Unique boutiques for the holidays in Montreal
Forget the malls and embrace the city’s independent spirit: This holiday season, shop local, shop curious, and let these spots surprise you.
When you're shopping in Montreal for the holidays, you need places that will spark some curiosity. You want discovery, where every neighbourhood hides a shop that could transform your holiday hunt into something unforgettable and thoughtful. This guide isn’t about mass-produced baubles or same-old, same-old gifts. It’s about the offbeat, the thoughtful, the handmade, and the one-of-a-kind.
From vintage treasures and local crafts to quirky concept stores and gourmet indulgences, these boutiques go beyond the transaction—they’re places to wander, marvel, and connect. Stroll through a chocolate shop where a bite tells a story, or step into a bookstore that feels like a literary time capsule. Pick up an alternative to a stuffed animal or find a treasure from the 19th century that’s just begging for a new chapter in someone's home.
Here, holiday shopping takes a creative twist.
This gallery-boutique on St-Denis Street from Paperole, a Montreal-based publisher, revitalized its area with contemporary illustration and graphic art. This creative hub offers an array of paper-based media, including limited edition art prints, greeting cards, and posters, alongside clothes, accessories, and kids' toys. Founded by Jacinthe Pilote, Paperole collaborates with local and international artists, emphasizing environmentally friendly materials and local manufacturing. The space also features a design laboratory and plans to host public workshops, fostering community engagement and artistic expression.
Since 2019, the ethos at Boutique Crème feels timeless. Think culinary tools and cooking classes rooted in tradition but ready to evolve with the times. Their inventory? It’s all about local craftsmanship, with a heavy focus on homegrown talent and regional goods. Sure, you’ll find the staples you’ve come to expect, but they’re not afraid to throw in some carefully curated surprises—tableware, workshops, and more. This is a place for discovering the stories behind the things you use to create. If you’re the kind who sees a sauté pan as more than just a tool, you’ll get it.
Boutique Édition is a manifesto for design aficionados. Tucked into the rich tapestry of Old Montreal, this spot trades in the bold, the rare, and the delightfully peculiar. Every item in its curated collection—whether it’s by local artisans or international creators—tells a story, each as surprising as the next. The pieces? Not your everyday mass-produced decor. Think finely crafted, strikingly functional objects with an undeniable edge.
This is where function shakes hands with flair, making it a go-to for anyone tired of cookie-cutter aesthetics. Whether you’re hunting for that one-of-a-kind conversation starter or just something to elevate your space, you’ll find it here.
In a city where indie retailers are up against giants, Valet d’Coeur holds its ground with charm, variety, and genuine know-how. It’s a Montreal institution for gamers, collectors, and curious passersby alike. Since 1981, this St-Denis staple has been curating a dizzying array of board games, puzzles, and quirky treasures from across the globe. It’s a playground for everyone from casual players to hardcore Magic: The Gathering players.
Tucked towards the back, the TCG section is a treasure trove, offering singles, pre-built decks, and an endless well of expertise from staff who know their stuff. Whether you’re hunting for a rare Pokémon card, a collector’s pack of Lorcana, or just a game night hit, this is where your search ends.
Cœur d’Artichaut is Elisheva San Nicolas’s love letter to the world of design, travel, and bold creativityThis concept store is where European sophistication meets Mediterranean warmth and a touch of Mexican soul. For years, it’s been redefining what local decor shops can be, blending global finds with a commitment to sustainability. Even their packaging—a Danish innovation made from potato pulp—tells you this place is serious about responsible beauty.
Inside, you’ll find rotating seasonal collections, timeless staples, and signature pieces that could have been plucked from a sun-soaked market in Oaxaca or a tucked-away Parisian atelier. Most of their collaborators share a vision of ethical, eco-friendly production, with a strong focus on women-led businesses.
DDD, short for Dédié au Design Durable, is where eco-conscious meets effortlessly stylish. This Rosemont boutique and online store makes sustainable living less of a chore and more of a lifestyle upgrade. Everything they offer—home goods, practical accessories, you name it—follows their trifecta of selection rules: timeless design, durable quality, and ethical responsibility. They’re not about fleeting trends or cheap throwaways; think functional beauty built to last.
DDD doesn’t just sell things—they’re pushing a philosophy: buy less, buy better. Their 16-point responsibility checklist? It’s rigorous. From recycled and compostable materials to ethical labour practices and zero animal by-products, every product aligns with values that put the planet first. Bonus points if it’s locally made in Québec or Canada.
Stepping into Antiquités Van Horne feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a past that refuses to stay buried. Spanning 500 square meters, this Montreal treasure trove is packed with artifacts ranging from the 16th century to more contemporary curiosities. The labyrinthine layout is part of its charm—French libraries from the 1600s rub elbows with stained glass, African art, terrestrial globes, and even a wooden Virgin Mary from the 1700s.
At the helm is Nicolas, a self-confessed compulsive buyer whose passion for antiques borders on obsession. His eye for detail means you’re as likely to stumble upon a restored masterpiece as you are a fixer-upper with infinite potential. And if you’ve got something unique to sell? Nicolas just might make you an offer you can’t refuse. Antiquités Van Horne is a living museum where the past is up for grabs.
