The Main

Montreal's Cultural Directory

Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

Leave feedback

For partnerships and collaborations:

partnerships@themain.com

Content

  • Articles
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • History Lesson
  • Bulletin
  • Events

Guides

  • All Guides
  • Best Restaurants
  • Best Cafés
  • Best Bars
  • Best Brunch
  • Best Bakeries

Explore Montreal

  • Browse Directory
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Cafés
  • Bookstores

About

  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Advertise
  • Pitch us
  • RSS Feed

Legal

  • Terms of service
  • Membership Terms
  • Privacy Policy
Follow us
InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

The Main Media Inc. 2026

✦ Built By Field Office
    The Main

    Montreal's Cultural Directory

    Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

    Leave feedback

    For partnerships and collaborations:

    partnerships@themain.com

    Content

    • Articles
    • Food & Drink
    • Arts & Culture
    • History Lesson
    • Bulletin
    • Events

    Guides

    • All Guides
    • Best Restaurants
    • Best Cafés
    • Best Bars
    • Best Brunch
    • Best Bakeries

    Explore Montreal

    • Browse Directory
    • Restaurants
    • Bars
    • Cafés
    • Bookstores

    About

    • About us
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Advertise
    • Pitch us
    • RSS Feed

    Legal

    • Terms of service
    • Membership Terms
    • Privacy Policy
    Follow us
    InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin

    The Main Media Inc. 2026

    ✦ Built By Field Office
      --°C|Sunday, April 5, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.ROYALMOUNT Wants to Be Your Dining Destination for a Whole MonthGet 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Categories
      • Arts & Culture

        Creativity, heritage, and expression.

      • Beyond Montreal

        Travel, adventure, and global perspectives.

      • Design

        The best of Montreal design.

      • Food & Drink

        La bonne bouffe.

      • History

        Stories, lessons, and context.

      • Newsletter

        Our weekly newsletter.

      • See all original stories
      Explore Montreal
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      Shop
      Subscribe
      Subscribe
      --°C|Sunday, April 5, 2026|
      Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month.ROYALMOUNT Wants to Be Your Dining Destination for a Whole MonthGet 50% off your first 5 rides with Lyft
      InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
      |
      Advertise
      The Main Logo
      Magazine
      Categories
      • Arts & Culture

        Creativity, heritage, and expression.

      • Beyond Montreal

        Travel, adventure, and global perspectives.

      • Design

        The best of Montreal design.

      • Food & Drink

        La bonne bouffe.

      • History

        Stories, lessons, and context.

      • Newsletter

        Our weekly newsletter.

      • See all original stories
      Explore Montreal
      Popular Guides
      • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
      • Best new Restaurants
      • Best Cafés
      • Unique Boutiques
      • Romantic Restaurants
      • Best Bookstores
      • See all Guides
      Neighbourhood
      • Downtown
      • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
      • Mile End
      • Mile-Ex
      • Saint-Henri
      • See All
      Business Type
      • Restaurant
      • Café
      • Boutique / Store
      • Bar
      • Bakery
      • See All
      Near the Metro
      • Peel
      • Mont-Royal
      • Place-Saint-Henri
      • Place-d'Armes
      • Jarry
      • View all
      Shop
      Subscribe
      Subscribe
      Holidays 2025

      Go Beyond the Bestsellers with This Gift Guide for Book Lovers in Montreal

      For readers who deserve better than what you'd find in any average airport bookstore.

      ByPhylida Tuff-West

      November 17, 2025 · 4 min read

      Go beyond the bestsellers with this gift guide for book lovers in Montreal
      Photograph: Adam Lepp / @adam_lepp

      Discover the places mentioned in this story

      Nota Bene PapeterieDrawn & QuarterlyRésonance Bookstoren'était-ce pas l'étéMaktaba BookshopCCA BookstoreBrome Lake BooksEncore Books & RecordsThe Word BookstoreAppetite For Books

      The best gifts for book lovers in Montreal go beyond the latest bestseller—but you knew that already, didn't you?

      For anyone who treats reading as a serious pursuit, this guide highlights the city's independent bookstores, specialty shops, and book-related finds worth giving. Whether they're into graphic novels, rare used editions, cookbooks, or manga, Montreal's bookselling scene offers something for every kind of reader—from feminist zine libraries to architecture-focused collections to cozy crime destinations in the Eastern Townships.

      These are places where curation matters, where staff actually know their inventory, and where discovering your next favourite book feels like part of the experience.


