Montreal is a city of culture, just like New York or Paris, and on the streets we run into—sometimes without even realizing it—actors, writers, prominent journalists, activists, athletes, musicians… With the characteristic nonchalance of jaded city dwellers, of course.
On the other hand, it’s sometimes hard to find a bookstore where you can hang out—artistically—during a lunch break or a weekend afternoon. Our favorite bookstores all have a certain secret, intimate charm, and even though everyone knows about them, when you spend time there , you feel like the main character in a romantic comedy or a French vacation movie…
Here’s a list of our 5 favorite bookstores in Montreal:
1. Bertrand Bookstore
@beanfield.books
Bertrand Bookstore is tucked away on a small street in the Old Port and has been a cult favorite among those in the know for over 70 years. It’s a small bookstore with creaky wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a super cozy atmosphere.
The selection of books is exceptional, and you can find books in both English and French there.
Where? Bertrand Bookstore, 430 Saint-Pierre Street
When?
Monday through Friday—9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday—9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday—11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Le Port de Tête Bookstore
@siggimagazine
Le Port de Tête bookstore has two locations on Mont-Royal Avenue, right next to each other. In the first, you’ll find comics, romance novels, children’s and young adult literature, and art books. In the second, you’ll find essays, literature, and science books.
It’s the perfect bookstore to hang out in and read the back covers with a coffee in hand for a few hours on a Tuesday afternoon…
Where? Le Port de Tête Bookstore, at 222 and 269 Mont-Royal Avenue East
When?
Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday—10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday and Friday—10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday—10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. De Stiil Books
@destiil_books
This English-language bookstore is for artists, it girls, andanyone looking for inspiration for their next project. It features art books, a highly curated selection of literary fiction, and beautiful books on design and fashion.
Where? De Stiil Books, 351 Duluth Avenue East
When?
Sunday through Wednesday—11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday—11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Joie de Livres
@joie.de.livres.mtl
At Joie de Livres, you’ll lose track of time thanks to the huge selection of books (with a focus on romance and genre fiction) and the coffee served on velvet benches in jewel-toned hues… There are books in both English and French.
Where? Joie de Livres Bookstore, 5136 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
When?
Sunday through Wednesday—9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday—9 a.m. to midnight
5. Gallimard Bookstore
@librairiegallimardmontreal
For literary purists, visit the Gallimard bookstore (in the French style) to browse through the catalog of 40,000 titles from this iconic publishing house.
Where? Gallimard Bookstore, 3700 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
When?
Saturday through Wednesday—10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday—10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy the read!
