In the gourmand’s metropolis of Montreal, one of the best ways to fill the time between meals is to go shopping. While Quebec’s largest city was first founded as a missionary center rather than a fur-trading post, as was the case with several other Canadian cities, the proceeding centuries have seen Montreal more than make up for its nonmaterialist origins. In addition to a robust and diverse array of vintage-clothes sellers and interesting bookstores, there are local craftspeople and formidable luxury retailers that together embody the city’s unique blend of cosmopolitanism, utilitarian waste-not attitude, and indie, intellectual spirit—all in close proximity. It’s unlikely that you’ll leave empty-handed.
Second Time’s the Charm
Bustling Boulevard Saint-Laurent has an embarrassment of vintage stores—stroll its length at leisure. Our hit list includes the serene Seconde, which sells a well-curated edit of luxury womenswear, and Le Magasin du Chaînon, a thrift shop with a trove-like selection (think Filippa K. button-downs for less than $5). Near Plateau Mont-Royal is the cavernous and colorful Marché Floh, spanning decades of fashion history. Mile End’s Bohème Vintage stocks quality wool and denim, and steams them right behind the counter.
Fine Furnishings
A ground-floor showroom that will leave you contemplating buying up all its furniture, Morceau is open on weekends and displays chic vintage pieces and new designs—svelte Italian lamps, shag rugs, and teak furniture included. On-site, owners Alain Caron and Vickie Gauthier restore and refinish by hand the vintage goods they procure (and ship internationally), meaning each item is one of a kind. For a more maximalist sprawl, browse Antiquités Van Horne for a labyrinthine array of oddities both useful and not so useful—like gilded frames, animal figurines, and suits of armor.