      Book embossing and customizations

      A personalized book embosser is a subtle but satisfying gift for anyone who takes pride in their library. These handheld embossers press clean imprints like, “from the library of” or “this book belongs to,” and helps turn a stack of books into a personal collection. A service like the Calgary-based Dominion Stamps & Engraving can hook you up, and local stationary shops like Nota Bene can put you on the right path.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      The Main

      Advertisement

      Follow on Google
      Holidays 2025

      Go Beyond the Bestsellers with This Gift Guide for Book Lovers in Montreal

      For readers who deserve better than what you'd find in any average airport bookstore.

      ByPhylida Tuff-West

      November 17, 2025 · 4 min read

      Go beyond the bestsellers with this gift guide for book lovers in Montreal
      Photograph: Adam Lepp / @adam_lepp

      Discover the places mentioned in this story

      Nota Bene PapeterieDrawn & QuarterlyRésonance Bookstoren'était-ce pas l'étéMaktaba BookshopCCA BookstoreBrome Lake BooksEncore Books & RecordsThe Word BookstoreAppetite For Books

      The best gifts for book lovers in Montreal go beyond the latest bestseller—but you knew that already, didn't you?

      For anyone who treats reading as a serious pursuit, this guide highlights the city's independent bookstores, specialty shops, and book-related finds worth giving. Whether they're into graphic novels, rare used editions, cookbooks, or manga, Montreal's bookselling scene offers something for every kind of reader—from feminist zine libraries to architecture-focused collections to cozy crime destinations in the Eastern Townships.

      These are places where curation matters, where staff actually know their inventory, and where discovering your next favourite book feels like part of the experience.


      Book embossing and customizations

      A personalized book embosser is a subtle but satisfying gift for anyone who takes pride in their library. These handheld embossers press clean imprints like, “from the library of” or “this book belongs to,” and helps turn a stack of books into a personal collection. A service like the Calgary-based Dominion Stamps & Engraving can hook you up, and local stationary shops like Nota Bene can put you on the right path.

      Free account required

      For readers who care about Montreal

      Create a free account to read this story and access 3 articles per month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

      Independent. Local. Reader-supported.

      or

      Already a member? Sign in

      The Main

      Advertisement

      Follow on Google

      Latest from The Main

      History LessonThe Little Store That Runs Montreal: A Complete History of the DepArts & CultureAngine de Poitrine Is Exactly What the Internet Was Waiting ForNewsletterThe Bulletin: Roman Sculpture and Italo Disco, Maple Xiao Long Bao, and an Easter Costume Party [Issue #175]Arts & CultureOur Picks of the Best Shows for this year's Jazz FestArts & CultureThe Action Comedy Hollywood Forgot How to Make

      Latest from The Main

      History LessonThe Little Store That Runs Montreal: A Complete History of the DepArts & CultureAngine de Poitrine Is Exactly What the Internet Was Waiting ForNewsletterThe Bulletin: Roman Sculpture and Italo Disco, Maple Xiao Long Bao, and an Easter Costume Party [Issue #175]Arts & CultureOur Picks of the Best Shows for this year's Jazz FestArts & CultureThe Action Comedy Hollywood Forgot How to Make

      More Holidays 2025

      Where to party and dine during  New Year's Eve
      Arts & Culture
      Holidays 2025
      The Main

      Where to Party and Dine During New Year's Eve

      It's New Year's Eve in Montreal: A massive guide to the top NYE dinners and parties from dozens of restaurants and clubs.

      Pulp Books' Alex Nierenhausen shares his holiday gift guide for book lovers
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Pulp Books' Alex Nierenhausen Shares His Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers

      An English bookstore owner shares a no-fail list of books to gift this holiday season.

      Sommelière Lindsay Brennan's holiday gift guide for buying wine
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Sommelière Lindsay Brennan's Holiday Gift Guide for Buying Wine

      The Vin i Vida founder and Alma/Bar Luz co-owner and sommelière shares her favourite natural wines for gifting, from everyday gems to coveted private imports.

      Léa Begin's holiday gift guide to essential beauty and skincare products
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Léa Begin's Holiday Gift Guide to Essential Beauty and Skincare Products

      The founder of a go-to address for clean beauty and custom skincare in Montreal gives her top picks.

      What to watch during the holidays according to Cinema Moderne
      Arts & Culture
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      What to Watch During the Holidays According to Cinema Moderne

      Curated by the team behind a tiny-but-mighty Mile End cinema's programming that goes far beyond the usual suspects.

      A holiday gift guide to cookbooks and kitchen essentials with Appetite for Books
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Holiday Gift Guide to Cookbooks and Kitchen Essentials with Appetite for Books

      Montreal's cookbook shop owner knows what works in a home kitchen. Here's what he says you should gift this year.

      A gift guide for people who take food seriously
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Gift Guide for People Who Take Food Seriously

      From wild mushroom certifications to Japanese knives, here's what to give the food lover who has everything.