Vinorama is a gateway to Montreal’s dynamic natural wine culture. Located on Beaubien Est, this boutique caviste offers a curated selection of all-natural and biodynamic wines that you won’t find on SAQ shelves. Partner and oenophile Carolyn Aubry leads the charge, bringing a refreshingly approachable ethos to an industry often steeped in pretension. Here, wine is exciting, accessible, and always worth the trip ‘n’ sip.
The shop’s selection is the result of close collaboration with over 30 import agencies, ensuring a lineup of exclusive bottles sourced from around the world. Customers are guided through a constantly evolving inventory, tailored to seasonal trends and personal preferences. Bonus? There’s wine by the glass, a sidewalk terrasse, and snacks from neighbouring L’Andouille.
With pop-ups, community collaborations, and an ever-loyal clientele, Vinorama is cultivating a culture of discovery, one bottle at a time.
For those who seek passion in their pastries, Chez Potier is a must. This gourmet boutique, helmed by celebrated pastry chef Olivier Potier, offers a refined selection of pâtisseries, viennoiseries, and chocolates that rival the best in the city. Potier, whose career began in France and blossomed at Ladurée and renowned Montreal establishments, brings his unique flair to every creation, blending classic techniques with bold, personal interpretations.
Whether it’s the buttery layers of a croissant or the surprising harmony of a lemon tart with black truffle, every bite reflects Potier’s dream of making dessert a daily luxury. Beyond desserts, Chez Potier doubles as a high-end grocery, featuring local artisan breads, house-made ready-to-eat dishes, and a carefully curated selection of fine goods from Quebec and beyond. Seasonal desserts like citrus-infused delicacies and house-made ice creams highlight the chef’s meticulous attention to balance and texture.
Appetite for Books is a culinary haven where cookbooks meet hands-on experience. Set in Westmount, this boutique combines a curated selection of cookbooks with an intimate kitchen studio, offering a space where food lovers can learn, taste, and explore. Founder Jonathan Cheung, a chef with a globe-spanning culinary career, envisioned a place where the joy of cooking could be shared in a welcoming, approachable setting.
The shop stocks an eclectic mix of cookbooks, from timeless classics to niche culinary explorations like Indigenous cuisine and global pork cookery. In the kitchen, Cheung and guest chefs host classes designed for home cooks, teaching techniques through interactive demos paired with four-course meals. There’s no pretension—just good food, good books, and plenty of inspiration.
If Christmas is a feeling, Noël Éternel has bottled it, wrapped it in tinsel, and hung it on display. Located in Old Montreal, this year-round wonderland is an ode to the festive spirit. Inside, twinkling lights and holiday tunes set the stage for a dazzling array of ornaments, decorations, and gifts that could make even the grumpiest Scrooge feel merry.
Far from kitsch, Noël Éternel blends whimsy with elegance, offering thoughtfully curated pieces that range from timeless classics to unique finds. Whether you’re decking the halls in July or planning your December masterpiece, the attentive staff are there to guide you through the snow globe of possibilities.
Since 2006, the Plateau institution Mycoboutique has catered to anyone curious about fungi—from amateur foragers to culinary adventurers and DIY growers. More than just a store, it’s a hub for all things mushroom: dried delicacies, grow kits, guidebooks, whimsical decor, and even summer excursions to explore Québec’s wild mushrooms.
The vibe? A charming mix of forest mysticism and scientific curiosity. The staff are walking fungal encyclopedias, ready to turn your passing interest into a full-blown obsession. Stocking up on chaga tea, grabbing a field guide, or just marveling at the mushroom-themed knickknacks—this shop is as enchanting as it is educational. No psilocybin here, but plenty of magic.
Quincaillerie Dante is an institution where Italian culinary traditions and practical craftsmanship meet. Located in Little Italy since 1956, this one-of-a-kind shop offers a dual identity: part kitchenware emporium, part hardware store. It’s the go-to destination for seasoned chefs, amateur cooks, and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Step inside, and you’ll find everything from pasta machines and espresso makers to quality tools and hunting gear. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up a fine chef’s knife while learning how to use it properly, thanks to their in-house cooking classes run by chef Elena Faita. These classes, much like the store itself, are steeped in the warmth of family traditions and a passion for authentic Italian cuisine.
Style Labo is a treasure trove where industrial nostalgia meets contemporary edge. Since 2009, this Montreal shop has been curating relics from the past—think vintage factory furniture, hospital cabinets, workshop lamps, and even taxidermy—all sourced from 1850 to 1950. From Victorian and Bauhaus to Art Deco, the inventory spans iconic design periods while leaving room for modern boho and brutalist touches like pottery, textiles, and rugs.
Located on Saint-Laurent in a crisp, white-walled space, Style Labo feels part antique emporium, part art installation. It’s a favourite haunt for designers and retro enthusiasts alike, offering everything from restored industrial lighting to eccentric finds like green enamel pendant lamps and bowling alley tables.
