Best Shopping in Montréal

Free delivery, cooking classes featuring the best uses of olive oil and lemon infused oils starting at $12.95 a bottle? No wonder Olives et Epices is such a long-time local favorite. Owned by the De Vienne family (much revered among Montréal's foodie circles), this Jean-Talon Market enterprise is a neighborhood staple, to say the least. The specialty here as the name suggests is olive oils and spices, and it's virtually a given that you'll find some you've never heard of before. Rare specimens include Indonesian spice blends and obscure but must-have herbs from Africa. Olives et Epices is a treasure trove of scents and flavors. The owners are very knowledgeable, and you are encouraged to taste before you buy.

Looking for arty pillows for your sofa? How about handcrafted blown glass pieces in an array of colors and designs? Here you will find an extensive collection of ever-changing pieces of functional art at very good prices from top Québec artists. Choose from a large assortment of ceramic bowls, cups and bottles, an array of textile pieces or fine figurines hand-carved from attractive wood. This store is a real find for shoppers who seek top quality, unique items that are beautifully made by local and regional artisans. It's the ideal source for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs from Montreal and Québec.

Ben & Tournesol is best described as high-end home decor. From the depths of Westmount - a bastion of taste in itself - comes some noteworthy objects for yourself or others. The latest cool weather must-haves include soft, natural, 100% wool throws from Avoca, Ireland's oldest woolen mill. The owners work hard to keep the store stocked with the most unique items including vegan-friendly shopping bags and porcelain table sets by Versace. There's even clothing by the likes of Paul Frank and Kate Spade's coffee table book to set beside your ginger-scented candles. Direct from Europe check out the Arte Italica ceramic and pewter collections.

Simons is a real local gem in that it's easy to miss. Most travel guide sites fail to mention this quintessential Quebec department store. Simon's focuses on quality fashions for the whole family. A particularly good value is the Twik line - a unique Quebec designer brand of fun, casual fashions for women and girls. Of the seven locations throughout the province, The downtown Montreal store in the Ste. Catherine West shopping district is the most popular. If you can't find it amidst the miles of shops in the area, just ask anyone on the street and keep your eyes open for the green and white banners and awning.

Welcome to eight blocks of shopping pleasure - if only because the shops and boutiques are evenly interspersed with cafes, bars and restaurants to relieve the strain of shopping and appease those who would rather be doing something else. In these blocks along Laurier Avenue west between boulevard St-Laurent and Chemin de la Côte-Ste-Catherine you'll find medium to high-end fashions, art galleries, gourmet food stores and upscale kitchenware shops. No member of the family is left out as toys and children's clothes can be found here along with books, music and decorative items- perfect for gift shopping too and all within a 10-minute walk of the Laurier metro station.

Le Fromentier is Montreal's premier artisanal bakery complete with organic choices making it a hot spot in a neighborhood already saturated with these. Montréal's Laurier Avenue east has more than its fair share of specialty food shops and gourmet cafes, but since 1993, Le Fromentier has offered both the best bread and pastries in the entire city. The shop features typical bakery fare throughout the week with several daily specials. But the difference is evident when tasting the superior chocolate croissants, buttery brioche, baguettes and cinnamon raisin bread. More unique products include loaves featuring squash, cumin, cranberries, nuts, olives, and a host of other ingredients.

A real foodies delight, Gourmet Laurier has been inspiring Montreal chefs - both amateur and professional for over half a century. This is the place to head for those hard-to-find ingredients. The imported treasures include spices, teas, mustards, chocolates, candies, jams, and a variety of oils and vinegars. This is one of the few places where you can score Puget oils, imported lentils from Le Puy and Lustucru pasta. Rare spices, top quality extra virgin olive oils, Québec cheeses and meats and exotic soaps complete the grocery list. The shop also has a good selection of high-end coffee grinders, pepper mills and other kitchen gadgets. You can even get a sandwich to go too.

This tiny, inviting space with sparkling glass shelves in the middle of The Plateau area invites chocoholics to peer into the open kitchen to watch the creation of luscious chocolate treats. Chloé and her friendly staff love talking about their creations and it's easy to see why. Chloé creates ten distinct ganache centers including but not limited to passionfruit, anise, raspberries, and Earl Grey tea, all smothered in Valrhona chocolate. The salted caramels and chocolate-covered marshmallows are good too. Since 2003 Montrealers have been sipping her sumptuous hot chocolate and sampling confections straight from France from this locally and internationally acclaimed chocolate shop.

From personal grooming products to household cleaners and laundry materials the name says it all. My favorites include the shampoo and conditioning bars and the laundry tabs. No extra packaging and no chemical scents make these products appealing and safe for all. They even offer a dog shampoo bar, brushes and other pet accessories. This woman-owned, Certified B Company assures consumers of its accountability, transparency and commitment to the environment, workers and the community. Refillable products help to lessen the collective plastic footprint too. Newer items include walnut fiber scouring pads, blocks of dish soap, soy candles,body deodorant and a soothing lip balm.

Open year-round, this Montreal landmark has been supplying locals with fresh local produce,local meats and cheeses,desserts and dry goods since 1934. This is the place Montrealers love, along with the Atwater Market on the Lachine Canal. It's a whole city block of stall after stall piled high with the best local baked goods, maple syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies, charcuterie, wine and beer, olive oil, balsamic vinegars etc. Specialty gourmet food items, produced or grown locally or internationally (Japan, Italy etc), and of top quality can be found at the Jean Talon Market too. It's truly one stop outdoor shopping expereince.