The hustle and bustle of city life calms down in the cozy nooks and crannies of Montreal’s bookstores. These literary havens offer an enchanted escape, where time seems to stretch and words dance between the shelves. In every corner of the city, these bookshops offer much more than just books. They are refuges, portals to infinite worlds, where Montrealers come to seek warmth and literary nuggets. Each, in its own way, helps weave the rich cultural fabric of Montreal, inviting lovers of words to explore and dream.
1. Drawn and Quarterly : Literary vibrations in the heart of Mile End
View this post on Instagram
Lost on a street worthy of a novel, Drawn and Quarterly stands like an iconic Mile End publisher. An epicenter of captivating readings, it charms locals and visitors alike. From vibrant graphic novels to good vibes, the atmosphere is electric. Memorable literary events with renowned authors make this venue a literary lover’s paradise.
2. Le Port de Tête : Rendez-vous Littéraire du Plateau Mont-Royal
View this post on Instagram
Located on Mont-Royal Avenue, Le Port de Tête has been delighting customers for over a decade. Its neat layout, illuminated by a golden glow, attracts crowds for readings and author signings. This independent bookshop is a literary hub for the Plateau’s French-speaking community. It features a mix of new and used books in the humanities and social sciences, as well as a unique selection of fanzines and magazines unavailable elsewhere in Quebec.
3. Gallimard : Un Coin de France en Terre Québécoise
View this post on Instagram
On Saint-Laurent since 1989, Montreal’s Librairie Gallimard offers a French-style literary experience. It brings together classic and contemporary writers from France and Quebec. Éditions Gallimard, the bookshop’s publishing house, brings translations of popular titles to life. In-store signing sessions and lively discussions with the bookshop’s experts make this a place not to be missed.
4. The Word: A Journey through the Times of Used Books
View this post on Instagram
Since 1975, The Word Bookstore has been the ultimate haven for bibliophiles. Housed in a former 19th-century Chinese laundry, this used bookstore offers a unique experience a stone’s throw from the McGill University campus. Collections of Montreal poets, stacks of dollar novels and a timeless atmosphere create a place where enthusiasts can lose themselves among literary treasures.
5. Appetite for Books: The Bookshop that awakens the taste buds
View this post on Instagram
Located in Westmount, the Appetite for Books Bookshop offers a delightful exchange of culinary reflections. Its wide range of cookery books in French and English attracts food lovers. From comforting vegetarian recipes to creations by Montreal chefs, owner-chef Jonathan Cheung offers a mouth-watering collection. Cooking classes accompany the books, led by Cheung or guest chefs.
6. Argo Bookshop: Fifty Years of Love for English-Speaking Words
View this post on Instagram
Montreal’s oldest independent English-language bookshop, Argo Bookshop has survived with panache for over fifty years. Nestled in Shaughnessy Village, it offers over 6,000 titles in a cosy 200 sq. ft. space. Regular readings showcase local and foreign voices. The store’s back office, transformed into a coworking space, makes this a place where coffee is cheap and passion for literature abounds.
7. Paragraph Bookstore : Anglo-Saxon charm south of McGill
View this post on Instagram
South of McGill University, the Paragraphe Bookstore offers carefully selected English literature. With over 50,000 titles, it offers a spacious, well-lit venue. It is the main supplier of English-language books to Quebec libraries. Readers can settle in, recharge and enjoy free Wi-Fi in a serene setting. Regularly visited by touring authors, it attracts non-fiction thinkers and Canadian writers.