162 Best Places to Shop in Quebec, Canada

In business since 1954, customers here form long lines for prepared foods at the takeout counter. Apart from fresh produce, this Italian grocery mecca carries more than a thousand types of cheeses (not all Italian); charcuterie, including sausage, prosciutto, truffle ham, and pâtés; dozens of kinds of oils and vinegars; fresh baked goods; and other fine foods imported from Italy. For some elbow room, go during the week.

The leading female designer in Québec (and one who's celebrated throughout Canada), Marie Saint-Pierre is known for her signature pleats and ruffles—think sleek and sophisticated rather than frilly. Now she's lending her avant-garde touch to bridal wear.

This cornerstone of Montréal's English-language literary scene for over 40 years carries the usual selection of mysteries and thrillers, but it also stocks a wide range of Canadian works. It's a favorite with visiting authors, who stop by to read from their latest releases. Sip on a coffee from the adjacent Second Cup coffee shop while you peruse the stacks.

This little boutique showcases beautiful ballerina flats handmade in Spain. Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, you'll find it difficult to limit yourself to just one pair. You'll also find Barbour handbags—a canvas tote might be the perfect accessory to complement your new flats.

Hogg Hardware is much more than a hardware store. In-the-know locals come here to find that special gift or to satisfy a craving for British teas, jams and junk food. Depending on the season, Hogg stocks everything from patio furniture, essential oils, scent diffusers, decorative candles, wool blankets, winter shawls, Christmas decorations, ceramic planters, nature books, marzipan calissons from Aix-en-Provence, Simpkins travel sweets from the UK, and so much more. Watch your wallet; you're likely to leave here with more than one item.

Everyone from casual readers to serious book collectors will find something at this Mile End gem, where the stacks of literature are complemented by a vast selection of books on philosophy, science, and religion. The owner and his employees are friendly and well-read.

One of the top shoe stores in Montréal, hands down, Scarpa, which means "shoe" in Italian, has been in business since 2008. From espadrilles, flats, and pumps to winter boots, sneakers, and strappy sandals, Scarpa shoes are always high quality and consistently on point. The company has its own footwear brand and atelier, which aptly enough is called Ateliers. A smaller collection of men's shoes is also available.

Designed in Montréal and sold around the world, this is couture swimwear at its finest. In a rainbow of colors, these sexy cuts are meant to be displayed—though one of the ethereal cover-ups just might make one reconsider. There's also a collection of men's swim trunks and briefs.

Known around Montréal as one of the top menswear destinations, Tozzi is a one-stop shop for the dapper gentleman. Suits, polos, jeans, watches, sunglasses, and cologne—this boutique, spread over four separate addresses on rue Crescent, offers just about everything in a minimalist, serene environment. The brand now also carries women's fashions and housewares.

Stylish Hervé Léger dresses at two for C$500? Style-savvy cofounders Maryam Rafa and Angelica Koinis believe that women should look good and dress well without having to spend a small fortune. Designer denim and fabulous cocktail dresses and evening gowns for half off (or more) have built their reputation.

This cheerful boutique is a dream-come-true for owner Audrey Morissette, who adores all things whimsical and feminine. Uniting her love of fashion and decor, the shop is filled with pretty items ranging from jewelry to clothing to candles, as well as ceramics and other household items.

Deep in the heart of the McGill University neighborhood, or the Ghetto as it's known by locals, this award-winning Montréal landmark is bursting with used books (including first editions) and specializes in philosophy, poetry, and literature. Despite its dilapidated appearance, the Lilliputian shop is beloved by locals and visitors alike. As celebrated Montréal novelist Heather O'Neill says, "Everyone says a prayer before walking in so that the roof won’t collapse." Open since 1975, the owners shunned modern technology (including a cash register) until just a few years ago. There's not even a sign, so keep your eyes peeled as you walk along Milton, though the bargain books lining the window are a good clue. The Word made an appearance in the Netflix movie Pieces of a Woman starring Vanessa Kirby and Shia LaBeouf.

This multilevel labyrinth of affordable housewares is filled with fine and stylish—and sometimes wacky—designs for the kitchen, bath, and living room. There is also an outpost at 6816 boulevard St-Laurent in Little Italy.

This is the biggest and liveliest of the city's public markets. On weekends in summer and fall, crowds swarm the half-acre or so of outdoor produce stalls, looking for the fattest tomatoes, sweetest melons, and juiciest strawberries. Its shops also sell sausage, fish, cheese, bread, pastries, and other delicacies. Early in the morning you might rub elbows with the city's top chefs. The market is in the northern end of the city, but is easy to get to by métro.

