your time in a waiting room, go to the pharmacy. The pharmacist may be able to guide you or give you something to relieve the pain. All you have to do is ask.
The pharmacies here are mainly: Jean-Coutu, Pharmaprix, Uniprix.
You won’t find Doliprane or Efferalgan there, but Advil and Tylenol do the job well.
However, there is much more to the pharmacies than just pills and syrup. It’s like Rite Aid in the US for those who know. Also, the pharmacies always have promotions. They are worth going to for:
- Toilet paper;
- Laundry and fabric softener;
- Garbage bags;
- Hygienic products;
- Toothpaste;
- Shower gel and shampoo.
Did you know? At Jean-Coutu, you can renew your monthly transit pass (STM card), unless the Jean-Coutu is located near the metro. This is convenient and saves you from waiting in line on the 1st of each month at the metro station. You can renew the monthly card up to 1 week before the end of each month. It’s also possible to do it in some dépanneur.
Shopping for clothes in Montreal
You can find the same big brands in Montreal as in France like H&M and Zara. There are some on Sainte-Catherine Street and in the shopping malls of Montreal.
However, if you want something different, here are some places to discover.
Anthropologie
First of all, I admit that it’s not cheap to get dressed at Anthropologie, but you also go there for the experience and the difference. You won’t find their clothes anywhere else. Plus, they have original things to spruce up your home.
It’s better to wait for the sales so you can afford to treat yourself there.
I discovered this American brand when I was living in Philadelphia. That’s where the chain was born. If you’re interested in the bobo-chic spirit, I advise you to read: Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks which explains the spirit of Anthropologie and much more.
1861
1861 was for a long time my favorite store in Montreal. There are 2 in town. One is on Sainte-Catherine street, near Guy-Concordia metro and the other is on Saint-Laurent near Sherbrooke metro.
The choices are unique, colorful, elegant, and do not necessarily follow the trends. You can find beautiful dresses for around 100$. The online shopping experience is unique and personalized. It’s almost orgasmic when you receive your package from 1861! I don’t want to tell you more because it would ruin the surprise.
They even have a bridal boutique. That’s where I bought my wedding dress for under $200. It is now on consignment at Rent a Dress.
Loue 1 Robe
Loue 1 Robe, I discovered it last year during an interview I did for the Snack Bar.
If you’re looking for a wedding outfit, or a dress for a special event without overspending, and knowing that you won’t wear it back, go to Loue 1 Robe. The rental prices are not only really affordable but the service is excellent and personalized. There is something for every taste, every budget, and every size. I tell you more about it HERE.
Winners
Although I don’t go there often because I’m not a bargain shopper, if you like brands, but not necessarily the price tag, go to Winners. You might find a hidden treasure.
There is a Winners in downtown Montreal near McGill metro. At Winners, you’ll also find home decor items. Who’s lucky?
Old Navy
I go to Old Navy mainly to buy clothes for my kids. Why spend hundreds of dollars on children’s clothes that they will wear for a short time? I don’t know about you, but my kids grow fast.
There are constant deals both in-store and online. Sign up for their newsletter to keep up to date on current promotions.
Honestly, their clothes are stylish yet affordable, practical, and of pretty good quality. Many of my older son’s clothes have been passed down my youngest.
Kijiji
If you’re really on the lookout for the deal of the century, everyone swears by Kijiji. You’ll find almost everything you need there.
It’s THE site for bargains sold by individuals. I have only sold on Kijiji, but never bought. The idea of scouring Montreal for cheap stuff exhausts me.
Instead of buying new, why not buy used? Kijiji can be worth it if you want to furnish your home, but you’ll need a car and time.
Renaissance
A friend of mine swears by Renaissance. It’s supposed to be for poor people, but if you like fashion, go to Renaissance near Parc Jarry. You might find dresses by Quebec designers that have never been worn for less than $20. Again, you have to love bargain shopping.
Renaissance is like the Salvation Army in the United-States.
There are also children’s clothes, books, and decorative objects. However, you have to go there regularly, because the stock is constantly changing.
