Local Montreal shops for the permanently curious

Paperole started as a Montreal-based publisher with a thing for contemporary illustration, and this Saint-Denis gallery-boutique is where that vision takes physical form. The space stocks an ever-rotating selection of paper-based goods—limited edition art prints, greeting cards, posters, zines—alongside clothing, accessories, and kids' toys, all rooted in graphic art and local collaboration. Founder Jacinthe Pilote built the shop around partnerships with artists from Montreal and beyond, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly materials and local manufacturing.

What sets Paperole apart is how it treats illustration as a legitimate art form rather than a decorative afterthought. The space doubles as a design laboratory, hosting workshops and fostering the kind of community engagement that keeps the creative ecosystem healthy. For anyone who still believes in the power of paper—or just wants a gift that feels personal without being predictable—this is the stop.

Boutique Crème has operated with the same ethos since 2019: culinary tools and cooking knowledge rooted in tradition but open to evolution. The inventory leans hard into local craftsmanship—Quebec-made goods, regional producers, homegrown talent—while leaving room for the occasional well-chosen import. You'll find the staples you'd expect from a serious kitchen shop, but also surprises: tableware with personality, workshops that actually teach you something, and staff who treat cookware as more than transactional.

This is a place for people who see a sauté pan as more than just a tool. The shop's strength lies in the stories behind what it stocks—where things come from, who makes them, why they matter. If you're shopping for someone who cares about the craft of cooking, Crème delivers options that feel considered rather than generic. It earns its spot on this list by making kitchen retail feel personal.

Boutique Édition doesn't do safe. Tucked into Old Montreal, this design-forward shop trades in the bold, the rare, and the delightfully peculiar—objects that function beautifully while refusing to blend in. The collection spans local artisans and international creators, each piece selected for its ability to spark conversation or quietly elevate a room. Nothing here feels mass-produced or forgettable.

The appeal is in the curation: functional objects with an edge, sourced from makers who prioritize craft over trend. Whether you're hunting for a striking hostess gift or something to anchor your own space, Édition delivers without veering into pretension. It's design retail for people tired of the predictable, and proof that Old Montreal has more to offer than tourist traps. For anyone who believes everyday objects should carry a point of view, this boutique makes a compelling case.

Le Valet d'Coeur has been holding its ground on Saint-Denis since 1981, long before board games became a lifestyle category. This Montreal institution stocks a dizzying range of games, puzzles, and collectibles from around the world, serving everyone from casual players looking for a weekend distraction to hardcore Magic: The Gathering devotees hunting rare singles. The staff actually know what they're talking about—a rarity in retail—and the TCG section in the back is a destination in its own right.

What keeps Valet d'Coeur relevant after four decades is its refusal to coast on nostalgia. The inventory stays current, the expertise stays sharp, and the shop remains a genuine community hub for Montreal's gaming scene. Whether you're buying a gift for a ten-year-old or finally tracking down that Lorcana pack, this is where the search ends. It earns its place here by proving indie retail can outlast the giants.

Coeur d'Artichaut is Elisheva San Nicolas's love letter to design, travel, and the pleasure of beautiful objects. This Plateau concept store blends European sophistication with Mediterranean warmth and a dash of Mexican soul—global finds selected with care and a clear sustainability mandate. Even the packaging tells you something: a Danish innovation made from potato pulp, because this place takes responsible beauty seriously.

Inside, you'll find rotating seasonal collections alongside timeless staples and signature pieces that feel like they've been plucked from a Oaxacan market or a tucked-away Parisian atelier. Most collaborators share a commitment to ethical, eco-friendly production, with a strong emphasis on women-led businesses. Coeur d'Artichaut earns its spot on this list by proving that a gift shop can have a genuine point of view—and that buying well doesn't require compromising on aesthetics or values.

DDD stands for Dédié au Design Durable, and the name isn't lip service. This Rosemont boutique has built its entire model around a simple philosophy: buy less, buy better. Everything on the shelves—home goods, practical accessories, everyday objects—passes a rigorous 16-point checklist covering recycled materials, ethical labour practices, zero animal by-products, and local production. If it doesn't meet the standard, it doesn't make the cut.

The result is a shop where sustainable living feels less like sacrifice and more like a lifestyle upgrade. Nothing here is trendy or disposable; think functional beauty built to last, with a clear preference for Quebec and Canadian makers. DDD earns its place on this list by proving that responsible retail can also be genuinely appealing—no guilt-tripping, no greenwashing, just well-designed objects that happen to align with values worth supporting.

