Antiquing & shopping along the canal

Treasure hunters, you’re in luck! Montréal has one of Canada’s most exciting shopping strips, just a couple blocks away from the picturesque Lachine Canal in the effervescent neighbourhoods of Griffintown, Little Burgundy and Saint-Henri, collectively known as Les Quartiers du canal.

This little corner of the city is full of charm, history, world-renowned food (hello, Joe Beef!) and one-of-a-kind finds awaiting discovery. Push the door to one of the antique, fashion, book and homeware shops along Notre-Dame Street West, and you’ll feel like you’ve cracked open a storybook. The area itself is one of the city’s most storied, with buildings running the gamut from 19^th century apartment buildings and cafés to 21^st century designer boutiques. And the finds within… well, there’s no telling what you may unearth.

Start your antiquing tour on Notre-Dame Street West around Guy Street and stroll westward toward Atwater Avenue. That’s where the bulk of the stores is located, and it extends over to Atwater Avenue in Saint-Henri.

Some antique shops not to be missed are Antiquités Rowntree, Antiquités L’Ecuyer, Milord Antiques, Old Times Antiques and Antiquités de la Table (focused on dishware and serving tools for hosts looking for a historical flair). You’ll find anything from clocks full of character, handcrafted dressers, glittering chandeliers, gilded candlesticks and delicate vases in design styles ranging from Arts and Crafts to Bauhaus, Scandinavian, Mid-Century, Rococo, Romantic and more.

For more contemporary unique finds, check out Marché Underground, Vermeil Montréal and Vintage Frames Company (an amazing source of vintage eyewear). Fashion lovers will also find their bliss in the many clothes shops along the strip, including Atelier New Regime, an internationally known local streetwear brand. Running enthusiasts will enjoy espace | MTL - ciele athletics flagship store, a multi-use space and boutique that specializes in Ciele Athletics running equipment. 

Happy shopping!