6 places to get a tattoo in Montréal
For many travelers, tattooing has become an original way to bring back a lasting memory of their stay. Thanks to its vibrant arts scene and the quality of its creators, Montréal has established itself as a destination of choice for body-art lovers. However, when visiting a new city, it can be difficult to find the safest and most reputable studios. To guide you, here is a selection of six must-see tattoo studios in Montréal, as well as some useful tips before getting tattooed while travelling.
Studio Artease
Google rating of 4.8
Founded in 2013, Studio Artease has established itself as one of the most popular tattoo parlours in Montréal. Recognized for the quality of its artists and the diversity of its projects, the studio is distinguished by its inclusive and welcoming approach, open to all clienteles. It is particularly renowned for its realism, surrealism, new school, linear work, Japanese style, cover-ups and goth aesthetics, offering great artistic versatility in a professional environment.
4710 Saint-Ambroise Street, suite 229
Instagram: @studioartease
Number of artists: 9 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French and English.
Can you go without an appointment? Yes, but it’s always better to call before to ensure that an artist is available. Contacting the team a day in advance is enough.
To make an appointment: By email, phone and message on Instagram. Details on website.
Rates: The minimum rate is $110 per project. For the hourly rate, it varies between $120 and $150 per hour, depending on the artist.
Travel tattoo tip: It’s better to choose a project that can be done in one session if you’re only here for a few days. Ideally, plan your tattoo for the end of your stay so that you are not limited in your outdoor activities, visits to spas, or contact in large crowds. As usual, you should avoid the sun or submerging your new tattoo in water. You should also avoid excessive sweating in the first few days after your tattoo session.
Imago Tattoo Studio
Google rating of 4.9
Established in Montréal in 1997, Imago Tattoo Studio is one of the cornerstones of the city’s tattoo scene. Recognized for its expertise in neo-Japanese, realistic, minimalist and micropigmentation styles, the studio attracts a local and international clientele. Its reputation is based as much on the artistic quality of its creations as on its commitment to offering a professional, safe and creative environment.
4097 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Instagram: @imagotattoo
Number of artists: 8 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French or English.
Can you go without an appointment? Yes, people without an appointment are always welcome, depending on availability.
To make an appointment: By phone, email or in person if you are just passing by. The team will put you in touch with the appropriate tattoo artist.
Rates: $140 per hour, with a minimum of $125 for small projects. To be discussed with the chosen artist.
Travel tattoo tip: Take the time to choose your artist according to the type of work and the desired result. Don’t compromise the quality of work because of temporary limitations. Give yourself the space to find the tattoo of your dreams, one that will last a lifetime!
Le Malandrin
Google rating of 5
Le Malandrin Tatouage is a studio designed to be a welcoming creative space, where each artist can develop their own world and where clients are paired with the professional who is best suited to their project. Active since 2021, the team stands out for the complementarity of their styles and personalities, while being particularly recognized for neo-traditional and traditional, two specialties that have contributed to its reputation. The studio emphasizes an approach focused on quality, professionalism and a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to tattooing, it also offers a laser tattoo removal service to support clients in their correction or cover-up projects.
282 Rachel Street East
Instagram: @le.malandrin
Number of artists: 7 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French and English.
Can you go without an appointment? Absolutely. Artists are almost always available to welcome clients without an appointment.
To make an appointment: By phone at 514-419-0599, by email or by message on Instagram. Details on website.
Rates: Minimum rate of $120. Hourly rates vary by artist, generally between $140 and $230 per hour.
Travel tattoo tip: It’s time to have fun! A tattoo doesn’t always have to have a deep meaning or represent the most important moment of one’s life. Sometimes, a good idea, a travel souvenir or simply a drawing that you find cool is more than enough.