Stepping into Antiquités Van Horne feels like falling down a rabbit hole into a past that refuses to stay buried. This 500-square-metre Outremont labyrinth is packed with artifacts spanning the 16th century to more contemporary curiosities—French libraries from the 1600s, stained glass, African art, terrestrial globes, a wooden Virgin Mary carved in the 1700s. The layout is part of the charm: chaotic, layered, and endlessly surprising.

At the helm is Nicolas, a self-confessed compulsive buyer whose passion for antiques borders on obsession. His eye means you're as likely to stumble on a fully restored masterpiece as a fixer-upper with infinite potential. And if you've got something unusual to sell, he might make you an offer. Antiquités Van Horne functions as a living museum where the past is up for grabs—and earns its place on this list by offering the kind of discovery that big-box retail simply can't replicate.

Appetite for Books combines two things that belong together: cookbooks and the actual act of cooking. This Westmount boutique pairs a carefully curated selection of culinary titles—from timeless classics to niche explorations of Indigenous cuisine and global pork cookery—with an intimate kitchen studio where founder Jonathan Cheung and guest chefs host hands-on classes for home cooks. No pretension, just good food, good books, and plenty of inspiration.

Cheung built the shop around the belief that cooking should be approachable and joyful, and the space reflects that. Classes are interactive, designed around technique and finished with four-course meals. The book selection rewards browsing, with enough range to satisfy both the casual recipe-follower and the obsessive culinary reader. For anyone shopping for a food-obsessed friend—or looking to deepen their own kitchen practice—Appetite for Books delivers something more lasting than another gadget.

If Christmas is a feeling, Noël Éternel has bottled it and put it on display year-round. This Old Montreal shop is an ode to the festive spirit, stocking a dazzling array of ornaments, decorations, and gifts that somehow avoid tipping into kitsch. The space balances whimsy with elegance—twinkling lights, holiday tunes, and a selection that ranges from timeless classics to genuinely unique finds.

What makes Noël Éternel work is the curation. This isn't a warehouse of mass-produced trinkets; it's a thoughtfully assembled collection that rewards browsing whether you're decking halls in July or planning your December masterpiece. The staff know their inventory and seem to genuinely enjoy helping customers navigate the snow globe of possibilities. For anyone who takes holiday decorating seriously—or just wants a gift that sparks a bit of magic—this year-round wonderland earns its spot.

Mycoboutique has been the Plateau's fungal headquarters since 2006, catering to anyone curious about mushrooms—amateur foragers, culinary adventurers, DIY growers, and the simply fungus-curious. The shop stocks dried delicacies, grow kits, field guides, whimsical décor, and enough mushroom-adjacent oddities to fuel a full obsession. In summer, they run excursions into Quebec's forests to hunt wild specimens.

The vibe sits somewhere between forest mysticism and scientific curiosity, staffed by people who function as walking fungal encyclopedias. Whether you're stocking up on chaga tea, grabbing a guidebook, or just marvelling at the mushroom-themed knickknacks, this place delivers equal parts education and enchantment. No psilocybin here, but plenty of magic. Mycoboutique earns its spot on this list by carving out a niche so specific it could only exist in a city that rewards the weird and the wonderful.

Quincaillerie Dante has been a Little Italy institution since 1956, operating with a dual identity that makes perfect sense once you're inside: part kitchenware emporium, part hardware store. It's the kind of place where you can pick up a pasta machine, an espresso maker, a quality chef's knife, and the tools to fix your back deck—all in one trip.

The real draw, beyond the inventory, is the knowledge. Staff here can walk you through proper knife technique or point you toward the right gauge of wire, depending on what you walked in for. Chef Elena Faita runs cooking classes on-site, steeped in the warmth of family tradition and Italian culinary heritage. Dante earns its place on this list by embodying a model of retail that barely exists anymore: genuinely useful, deeply knowledgeable, and rooted in community.

Style Labo is where industrial nostalgia meets contemporary edge. Since 2009, this Saint-Laurent shop has been sourcing relics from the past—vintage factory furniture, hospital cabinets, workshop lamps, taxidermy—all dating from roughly 1850 to 1950. The inventory spans Victorian, Bauhaus, and Art Deco periods while leaving room for modern touches like pottery, textiles, and rugs with boho or brutalist leanings.

