Fall full-on in love with these MTL stationery stores
Take note, friends! Handwriting is not a dying art, and these Montréal stationery shops are here to prove it. Check out these lovely dens for fancy pens, cute greeting cards, perfect planners, elegant art prints and giftwrapping paper so beautiful you might want to frame it. Draw, write, jot, scribble, plan and celebrate your love of longhand, store to store.
The stationery section at this darling local workshop-boutique features mini cards that will melt your heart, whimsical Montréal scenes in prints and postcards, journals, calendars and more. You’ll also find locally-made jewellery, cool kitchen essentials, caps, hats and tees, and other treasures. Gifts to go with your card?
A mainstay of Parc Avenue, Nota Bene woos with everything from limited-edition fountain pens, updated ball point pens, hard-to-find sketch books, swishy markers, elegant correspondence paper, bright preppy highlighters and classic journals. Go here for sleek, smart stationery supplies from around the globe that you never even knew you were missing out on.
This tasteful temple to stationery supplies, art prints and well-being in Mile End offers a treasure trove of supplies that includes fountain pens, needle point slims, brush pens, rose gold paper clips, bookmarks and kaleidoscopic markers that are perfect for getting the meaning down on paper. While you’re there, pick up some whimsical greeting cards and browse its soft and dreamy art prints created by Mélanie, co-owner and illustrator.
This bright and cheery boutique on Saint-Laurent Boulevard abounds with a colourful and curated selection of gift-wrapping go-tos and cute greeting cards to choose from. Be sure to stock up on stylish pens and pencils so beautiful you might not want to use them, or journals so gorgeous you’ll want to start jotting in a jiffy. There are also art supplies and colouring books for wee ones to choose from.
While much more than a stationery store, the spot-on aesthetics of Buk & Nola’s owners mean you also get paper products that are brimming with beauty, inspiration and whimsy. Browse its curated selection of greeting cards, gift tags, wrapping tape, notebooks and even mini-notebooks for budding Shakespeares. These discerning tastemakers also offer a number of lifestyle magazines and books to flip through.
Playful is the word at Paperole, and this publishing house, which specializes in contemporary stationery. Many of its cards and prints are produced in partnership with renowned and emerging artists, giving you instant access to a bounty of local and international talent. Reach out to the special people in your life with bright graphic Montréal-themed holiday cards and postcards, featuring everything from poutine to the Habs, and the Expos to Orange Julep.
The brainchild of a Montréal-based graphic designer from France, Lili Graffiti is an online boutique that overflows with greeting cards, notepads, notebooks and journals that are inspired by local scenes and images (like the whimsical Square St. Louis notepad, which will bring out the daydreaming note-jotter in anyone). You can also pick up adorable writing supplies, gift tags and art prints here too.
Walk in and behold exquisite sheets of washi, or traditional handmade Japanese paper, in this unique Mile End boutique. As your eyes devour the intricate designs of this gorgeous paper, you’ll understand why the Japanese have a culture entirely devoted to gift-giving. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind greeting cards, notebooks, journals and other cool gifts like origami paper with instruction books.
Rebecca Sellers
Hailing originally from the big country skies of Manitoba, Rebecca adopted Montréal over 20 years ago after living in Québec City and France as a student. When she is not writing, translating or teaching English, she can be found pedaling the city’s bike paths, strolling the streets in search of hidden gems, and striking up conversations with local merchants, creators and folks in the neighbourhood.