Argo Bookshop has been a fixture in Montreal’s literary scene in Shaughnessy Village since 1966, earning its title as the city’s oldest independent English-language bookstore. This intimate shop may be small, but it packs a literary punch with carefully curated titles from speculative fiction and Japanese literature to poetry, philosophy, and books by marginalized authors.

The bookstore thrives as a community hub, hosting regular events like poetry nights, book launches, and even storytime for kids. It’s also a space for discovery, with knowledgeable staff always ready to recommend your next great read. Despite the challenges faced by independent bookstores, Argo expanded its space in 2021, doubling down on its role as a cultural gathering point.