The space itself feels part antique emporium, part art installation: white walls, natural light, and objects arranged with an eye toward composition rather than clutter. Designers, collectors, and retro enthusiasts all find their way here, hunting for everything from restored Jieldé lamps to eccentric conversation starters. Style Labo earns its spot by proving that what's old can feel newly essential—and that forgotten objects, given the right context, become irresistible.

L'Affichiste is Montreal's only gallery dedicated to vintage posters, transforming advertising ephemera into celebrated artifacts of graphic design. Housed in a light-filled Old Montreal space dating back to the 1830s, the gallery invites visitors to linger among treasures spanning the Belle Époque to Mid-Century Modern, alongside a growing collection of contemporary works.

The collection covers decades and movements—bold Art Deco statements, charming mid-century illustrations, pieces that once papered Parisian streets or announced long-forgotten exhibitions. What were once fleeting tools of persuasion here become enduring pieces of cultural history, each telling its own visual story. L'Affichiste earns its place on this list by treating graphic design as the art form it is, and by offering something genuinely rare: objects with history, beauty, and a point of view you won't find anywhere else in the city.

La Maison des Bières is a tribute to Quebec's thriving microbrewery scene, and it's been earning that title since 2013. This compact Plateau shop stocks over 1,200 beers from more than 120 microbreweries, plus ciders, natural wines, kombuchas, and other local beverages—a carefully curated collection that goes far deeper than your average dépanneur cooler.

Owner Marc Antoine Gagnon's sommelier training and years of research show in the selection, while partner Barbara Aburtto Alarcon's business vision has helped the shop grow without losing its soul. The result is a place where beer isn't just a product—it's a conversation, a craft, and a community. Whether you're hunting for a rare Québécois sour or just want someone knowledgeable to point you toward something new, La Maison des Bières delivers. It earns its spot by proving that specialty retail thrives when passion meets expertise.

Marché Underground operates on a simple premise: vintage should be accessible, but it doesn't have to be cheap. This Saint-Henri spot draws thrifters who appreciate curation over chaos, stocking pieces chosen for quality and character rather than volume. Prices aren't thrift-store dirt cheap, but the selection makes up for it—timeless finds that carry a story, selected with an eye that rewards patience.

The setup is no-frills: bags checked at the door, no fitting rooms, and an expectation that you know how to shop secondhand. Seasoned diggers will feel right at home; newcomers might need a minute to adjust. But that's part of the charm. Marché Underground earns its spot on this list by offering a different kind of vintage experience—one where you're paying for someone else's taste, and trusting that it's worth it. For the right shopper, it always is.

The Word has been a Milton Park institution since 1975, operating out of a 19th-century brick building with no sign outside, no computers inside, and no interest in modernizing. Founder Adrian King-Edwards started by selling paperbacks from his apartment; today, his son Brendan helps run a shop that remains the heartbeat of Montreal's English-language literary scene. The shelves overflow with secondhand books—rare finds and dollar gems alike—while a gas stove and single antique armchair complete the time-capsule atmosphere.

This is where Montreal's anglophone poetry community found its footing, through decades of readings and salons that shaped the city's literary culture. The Word doesn't compete with big-box bookstores; it exists in a different category entirely. It earns its place on this list—and in the city—by proving that some things don't need updating, just preserving.

État de Choc isn't a typical chocolate shop—it's closer to a curated gallery for Quebec's bean-to-bar movement. Owner Maud Gaudreau opened this minimalist Little Italy boutique in 2018 with a clear mission: spotlight local chocolate makers who deserve wider recognition. The shelves stock bars from across the province—Qantu, Palette de Bine, Monarque—alongside house creations by chocolatier Stéphanie Bélanger, including bonbons, spreads, and small-format bars with unexpected flavour combinations.

But État de Choc is more than retail. It functions as a community hub for tastings, workshops, and conversations about what makes chocolate worth caring about. The design is clean, the packaging is bold, and the ethos is refreshingly collaborative rather than competitive. Whether you're after a serious gift or a crash course in terroir and cacao, this is where Montreal's chocolate scene comes into focus. It earns its spot by treating craft chocolate as the art form it is.

