Must-know bookstores in downtown Montreal

Everyday is a great opportunity to celebrate and promote reading. Treat yoursel and go shopping for some great books! The downtown area offers a number of bookstores, each more charming than the last. What’s more, they’re all very different, and offer a wide variety of books. How can you resist?

Indigo

It’s impossible to pass Indigo without stopping! This beautiful bookshop, located in the Place Montreal Trust shopping center, is always a feast for the eyes. Behind the windows, beautiful editions invite you in, and you always feel good in this warm setting! The store offers both French and English-language editions, and has a fine section dedicated to Quebec literature. Upstairs, every theme awaits you, and you’re bound to find something to suit your interests. We particularly like the cookery section, where you’ll find beautiful books and utensils. The children’s section is also magnificent, and very well stocked. With endless gift ideas, it always feels like Christmas at Indigo!

1500 Avenue McGill College

mtlcentreville_leslibrairiesducentreville_indigo — © Indigo

Argo

Welcome to the city’s oldest independent English-language bookshop! Argo has been delighting book lovers since 1966. Whether you’re looking for fresh fiction or a heartwarming classic, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Science, poetry or children’s literature: the themes are vast and the bookshop covers all genres! The team lovingly selects books, each more delightful than the last, with a particular emphasis on works written by people from marginalized groups. You’re sure to make some great discoveries! Above all, the booksellers work hard to offer a wide range of events: meetings, writing sessions… Once you’re in, you’ll never leave!

1841-A Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

mtlcentreville_leslibrairiesducentreville_argo — © Argo

Capitaine Québec

Capitaine Québec is Montreal’s largest and oldest comic book store. Run by a team of enthusiasts, the store is a veritable institution! You’ll find a vast selection of comics, graphic novels and manga. But you might also be tempted by a rare edition, or one of the incredible figurines! Take your time to wander through the endless aisles, and browse the titles; there’s something for every taste, at every price. Whether you’re a novice reader or a collector, chances are you won’t notice the time passing…

1837 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

mtlcentreville_leslibrairiesducentreville_Capitaine Québec — © Jonathan Duval

Omnibus

Nestled in the heart of Promenades Cathédrale, this cozy bookshop is a real hidden gem! Specializing in comic books, it carries all the major American authors and illustrators. You’ll also find plenty of manga, as well as a fine selection of collectible figurines and toys. Above all, the team is committed to supporting local artists, and regularly invites Montreal illustrators to showcase their art at the boutique during special events. In short, whether you’re looking for a comic to devour over the weekend or a limited edition to add to your collection, these enthusiasts will guide you and put a smile on your face!

625 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (Promenades Cathédrale)

mtlcentreville_leslibrairiesducentreville_omnibus_facebookomnibus — © Omnibus

Archambault

You’ve probably already passed the Place-des-Arts branch, located in the corridor leading to the metro station of the same name. It’s a great place to stop before heading home! The team takes great care to highlight the latest novelties, and the beautiful books lure you in as soon as you enter the store. How can you resist the shimmering covers and the smell of new paper? Graphic novels, the latest back-to-school titles, children’s books: the selection is always pleasing, and it’s hard to leave empty-handed. After all, the metro is the perfect place to read!

175 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

mtlcentreville_leslibrairiesducentreville_archambault_carolinebergeron-siteofficielplacedesarts — © Caroline Bergeron

Renaud-Bray

Renaud-Bray, a major player in French-language bookstores, needs no introduction! The Complexe Desjardins branch is no exception, offering a wide selection of books, from the latest international releases to the most recent local successes, as well as the great classics in fiction and comics. The store may seem small, but the space is particularly well optimized, offering a remarkable choice and a particularly varied inventory. Always a pleasant visit in the middle of a shopping session!

150 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest (Complexe Desjardins)