Bring the best of Montréal home with you!

arloca

Local mainstay arloca showcases the immense talent of homegrown Canadian artisans. From elegant jewelry to trendy accessories, arloca has something for everyone—from those who want to bejewel their hands to those who like getting them dirty in the garden or kitchen.

Camillette Jewelry

Not only does Camillette Jewelry design and sell some truly eye-catching fashion accessories and jewelry, this workshop-boutique also offers workshops in which fashion fanatics can make their own pieces in sessions lasting less than three hours, a true keepsake of your time in Montréal.

Savonnerie M'Nonga

Savonnerie M’Nonga are true specialists in natural soaps, bath salts, oils, body butters and other self-pampering products. Truly handmade, M’Nonga’s atelier is visible to the public, where you can watch the magic unfold in front of you. And for those who’ve always wanted to get into soap making but were afraid to take the plunge, there’s workshops available to learn the tricks of the trade.

Boutique Espace Urbain

Boutique Espace Urbain in the Plaza Saint-Hubert shopping district is a community-focused local business owned by two Quebecers of Haitian heritage sharing a passion for travel, culture, art, fashion, and design. Featuring Afro, urban, vintage fashion items, jewelry and apparel from over 120 diverse sellers, they provide customers with the opportunity to purchase sustainable, locally-made products while supporting the region's creative entrepreneurs.

Marché Saint Laurent

Housed in the historic Aldred Building adjacent to the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Marché Saint Laurent offers a wide array of locally-sourced products ranging from books to clothing. It’s also the perfect spot to recharge—the in-house café carries locally-roasted beans and fresh pastries to reward oneself for a successful shopping excursion.

BKIND

At the forefront of vegan, all-natural, eco-responsible beauty products, BKIND specializes in face and body care products, hair care innovations and vibrant nail polishes in a unique palette all their own, perfect for statement-making flourishes on your fingertips.

Les Mauvaises herbes

If you’re looking for that special zero-waste something, look no further than Les Mauvaises herbes, whose beauty products and homemade artisanal craft wares are sure to grab attention. We’re particularly fond of their original tea infusion blends, scented candles and make-at-home body butter kits.

Les Citadines

The sense of smell is our sense most connected to memory, and Les Citadines' original Montréal collection of scented candles consists of seven specially-formulated scents in tribute of the city’s iconic neighbourhoods Ville-Marie (cypress, pine and spices), Homa (amber and sandalwood), Mile End (maple syrup), Griffintown (white tea and berries), Vieux-Montréal (wood fire), Rosemont (fig tree and fern) and Le Plateau (pepper and port).

C’est beau

Made in Québec, C’est beau's minimalist fashions adhere to a set of strict sustainable production methods. Featuring fresh collaborations, sharp minimalist designs and some of the city’s cutest toques, you’re sure to bring home a dash of Montréal style with something from C’est beau’s racks.

Toutes les choses parfaites

Nestled in the up-and-coming Technopôle Angus neighbourhood, Toutes les choses parfaites elevates the classic Montréal Dep (the local nickname for a corner store) to new heights, with a focus on local products. There’s also a plant selection, tidy café and a selection of craft beers sure to please any taste.

Paperole Postcards

Designed and printed in Montréal, Paperole’s postcards shine a spotlight on the city’s beloved skyline, cuisine (bagels and poutine, naturally) and squirrels—a great way to brighten any postbox. And most designs are also available as larger prints if you want to keep their cheery designs for yourself!

Artgang caps and T-shirts

Artgang’s clever local redux spins on iconic designs, range from recent collabs with local illustrators to their if-you-know-you-know transformation of the Yankees team insignia into a design that’s 100% MTL emblazoned on hats and backpacks.

Pony Sweatshirts

While local label Pony’s boutique Emotions Infinies features the brand’s limited-edition prints, pins, scented candles, stuffed toys (shout out to Anxietyeti), under garments, nail polish and more, we’ll always be fans of their instantly recognizable designs—in particular the now-classic Club Optimiste, Never Alone and Hug Life designs, all back in print and ready to wear.

Cath Laporte wall hangings and Raymond Biesinger prints

Montréal artist Cath Laporte’s work is a daily boost to the spirit, and her minimalist, graphic #giantclapcath series of large scale wall hangings transform any space beautifully. She’s also available for one-of-a-kind commissions and happy to grant permission for her pieces as the basis for your next tattoo. Equally as eye-catching, Raymond Biesinger’s prints range from his Canadian Cities screenprint series (including our city circa Expo67) and a moving tribute to 18 lost buildings of Montréal sure to bring a tear to the eye of any architecture lover.

2 Lettreurs

The nearly-lost art of hand-painted signs is alive and well in Montréal thanks in large part to 2 Lettreurs, the namesake of sign painters Malcolm McCormick and Alexandre Saumier Demers. The pair offers unmissable workshops (make and take home a snazzy hand-lettered sign), as well as design services already utilized by some of the city’s hippest spots. It’s time for your Montréal rebranding!

Raplapla’s Monsieur Tsé-Tsé

For more than a decade, Raplapla’s Monsieur Tsé-Tsé has been an iconic stuffy amongst Montréal’s trendsetter kid set. And while the line’s newer characters are every bit as adorable, Tsé-Tsé is still the true original gotta-have backseat companion for the drive back—or a surprise new best friend for a young one at home. (Promise we won’t tell if that Monsieur is just for you!)