Kitsch à l'Os is less a shop and more a cabinet of curiosities sprawled across eight themed rooms. Founded in 2013 in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, this destination has evolved from a hub for retro and antique goods into a curated wonderland showcasing over 120 local artisans alongside vintage finds. Browsing here feels closer to exploring a museum than shopping—every corner reveals something unexpected.

The inventory bridges quirky charm with historical intrigue: kitschy salt-and-pepper shakers, vinyl records, pristine 1950s food containers, handmade jewellery, stationery, and objects that resist easy categorization. Each room functions as its own installation, blending contemporary craft with the timeless pull of yesteryear. Kitsch à l'Os earns its place on this list by being genuinely unlike anywhere else—maximalist without overwhelm, nostalgic without preciousness, and proof that the weird and wonderful have a permanent home in Montreal.

What began in a Mile End apartment over three decades ago has grown into one of the most celebrated names in independent publishing—and Librairie Drawn & Quarterly on Bernard Street is where that legacy takes physical form. The bookstore mirrors the press's evolution from small comics anthology to cultural force, stocking a meticulously curated selection of graphic novels, literary fiction, and art books alongside an ambitious calendar of events.

From Margaret Atwood to Roxane Gay, major literary figures have passed through this space, while book clubs and children's programming keep it rooted in the neighbourhood. D&Q helped redefine what a Montreal bookstore could be: part retailer, part community hub, part tastemaker. It earns its spot on this list not just for what it sells, but for what it's built—a space where comics, literature, and visual art converge with serious intent.

Odeyalo operates at a deliberately unhurried pace. Founded in 2016 by designer Marie-Ève Proulx, the brand releases small capsule drops instead of chasing seasonal collections—an approach rooted in making clothes outside of retail calendars. The garments are defined by confident colour, clean lines, and a comfort-first sensibility that moves easily between everyday wear and more polished moments. Most pieces are made locally in the brand's Montreal studio.

What sets Odeyalo apart is the integration of production and retail. Alterations and repairs are offered on-site to extend garment lifespans, and the workshop doubles as a space for exchange—part boutique, part classroom. It's fashion built around longevity rather than novelty, and it earns its spot on this list by proving that slowing down doesn't mean sacrificing style. For anyone tired of disposable trends, Odeyalo offers a compelling alternative.

Morceau is where mid-century nostalgia meets meticulous craftsmanship. Founded in 2020 by Alain and Vickie—partners with over 15 years of combined expertise in furniture and lamp-making—this Mile End boutique-workshop emerged as a response to the cookie-cutter offerings of mainstream décor. The focus is on curated 20th-century home goods, with every piece hand-restored on-site to meet rigorous quality and safety standards.

The inventory leans Scandinavian: sleek lamps, warm woods, clean lines. But the real draw is watching old-school craftsmanship in action—the couple's mastery of wood refinishing and lighting design ensures nothing leaves without earning its place in someone's home. Open weekends for in-person browsing, the Saint-Urbain showroom feels more gallery than furniture store. Morceau earns its spot by treating vintage not as a trend, but as a practice—and by proving that the stories objects carry are worth preserving.

Buk & Nola has quietly built a reputation since 2009 as one of the Plateau's go-to spots for considered interiors and well-made objects. Run by longtime friends Laurence and Caroline, the boutique mixes small-batch pieces by local artists with design-forward brands, spanning ceramics, textiles, stationery, and giftable objects that feel personal without being precious.

What began as a home décor shop rooted in upcycled furniture and custom lighting has gradually widened into a broader lifestyle edit, reflecting how people actually live now. The approach is straightforward: select objects for their utility, character, and ability to sit comfortably in a real home. Buk & Nola earns its spot on this list by resisting the urge to overcomplicate things—good design, honest materials, and a clear eye. For anyone furnishing a life rather than decorating a showroom, this is the place.

Modéco learned how to evolve without losing its point of view. Acquired and fully reworked by owner Nadia in 2005—when it was still known as MoDéco, short for fashion and décor—the shop shifted focus to an accessible, tightly edited women's wardrobe built around individual pieces rather than seasonal overload. Nothing chosen at random, nothing repeated: each drop is meant to feel distinct, with prices kept approachable.

The selection brings together Montreal designers and European labels, favouring clothes that are easy to wear without feeling generic. It's fashion retail stripped of hype and built on consistency—the kind of shop where you trust the owner's eye and leave with something that fits your actual life. Modéco earns its spot on this list by proving that staying power comes from adaptation, not reinvention, and that a tight edit beats endless options every time.