      The best holiday and Christmas markets in and around Montreal
      Holidays 2025
      The Main

      The Best Holiday and Christmas Markets in and Around Montreal

      All the holiday and Christmas markets taking place in November and December in Montreal, plus options beyond the city.

      A Montreal gift guide for friends and chosen family: Ideas that work for anyone
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Montreal Gift Guide for Friends and Chosen Family: Ideas That Work for Anyone

      Handmade ceramics, vintage posters, conversation starters, and other thoughtful picks that work for any occasion.

      The best gifts under $50 from local Montreal makers
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      The Best Gifts Under $50 from Local Montreal Makers

      A handpicked guide for thoughtful, homegrown gifts under $50 made by Montreal's artists, roasters, jewelers, designers, and more.

      Experiential gifts in Montreal: What to give the person who has everything
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      Experiential Gifts in Montreal: What to Give the Person Who Has Everything

      Because sometimes the best gift isn't something you can wrap.

      A Canadian gift guide for him that isn't just flasks and watches
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Canadian Gift Guide for Him That Isn't Just Flasks and Watches

      Where to find thoughtful gifts that prioritize quality and craft.

      More Holidays 2025

      Where to party and dine during  New Year's Eve
      Arts & Culture
      Holidays 2025
      The Main

      Where to Party and Dine During New Year's Eve

      It's New Year's Eve in Montreal: A massive guide to the top NYE dinners and parties from dozens of restaurants and clubs.

      Pulp Books' Alex Nierenhausen shares his holiday gift guide for book lovers
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Pulp Books' Alex Nierenhausen Shares His Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers

      An English bookstore owner shares a no-fail list of books to gift this holiday season.

      Sommelière Lindsay Brennan's holiday gift guide for buying wine
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Sommelière Lindsay Brennan's Holiday Gift Guide for Buying Wine

      The Vin i Vida founder and Alma/Bar Luz co-owner and sommelière shares her favourite natural wines for gifting, from everyday gems to coveted private imports.

      Léa Begin's holiday gift guide to essential beauty and skincare products
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      Léa Begin's Holiday Gift Guide to Essential Beauty and Skincare Products

      The founder of a go-to address for clean beauty and custom skincare in Montreal gives her top picks.

      What to watch during the holidays according to Cinema Moderne
      Arts & Culture
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      What to Watch During the Holidays According to Cinema Moderne

      Curated by the team behind a tiny-but-mighty Mile End cinema's programming that goes far beyond the usual suspects.

      A holiday gift guide to cookbooks and kitchen essentials with Appetite for Books
      Holidays 2025
      J.P. Karwacki

      A Holiday Gift Guide to Cookbooks and Kitchen Essentials with Appetite for Books

      Montreal's cookbook shop owner knows what works in a home kitchen. Here's what he says you should gift this year.

      A gift guide for people who take food seriously
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Gift Guide for People Who Take Food Seriously

      From wild mushroom certifications to Japanese knives, here's what to give the food lover who has everything.

      The best holiday and Christmas markets in and around Montreal
      Holidays 2025
      The Main

      The Best Holiday and Christmas Markets in and Around Montreal

      All the holiday and Christmas markets taking place in November and December in Montreal, plus options beyond the city.

      A Montreal gift guide for friends and chosen family: Ideas that work for anyone
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Montreal Gift Guide for Friends and Chosen Family: Ideas That Work for Anyone

      Handmade ceramics, vintage posters, conversation starters, and other thoughtful picks that work for any occasion.

      The best gifts under $50 from local Montreal makers
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      The Best Gifts Under $50 from Local Montreal Makers

      A handpicked guide for thoughtful, homegrown gifts under $50 made by Montreal's artists, roasters, jewelers, designers, and more.

      Experiential gifts in Montreal: What to give the person who has everything
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      Experiential Gifts in Montreal: What to Give the Person Who Has Everything

      Because sometimes the best gift isn't something you can wrap.

      A Canadian gift guide for him that isn't just flasks and watches
      Holidays 2025
      Phylida Tuff-West

      A Canadian Gift Guide for Him That Isn't Just Flasks and Watches

      Where to find thoughtful gifts that prioritize quality and craft.

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      Related Classics

      From our archive.

      Give local: A gift guide that  supports local makers in Montreal

      Previous

      Give Local: A Gift Guide That Supports Local Makers in Montreal

      Next

      A Canadian Self-care Gift Guide for Pampering Your People

      A Canadian self-care gift guide for pampering your people
      Give local: A gift guide that  supports local makers in Montreal

      Previous

      Give Local: A Gift Guide That Supports Local Makers in Montreal

      Next

      A Canadian Self-care Gift Guide for Pampering Your People

      A Canadian self-care gift guide for pampering your people