Any event comes with some amount of downtime for attendees, and there are few better ways to fill some time than a bit of shopping. Whether looking for a souvenir to take home to friends and family, something new for the wardrobe or even a piece of art, we’ve compiled this list of shops, galleries and snack stops all within a quick 10-minute walk of the city’s conference centre, the Palais de congrès de Montréal.
First off: some fuel
Because shopping is sure to make one a little peckish, let’s start with the snack options en route. Le Petit Dep (461, rue Saint-Sulpice) is an endlessly charming corner store, bakery and café with tasty treats and “dirty chai” (a chai latte with a shot of espresso). The cupcakes at Les Glaceurs (1245, boul. Robert-Bourassa) are a local favourite, while Olive + Gourmando (351, rue Saint-Paul O.) make croissants and giant chocolate chip cookies that keep locals coming back. Lovers of bubble tea, barbecued pork buns and soup dumplings will want to head over to rue de la Gauchetière in Chinatown, where they’ll have their pick. And just around the corner, there are delicious tacos at La Capital (1096, boul. Saint-Laurent).
Something to wear
For something wearable that’s completely unique, both Swell & Ginger (231, rue Notre-Dame O.) and Espace Pépin (378, rue Saint-Paul O.) gather a selection of labels within their beautiful space. Local brands find their home at the Old Montréal outpost of Naïf (227, rue Saint-Paul O.), a small Montréal chain championing unique pieces made by homegrown designers.
Something a little arty
Contemporary art fans may just find the perfect piece for their walls back home at Galerie Bloom (224, rue Saint-Paul O.). Prefer something a little more old-fashioned? The Boutique de Pointe-à-Callière (350, rue Place Royale) within Montréal’s historical museum stocks books and gifts with a look back at the city’s past. The works of First Nations artisans is available for purchase at Galerie Le Chariot (446, Place Jacques-Cartier) and Galerie d’art Images Boréales (4, rue Saint-Paul E.). At Galerie Héritage (30, rue Saint-Paul E.) you’ll find jewellery and artful home furnishings — much of it continuing Québec’s longstanding tradition of fur trading — made by celebrated Inuk creators.
Something distinctly local
L’Empreinte Coopérative (88, rue Saint-Paul E.) is a wonderful emporium of locally made objects, be it pottery, soaps, cushion covers, toys or small art pieces. The bevy of souvenirs at Souvenirs Neil (24, rue Saint-Paul E.) ensures no-one back at home will go without a Montréal fridge magnet or shot glass, while Sky Cadeaux et Fleurs (159, rue Saint-Antoine O.) offers beautiful flower arrangements hearty enough to last the flight home. Complexe Desjardins is a great big mall, fantastic for those looking for big-name stores; it’s an entry point for the extensive Underground City, which you can tour with our guide here. Happy shopping!
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