Goodee's Westmount flagship marks a full-circle moment for Byron and Dexter Peart. After years building a global online presence, the Montreal-born twins—who cofounded Want Les Essentiels—have returned to brick-and-mortar retail with a 1,000-square-foot space rooted in the same values they launched with: sustainability, social impact, and meticulous design. Every object earns its spot, whether it's a watering can by Haws or a handwoven piece from Tensira.

The store feels more like a lived-in space than a showroom, with earthy textures and curation that reflects the Pearts' evolution from fashion to mindful homeware. Over 30 countries are represented, with partnerships tied to ethical sourcing and conservation—each product spotlighting the people and processes behind it. Goodee earns its place on this list by embodying a long-game, values-first approach to retail that just happens to look really good on a shelf.

Boutique Unicorn has anchored itself on Saint-Laurent since 2008, building a reputation as one of Montreal's sharpest destinations for women's fashion with an independent streak. Founders Amélie Thellen and Mélanie Robillard were among the first in the city to spotlight local designers alongside carefully chosen international labels, and that balance of homegrown and global still defines the shop's identity.

The focus is on quality, originality, and pieces you actually want to live in—perfectly cut trousers, handmade jewellery, standout accessories that elevate without overwhelming. The staff are easygoing and knowledgeable, the kind who steer you toward something you didn't know you needed rather than pushing product. Unicorn earns its spot on this list by doing what independent fashion retail should: championing emerging talent, rewarding curiosity, and making the act of getting dressed feel like a creative decision rather than a chore.

Locolocal does exactly what the name suggests: it keeps an eye on what's being made across Quebec and brings it together under one roof. Founded by Catherine, the boutique operates on a clear mandate—showcase provincially made goods produced responsibly and with intention. Everything here is handmade by local artisans, from everyday essentials to small, giftable objects that don't feel disposable.

The mix is deliberately broad: zero-waste items, children's toys, jewellery, clothing, home goods. Locals stop in for practical finds; visitors leave with something that actually says Quebec without leaning on clichés or tourist kitsch. Locolocal earns its spot on this list by functioning as a curated snapshot of contemporary craft in the province—shaped by Catherine's values and aesthetic, and built on the belief that buying local means investing in a sustainable creative ecosystem.

Articho operates less like a gift shop and more like a living archive of contemporary craft. Located in Villeray, the boutique brings together work from close to 100 artisans across Quebec and Canada—pottery, jewellery, skincare, paper goods, everyday objects—all rooted in handmade production and small-scale making. Many of the creators work solo, which shapes both the pace and personality of the space.

Each piece is selected with an eye toward quality, coherence, and how it fits into the shop's broader ecosystem. Articho's real currency is attention: to the makers behind the objects, and to the people walking through the door looking for something that carries a story. It earns its place on this list by treating craft as community rather than commodity, and by proving that a neighbourhood shop can punch well above its weight when the curation is this considered.

Les Coureurs de Jupons has carved out a distinct spot on Promenade Masson since 2011, functioning as a hub for Quebec-made fashion and design. Founded by friends Kristelle and Geneviève, the boutique grew from a shared desire to support local creators and rethink how people consume clothing and gifts. Today, it brings together work from more than 100 Quebec designers—clothing, jewellery, accessories, and small objects for women, men, and kids—all made here.

The focus is firmly on ethical production, originality, and accessibility. Alongside the rotating selection of independent designers, the shop produces its own in-house line: clean silhouettes, comfortable fabrics, and graphic collaborations with local artists. Les Coureurs de Jupons earns its place on this list by building a genuinely community-minded model—one where supporting local isn't a marketing line, but the entire point.

Bouche Bée has settled into Hochelaga since 2018 as a reliable stop for people who care about how things are made. Founded by Marie Letard, the shop feels closer to a neighbourhood living room than a traditional retail space, with a selection guided by usefulness, durability, and a clear visual point of view rather than novelty or trend.

Most of what you'll find comes from Quebec makers, with a few carefully chosen imports mixed in. Kitchenware, décor, paper goods, body care, gifts—all following the same logic: objects meant to be used, not just admired. The space is colourful without being overwhelming, welcoming without any salesy pressure. Bouche Bée earns its spot on this list by embodying a simple belief: independent shops still matter, and local craft is best discovered slowly, in person, with care.