Whether you’re hunting for a Jieldé lamp or a quirky conversation starter, Style Labo transforms forgotten objects into irresistible statement pieces, proving that what’s old can be newly essential.
L’Affichiste is where Montreal’s history meets the timeless allure of graphic art. As the city’s only vintage poster gallery, it transforms advertising ephemera into celebrated artifacts of design. Housed in a light-drenched space dating back to the 1830s near the Notre Dame Basilica, this gallery invites visitors to linger among treasures from the Belle Époque to Mid-Century Modern eras, alongside a growing collection of contemporary works.
From bold Art Deco statements to charming Mid-Century designs, the gallery’s curated collection spans decades and styles, each piece telling its own visual story. Posters, once fleeting tools of persuasion, here become enduring pieces of cultural history.
La Maison des Bières is a tribute to Quebec’s thriving microbrewery scene. Since opening in 2013, this compact yet mighty space has grown into a go-to destination for craft beer lovers across Montreal. With a carefully curated selection of over 1,200 beers from 120+ microbreweries, plus ciders, wines, kombuchas, and more, it’s a haven for anyone seeking a taste of local artisanal excellence.
Owner Marc Antoine Gagnon’s passion for brewing, honed through years of research and sommelier training, is matched only by the savvy of his partner, Barbara Aburtto Alarcon, whose vision and dedication have taken the shop to new heights. Together, they’ve created a place where beer isn’t just a drink—it’s a conversation, a craft, and a community.
The Word Bookstore is a timeless literary enclave tucked into a 19th-century brick building on Milton Street, just steps from McGill University. Operating since 1975, this secondhand bookshop is the heartbeat of Montreal’s literary scene, celebrated for its meticulously curated selection of used books, including rare finds and $1 gems. Overflowing shelves, a warm gas stove, and a single antique armchair evoke a bygone era where books—and the community around them—are the soul of the space.
Founder Adrian King-Edwards, who began his venture selling paperbacks from his apartment, has cultivated The Word into a haven for students, poets, and bibliophiles. It’s a place where Montreal’s English-language poetry community found its roots, with readings and salons shaping its storied legacy.
With no computers, electronic cash registers, or even a sign outside, The Word is a portal to simpler times.
État de choc is a sleek and welcoming chocolate shop located on Saint-Laurent at the corner of Beaubien. Founded in 2018 by Maud Gaudreau, it has quickly become a beacon for chocolate lovers seeking both classic indulgences and adventurous new creations.
The offerings are as varied as they are inventive, from award-winning bean-to-bar tablets to seasonal pralines and spreads. Unexpected flavour pairings like Maïs Piment and Érable Miso sit alongside refined classics such as chocolate with hazelnuts or pistachio with lemon. Purists will appreciate the rare, high-quality cacao grands crus sourced from around the world, while local craftsmanship shines through collaborations with Quebec’s best chocolate makers.
État de choc’s commitment to exceptional ingredients is unwavering. Every element, from fruit to spice, is meticulously chosen and presented in elegantly designed packaging.
This boutique is a delightful maze of nostalgia and local craftsmanship, showcasing over 120 artisans alongside a treasure trove of vintage finds. Founded in 2013 as a hub for retro and antique goods, the shop has since evolved into a curated wonderland. Divided into eight themed rooms, it feels less like shopping and more like exploring a museum where every corner reveals something new.
From kitschy salt-and-pepper shakers to vinyl records and pristine 1950s food containers, the eclectic mix bridges quirky charm with historical intrigue. Each room is an art installation in itself, blending modern handmade pieces—like jewellery and stationery—with the timeless allure of yesteryear.
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly is a Mile End institution where comics, literature, and community converge. Born out of the legendary comic publisher Drawn & Quarterly, this English-language bookstore has been a beacon for Montreal readers since opening in 2007. Its shelves overflow with carefully curated selections of graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and local treasures, blending international voices with Mile End’s vibrant creativity.
Housed in a renovated dress shop, the space exudes warmth and character, making it a hub for literary enthusiasts. The shop also champions emerging authors, diverse perspectives, and graphic storytelling. Regular events featuring celebrated authors like Zadie Smith, Roxane Gay, and Alison Bechdel create an atmosphere that’s both intellectual and welcoming.
Morceau in Montreal’s Mile End is where mid-century nostalgia meets meticulous craftsmanship. This boutique-workshop specializes in curated 20th-century home goods that blend timeless design with modern sensibilities. Founded in 2020 by Alain and Vickie—a duo with over 15 years of expertise in furniture and lamp-making—Morceau is their response to the cookie-cutter offerings of mainstream decor.
From sleek Scandinavian lamps to vintage American furniture, every piece in the shop is hand-restored on-site. The couple’s mastery in wood refinishing and lighting design ensures that no item leaves the boutique without meeting their rigorous quality and safety standards. It’s not just a showroom; it’s a space where old-school craftsmanship takes center stage.
Open weekends for in-person browsing, the showroom on Saint-Urbain feels more like an art gallery than a furniture store. It’s a must-visit for anyone who values quality, design, and the stories objects carry with them.
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