One of the most interesting events in Val-David is this ceramic exhibition, held from July through mid-August, which started in 1988. On view is the Japanese-style pottery of 1001 Pots' founder Kinya Ishikawa—as well as pieces by up to 100 other ceramists. Ishikawa's studio also displays work by his wife, Marie-Andrée Benoît, who makes fish-shaped bowls with a texture derived from pressing canvas on the clay. There are workshops for adults and children throughout the exhibition, and there is always at least one artisan on-site. While you're there, take the time to enjoy tea in one of the three beautiful gardens and learn the art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

This small boutique is packed with essential oils and natural beauty products of all kinds, from skin care to dental care products, mostly organic and largely produced just outside of Québec City.

A collective of local artists and artisans proffer their works in a stunning setting by the shore. Jewelry, hats, handbags, maple syrup, stationery, key chains, wood works, housewares, jams, and spice blends are just a few of the items that may be on display. Baby, wedding, and corporate gifts are among the selections.

The largest antiques store on rue St-Paul sells furniture, household items, old paintings, and knickknacks from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Armoires and sideboards brimming with fine crystal and china line the walls at this beautiful shop, while chandeliers, linens, and other vintage pieces make up the rest of the treasures. Call or email before you visit, as hours can vary.

Apikol combines a honey house, mead house, distillery, and tasting room all under one roof. This innovative microenterprise is equipped to reduce its environmental footprint by practicing zero waste and sustainable beekeeping, respecting the colonies' way of life, conserving resources, and protecting biodiversity. On-site, you'll find gin, mead, and even vodka; you can even participate in a personalized gin-making workshop and tour of the facilities (in English).

At more than 10,000 square feet, Aritzia's gleaming glass-fronted, two-story location on rue Ste-Catherine is the Vancouver brand's largest in Canada. Offering dressy and casual classics in addition to youthful contemporary fashions, this is the place to shop if you're looking for on-trend women's clothing at midrange prices. Along with its own collections, Aritzia also carries popular labels like Mackage, Citizens of Humanity, and AGOLDE.

If you're looking for an interesting conversation piece to bring back home with you, check out master craftsman Bernard Chaudron's hand-forged, lead-free pewter household objects that include oil lamps, hammered-silver beer mugs, pitchers, candleholders, and animal-themed knife rests.

Inspired by the shapes wind, water, and sand carve out of wood scattered along the St. Lawrence shore, artists use ordinary driftwood to create one-of-a-kind pieces for the home. Modern, traditional, and abstract styles come into play on lamps, vases, candle-holders, fruit bowls, and decorative pieces.

A must-stop spot for foodies looking to try hot- and cold-smoked fish and other seafood. The award-winning selection here includes salmon, mackerel, cod, trout, and tuna, some of it seasoned. Don’t miss trout rillettes, potted smoked salmon, and potted smoked lobster—all delicious on baguette slices. The “saumoscuitto” is a thinly sliced, firm textured version of smoked salmon, prepared in a similar way to prosciutto.

In the market at Les Halles Cartier, Aux Petits Délices has a large selection of specialty cheeses, along with crackers, charcuterie, and condiments for a picnic on the Plains.

Open since 1993, this upbeat boutique is the place to go for plush pillows, linens, and duvets from Designers Guild, which may inspire you to redesign your bedroom (if not your whole house). They also carry home decor articles, cookware and dinnerware, bath products, fragrances, and even clothing. Ask the friendly staff for guidance on the perfect gift.  Dogs are welcome here!

One of Montréal's favorite boutiques, Billie has rows of bookcases, drawers, and shelves that give the feeling of raiding your best friend's closet. Look for chic dresses and blouses from Velvet, cozy sweaters from 360 Cashmere, and eclectic shoes by Inuikii. If you are shopping for kid sizes, visit Billie le Kid at 1001 avenue Laurier Ouest.

The Canadian equivalent of Tiffany's (with its own version of the iconic blue box) has been selling diamond engagement rings, exquisite jewelry, and fine crystal since 1879. Recently renovated and redesigned and now part of the new Hôtel Birks, the luxury jewelry store contains partitioned boutiques within a larger boutique and sells items by brands such as Messika, Van Cleef & Arpels, Rolex, Cartier, and Breitling, in addition to Birks' Collections. Even if diamonds or watches aren't on your shopping list, it's still worth a visit to the elegant new hotel and the seriously stunning Henri Brasserie Française (restaurant and bar lounge), serving French-inspired cuisine highlighting seasonal Québec and Canadian products ( www.restauranthenri.com).

This Quebec-based company specializes in natural, cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly beauty and skincare products. The welcoming, all-peach-pink flagship store on boulevard St-Laurent carries face, body, hair, and nail care products, including their much loved nail polishes, as well as beauty accessories.

When Nicole Kidman wore one of this designer's zip denim dresses, Judith Desjardins's star was set. A proponent of slow fashion, Bodybag by Jude prioritizes quality, eco-friendly fabrics and designs made to last. Desjardins has a penchant for all things British, so look for tweeds and cheeky checks and plaids.