Oly Anger Tattoo
Google rating of 4.9
Located in the heart of Old Montréal, Oly Anger is a tattoo studio founded in 2009 that relies on a team of experienced artists with varied styles. Recognized for its versatile approach, the parlour promotes transparent and honest customer service. The artists offer personalized advice to ensure a lasting result and an enjoyable experience from start to finish, in a welcoming setting right in the heart of the historic district.
9 de la Commune Street West
Instagram: @olyangertattoo
Number of artists: More than 20 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French or English.
Can you go without an appointment? Yes, clients are welcomed every day without an appointment.
To make an appointment: Via the website, social networks or directly with your artist of choice. It is often possible to get an appointment quickly.
Rates: It depends on the project.
Travel Tattoo Tip: Go for a smaller pattern that can be done in one session since your time may be limited during your vacation. It is advisable to plan your tattoo towards the end of the trip because post-tattoo care requires special attention and limits activities such as sunbathing and swimming. Also, you also want to avoid getting tattoos on skin that is heavily tanned or sunburned.
Tatouage Royal
Google rating of 4.8
Since opening in 2007, Tatouage Royal has established itself as one of the most popular tattoo studios in Montréal. Located in a converted townhouse, the property is distinguished by its warm atmosphere and eclectic decor, which offer a different experience from traditional studios. Its team masters a wide variety of styles, including traditional American, Japanese and realism, while focusing on an inclusive welcome and personalized service.
4424 St-Denis Street
Instagram : @tatouageroyal
Number of artists: A team that varies from 8 to 10 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French or English.
Can you go without an appointment? Yes, absolutely.
To make an appointment: By phone, email or private messages on Instagram. It is often possible to have an appointment the same week.
Rates: For small projects, a custom rate will be established. For large tattoos requiring several hours or sessions, a rate of $150 per hour applies.
Travel Tattoo Tip: When you work with an experienced artist, you shouldn’t need to go back and see them for touch-ups. However, it is your responsibility to follow the instructions you’ve been given and take good care of the tattoo.
Velours
Google rating of 5
Velours is a creative studio founded in 2019 that operates at the intersection of tattoo, clothing and music. Each artist is multidisciplinary, which makes Velours the destination of choice for typography (lettering) and for graphic and contemporary tattoos. The studio also houses a clothing store offering Velours creations as well as a selection of local and international brands, a music studio, and a modular space designed to host events and exhibitions. Located at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and St-Laurent Boulevard.
3455 St-Laurent Boulevard
Instagram: @velours.studio et @velours.tattoo
Number of artists: 12 artists.
What language are you tattooed in? French, English and Spanish.
Can you go without an appointment? Yes, but it is advisable to call first.
To make an appointment: By phone at 514.379-1144 or via the studio’s website at https://www.velours.com/contact/tattoo-booking
Rates: The minimum rate is $120 per project. For the hourly rate, it varies between $150 and $250 per hour, depending on the artist.
Travel Tattoo Tip: A travel tattoo is something you prepare for. You need to hydrate a few days before and make sure to eat well and sleep well before your tattoo, since the body recovers better when it is in shape. On the day of the session, you have to arrive refreshed and with a full stomach. After the session, it’s best to clear your calendar: leave out spas, the beach and intense workouts while the tattoo heals. A good tattoo deserves to be given the best chance!
Original article in French by Steven Ross, adapted into English by Peter Wheeland.
Steven Ross
Steven Ross is a communications professional specializing in tourism, culture, and entertainment, with nearly 20 years of experience in both Quebec and international contexts.
He holds a Master’s degree in Tourism Development, with a specialization in the performance of cultural and event destinations. He has held roles within several major tourism and cultural institutions in Montréal, including Cirque du Soleil, Montréal Pride, the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, Germain Hotels, and the Greater Montreal Hotel Association.
With expertise in writing and content creation related to Montréal tourism, Steven has an in-depth knowledge of the city’s festivals, hospitality sector, cultural scene, and tourist attractions. Passionate about the metropolis, he closely follows the evolution of its tourism and event industry throughout the year.