Câlins et Popotins – Mère Hélène
Câlins et Popotins is a specialized store for baby products. Notably, you’ll find cloth diapers, baby carriers, toys, and clothes made in Quebec. The store is located on Beaubien in Rosemont or you can order online HERE.
Also, the store offers workshops on cloth diapers and how to use baby carriers, etc. Follow them on Facebook to stay informed of their special events.
If you are interested in cloth diapers, I talk about them more in detail HERE. Moreover, in Montreal, you can get a special grant when you use cloth diapers. It’s not practised everywhere, but you can find out if your area offers, it’s worth the effort. Discover the program.
Enjoy the outdoors with the right equipment
If you came to Canada and especially to Quebec, it is certainly not to stay at home on your couch playing Xbox. No, it’s to enjoy the parks and the vast boreal forests.
Outdoor equipment and clothing is not free. However, it can be worth it to invest in quality by paying a little more. I have Timberland winter boots that I paid $250 for and they still fit, 12 years later!
MEC
MEC is the ideal place to get camping gear and hiking boots for winter and summer. However, the prices charged are a bit higher than other places.
Nonetheless, my camping gear purchased in 2013, I still use. At the time, for less than $1,000 (including the infamous taxes), I had purchased:
- 1 tent for 4 people;
- 2 sleeping bags;
- 1 Biolite stove;
- 3 headlamps;
- 1 cooler;
- Utensil Kit for 4;
- 1 set of pans.
To buy there, you have to pay a 5$ subscription, but it’s for life. The after-sales service is great. If one of your purchases is defective, they will replace it. No questions asked.
La Poubelle du Ski
I’ve never been there, but my friends who love to ski or cross-country ski all recommend La Poubelle du Ski.
It’s where you can get your winter snow sports gear either by buying or renting. This can be handy if you’re on a work-tourist visa and don’t want to burden yourself with equipment.
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire is a good place to buy a bike or recreational equipment:
- Soccer;
- Ice hockey, skates;
- Ping pong rackets;
- Bocce balls.
Of course, you’ll find other things such as small electrics, tools and furniture for your terrace. It’s THE place to go to for your car and a tune up.
Having already bought a tent there, I do not recommend it.
Decathlon
Decathlon has just appeared in Montreal. There is one in downtown Montreal and one in Brossard. The opening was highly anticipated by all the French in Montreal.
You will only find the Decathlon brand in store though.
They have good prices for kids winter coats and gloves. Not being a specialist, I leave it to you to go there and compare prices.
Furnishing your home in Montreal
You will surely be disappointed by the lack of choice and style in North American furniture. Since I have spent more time in North America than in France, I am used to it.
However, don’t despair too much and if necessary, adapt. If you don’t want to go to flea markets, sidewalk sales, or check out classified ads, here are some places to furnish your home with a little taste.
V de V
V de V is a small boutique located on Saint-Laurent at the corner of Laurier. It’s not very big, but it offers a lot of original choices to decorate your home.
Just like at Anthropologie, you will find old fashioned door handles or hooks. Also, they have bowls and glasses that are often seen in country homes in France.
They also have nice bedding, table linens and furniture, but it’s a bit expensive.
Zone
Zone is located on Saint-Denis not far from Rachel. They have a great selection of lighting, mirrors, and small furniture like side tables. The store is well laid out and on several floors. You’re sure to find something that will make you happy.
Stay tuned for the sales to save money.
Ikea
For big furniture like bed, dining table, chairs, better go to Ikea. I know, we’re all sick of Ikea. But when you arrive in Montreal and you don’t want to have to scour the classified ads on Kijiji, Ikea is the easy solution.
You can easily furnish yourself between 2 000$ and 3 000$ for a family of 4. If my memory is good, this includes:
- Double bed with mattress and full bedding (comforter, pillows, cover, sheets, pillowcases);
- 2 single beds with mattress and complete bedding;
- Kitchen table and 4 chairs;
- Towels and bath mat;
- Dishes;
- Glasses and cups;
- Kitchen utensils;
- Cutting board;
- 2-3 lamps;
- 2 large rugs;
- 2 small rugs;
- Sofa bed;
- 3-4 frames;
- 1 shelf;
- Light fixture;
- Desk.
