The Best Bookshops In Montreal

Known for its vast array of shops and tourist destinations, Montreal is the perfect place to visit for a day of culture and historical findings. Montreal is also the ideal city to visit for tourists hoping to find hidden gems stashed on the shelves in bookshops. Below is a list of the best bookshops in Montreal.

The Word
The Word, an independent second-hand bookshop situated in the heart of Montreal, is home to a large variety of previously loved and used works. Specialising in literature, philosophy and poetry, this small yet largely equipped bookshop dates back to the 19th century, and has been described as a student landmark. With a large range of classic titles and a clutter of shelves over-stacked with books creating a homely environment, The Word is the ideal place to visit for an afternoon of relaxed and welcomed browsing.
Opening hours: Check website
Watch out for: The latest works of Montreal poets and Canadian literature magazines
Address: 469 Rue Milton, Montreal, Canada, +1 514-845-5640
S.W. Welch
Described as one of Montreal’s most respected literary landmarks, S.W. Welch offers an impressive variety of book genres such as fantasy, philosophy, mystery, and even Canadiana, which is perfect for tourists hoping to learn more about the scenic country. With an old fashioned feel to the place with its wooden floors and stools and a cosy plush leather sofa, S.W. Welch offers visitors an authentic English experience. S.W. Welch stocks a variety of rarities, and has even previously stocked a signed copy of Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, making this bookshop the place to visit for treasures.
Opening hours: Check with website

Watch out for: The bookshop’s surprise book sales where you can purchase a book for only 1 dollar
Address: 225 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montreal, Canada, +1 514-848-9358
Argo Bookshop
Offering an intimate book buying experience, Argo Bookshop is one of the oldest English bookshops in Montreal. Run by former English Literature students, this authentic and traditional bookshop is said to offer the best of literature and literary theory. Although it is one of Montreal’s smallest bookshops, Argo Bookshop offers a grotto boasting thousands of books. Offering comfortable armchairs and warm lighting, this quaint bookshop provides a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Opening hours: 12am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday
Watch out for: Open mic nights allowing visitors to read their own works or to listen to the works of local published writers
Address: 1915 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, Canada, +1 514-931-3442
Librairie Drawn and Quarterly
Offering a distinctive selection of fiction and non-fiction due to it’s collection of relatively unknown authors, visitors are sure to find something which they have never seen before. With an impressive selection of comics, art books and graphic novels, Librairie Drawn and Quarterly portrays itself as a fun and quirky environment. Described as a creative Montreal staple, this unusual bookshop boasts traditional décor with its use of wooden tables and brick walls, which creates an authentic reading experience.

Opening hours: 10am-9pm
Watch out for: A hosting of book launches, readings and graphic novel classes throughout the year
Address: 211 Rue Bernard O, Montreal, Canada, +1 514-279-2224
Librairie Paragraphe Bookstore
Described as a quiet and inviting place, Librairie Paragraphe Bookstore is one of Canada’s best bookshops, which is partially due to it’s impressive selection of over 50,000 titles in store. From history and current affairs to travel and children’s literature, this cosy atmospheric place has much to offer. The bookshop specialises in academic books, making it the ideal place to visit for students, as it also has a bibliographic service and internet access.
Opening hours: 8am-9pm Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm Saturday to Sunday
Watch out for: A vast selection of over 10,000 books especially for children
Address: 2220 Avenue McGill College, Montréal, +1 514-845-5811

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