Cole Degenstein tattoos

Illustrator turned tattoo artist Cole Degenstein’s brittle linework translates perfectly from paper to flesh, whether in black and white or punctuated by bright splashes of colour inspired by Montréal autumns. His fellow artists at Studio les fleurs du mal are also worth the skin. A new tattoo—the ultimate Montréal souvenir!

Tad-dah!

Tah-dah! is a must-visit boutique for handmade Québec products, located right next to the iconic Jean-Talon Market. Shelves stocked with unique jewellery pieces, candles and room mists, bath and beauty products, and Montréal street scene tote bags, there’s something here for you and those waiting back at home.

Museum boutiques

Montréal’s world-class museums don’t just display objets d’art, they also each house an unmissable boutique’s worth of carefully curated items perfect to commemorate your #mtlmoments. The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts offers a large art books section, along with ceramics and jewelry, while the Canadian Centre for Architecture has the coffee table books on architecture and design scene cornered. The Musée d’art contemporain’s printed catalogues make for warm remembrances and overviews of artists as varied as Nan Goldin, Pussy Riot, Françoise Sullivan and Leonard Cohen, while the McCord Stewart Museum sticks to its mandate of Montréal history with locally-made products and publications. The Boutique de Pointe-à-Callière also offers original and unique locally-minded items, from exclusive jewellery to archaeology and history books.

LVNEA

One of the Mile End’s most intoxicating boutiques, LVNEA specializes in original fragrances, essential oil blends and scent-based accoutrements. The helpful and friendly staff is always there to make suggestions, and the shop’s one-of-a-kind creations are sure to have everyone back at home take notice.

COUPLE d’IDÉES

If you love stylish notebooks and stationary, but also want an equally-attractive bag to put them in, COUPLE d’IDÉES has got you covered. 100% Montréal designed and made, their collection of bespoke items now also includes chic reflective brooches for those night walkers and bikers looking to make a safety statement.

AUX 33 TOURS

A musical hot-spot, Montréal’s presence on the world stage has long been established by the likes of Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion and the new breed of indie band stalwarts still going strong. Pick up the latest releases by some of Montréal’s finest at Aux 33 Tours, whose friendly staff are qualified to give the local lay of the land. (And if your ears are hungry for more, there’s many more indie record shops worth a visit).

Le Petit Dep

As pretty as a Wes Anderson film still, Le Petit Dep’s locations are infinitely photogenic. And beyond the charming in-house cafés and foodstuffs for sale, there’s also locally-minded gifts and souvenirs on hand. Grab a snack while you grab some gifts—it’s a win-win situation indeed.

État de choc

Who doesn’t love chocolate? État de choc embraces that love with craftily created blends and flavourings that may or may not make it all the way back home. But lucky for all, their website offers Canada-wide shipping options to refresh your supply.

Solios Watches

Based on Verdun’s buzzing Wellington Street, Solios Watches bring solar-powered technology to your wrist with minimalist design flourishes and comfort in mind. And those who love the exclusive will be all over the limited edition designs (recently including one inspired by the MR-63 Montréal métro trains) made in numbers as low as 100. 

Harricana

Harricana has been keeping heads and bodies warm in Montréal since 1918, undertaking a revolutionary shift to sustainability in 1994. Through recycling high fashion pieces including silk, tweed and fur, Harricana’s initiatives have saved the lives of over 1,200,000 animals. It’s the perfect way to do good while looking good too. 

L’empreinte coopérative

The L’empreinte coopérative gives pride of place to Québec-based artisans specializing in home decor, soaps, scents, prints, fashions and toys for the kids. There’s also a focus on sustainability, with many products featuring reclaimed and re-used materials. From top to bottom, L’empreinte coopérative is distinctly Montréal.

Maison Milan

Through their couture Patrizio aprons in a variety of on trend colours and eye-grabbing kitchen accessories, Maison Milan brings a unique taste of Milano via Montréal to your dining room.

¾ Oz. Tonic Maison

The perfect gift for the mixologist in your life, ¾ Oz. Tonic Maison’s mixers spruce up cocktails and mocktails and their stylish graphics look great on any cabinet shelf. Crafted in small batches, they’re sure to raise spirits high, pun intended.

Quelle Histoire!

Making local history attractive, Quelle Histoire’s tea towels, aprons and bags tell the tale of local legends like the Montréal melon and pouding chômeur in sharp designs and colours. Created by journalist Sophie Lachapelle, part of the proceeds from each towel also go towards safeguarding the uniquely québécois specimen portrayed.

WANT Les Essentiels

Specializing in leather bags and shoes, WANT Les Essentials has made its name in high fashion circles through expert craftsmanship and sharp design. A true local original, there’s few finer keepsakes to commemorate your Montréal experience.

Le Cartel

Constantly collaborating with both up-and-coming and established artists, the streetwear label Le Cartel is always eye-popping in fit and fabric. The perfect choice for those wanting to make a statement who aren’t shy of getting stared at.

Atelier Cocotte

Montréal is a bona fide city of lights, making one of Atelier Cocotte’s gorgeously fluid lighting fixtures a fitting addition to any Montréal trip shopping list. Handmade in Montréal from Canadian woods, Atelier Cocotte’s lamps brighten up any room.

Original article in English by Mark Hamilton, adapted into French by Alex Gauthier.