If you’re looking to save money, you might want to check out the as-is department near the checkout on Tuesday. You may find a bargain. However, the returned furniture is already assembled so you need to have room in your car.
I have used the service where you make a list of what you want (furniture) and they take care of putting it all together for you for check out. At the time it was $20. It’s convenient when you’re all alone with young children.
Also, since I had a very small car, I not only had my order delivered, but I paid for the assembly. Sure it was an extra cost, but the time saved was priceless.
I recommend this service only if you have a large order and don’t want to spend a whole weekend assembling furniture. It’s especially convenient if you’re new to the area because you won’t have any tools on hand anyway.
West Elm
West Elm in 2004 had just opened its store in Brooklyn. At that time, sales were mainly done through their magazine.
Since then, this modern furniture chain has expanded and now has a store in Montreal’s Griffintown. It is not possible to order online, but nothing prevents you from going on their American website and then calling the store to see if they have what you like if you don’t want to go there.
However, West Elm is expensive! Better to wait for the sales to afford anything there. I love the style of the store and found our living room rug and coffee table there (at a great discount).
Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn
These two American stores are more classic-modern in style. They have beautiful pieces, but just like West Elm, it’s still expensive.
You have to be patient if you want to treat yourself. I had to wait 3 years before I could buy the sofa I liked. Also, the one I bought was the one in the showroom, so the price was reduced!
If you are looking for big wooden furniture, country style, good luck, it will be difficult to find it in Montreal. However, there is no lack of wood here in Canada!
Household appliances
There are not 36,000 choices. To buy your fridge, stove, washer and dryer you will either go to Brault and Martinault or ….. They often have bargains as well.
It is possible to find used appliances that will do the trick for the first few years in Montreal. There are several places in town. Personally, we dealt with Elvis on Papineau Avenue in the Plateau Mont-Royal district. The price was good and we had no problems with our purchases.
For televisions or computers (other than Apple), you can go to Best Buy. Sometimes Costco has good prices for TVs as well.
Indoor plants
Although I don’t have much of a green thumb, I still like to have plants in my home. I’m not going to hide it from you, you know it anyway, but plants are expensive. However, they are so beneficial for our home, especially to purify the air.
At Plantzy you will find a large collection of succulents and other small plants. Their prices are quite reasonable.
Otherwise, go to Vertuose on Saint-Laurent boulevard. They have a really nice collection of indoor plants and will be able to advise you.
Decorating your terrace or garden in Montreal
The garden furniture here all looks the same and is quite ugly. The choice is extremely limited.
You can go to Ikea of course. Their small wooden tables and chairs will do the trick.
Otherwise, at the other end of the spectrum Crate & Barrel do some nice things. I especially like their striped umbrellas.
Rona and Home Depot
These two stores are the ones where you will find everything you need to do your outdoor work and landscaping.
The garden furniture is very basic, but we bought a picnic table at Rona for our terrace. We’ve had it for 4 years and it’s still doing the job. I cover it with a nice tablecloth and voilà.
You will also find a large selection of outdoor plants and seeds for your seedling.
Need some paint? That’s where you’ll mainly have to go.
Jasmin Nursery
If you’re really looking for specific plants and more choices, I recommend you check out Jasmin Nursery. It’s big, it’s extensive and the prices are pretty good. Expect to walk away with more than you bargained for.
Go early in the morning as it’s a pretty popular place, especially on weekends.
Le Balconier
This store located on Mont-Royal Avenue will give you good ideas and tips to design your little outdoor balcony. However, you will have to be willing to pay the price.
The flowerpots that are placed directly on the railing are practical, but you can find the same style at Rona. The price is almost the same.
However, their outdoor chairs are more expensive, but of better quality.
Good to know: There are two big sidewalk sales that take place on Mount Royal Avenue at the end of May and the end of August. This is a good time to go to the Balconier and get some bargains.
Now that you know all of our shopping spots in Montreal, do you have any to recommend?
