Montreal has plenty of page-turning indie bookstores to discover, especially if you're in the mood for an ambling browse with no plans on the horizon. But it can be hard to know where to start if you're hunting for something more specific.
Whether it's Spanish-language tomes or the perfect guide to your dream city, the books you can find in Montreal are wild and wonderful, especially at these specialized bookstores operating in the city, each offering a new literary perspective on the world. From anarchist literature in Québécois French to brand-new sci-fi from a range of Palestinian authors, the written worlds you can dive into are innumerable, spread across the city for you to discover.
For a unique date or to hunt down the perfect comic book for your next rainy day, these stores will fill your cup — and your shelves.
Résonance Bookstore
Where: 40, rue Beaubien Est
Why You Should Go: At this Petite Patrie bookstore, 2,000+ music-themed titles in English and French await your perusal. The shelves are well organized, presenting new books, used finds, and $1 magazines, all lovingly curated by the owner, ensuring every music lover finds their rhythm. Inspiration struck the owner at New York's Rough Trade, leading to a fusion of records, literature, and rhythm all in one spot. The spot also doubles as a stage for acoustic sessions and book launches.
Librairie Anarchiste L'Insoumise
Where: 2033, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Should Go: This iconic anarchist bookstore offers a range of radical texts in both French and English (some are even available to download on the bookstore's website). The knowledgeable staff can help guide you to new ways of thinking about the world — just make sure you bring cash to seal the deal on subversive finds. You'll also want to check out the table with free zines and materials from local organizations at the front of the store.
Librairie Gourmande
Where: 7070, ave Henri-Julien
Why You Should Go: This cute stall at Jean-Talon Market specializes in cookbooks, recipes, cocktail guides and everything else culinary and gustatory. For a little market day side quest or to find the perfect gift, this bookstore will certainly give you a new idea for your next home-cooked meal. Beyond the literary, you can also buy cooking accessories, utensils, coffee and tea.
More at librairiegourmande.ca
Racines Bookstore
Where: 6524, rue St-Hubert
Why You Should Go: This Black-owned bookstore in Plaza St-Hubert offers a variety of fiction and non-fiction works written primarily by Black authors, whose work is "niche" only in that mainstream bookstores often prioritize white and non-Black authors at the expense of the writers Racines brings to the forefront. Founded by Gabriella Kinté with the specific purpose of uplifting Black voices, the store offers work in English, French, Créole and Spanish.
More at librairieracines.com
Ulysses Travel Bookstore
A Google Streetview photo of the Ulysses bookstore.
Where: 4176, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Should Go: For the travellers among us, this store is decked out with maps, guidebooks, and gifts to please any globetrotter. From city guides to Disney handbooks, this spot has what you might need before setting out on your next adventure. You'll never be lost if you stock up on world and local maps at Ulysses.
MAKTABA Bookshop
Where: 165, rue Saint-Paul
Why You Should Go: This gorgeous Old Port spot bills itself as a concept bookstore, focusing on a deliberately curated selection of works in English by diverse authors. You can find instant classic must-haves like Braiding Sweetgrass, along with cutting-edge anthologies like Palestine +100 on MAKTABA's eclectically organized shelves, and read until your eyes hurt in their comfy majlis seating area.
Appetite For Books
Where: 388, ave Victoria
Why You Should Go: This Westmount store has been selling cookbooks since 2005. It also offers private and public cooking classes as well as tastings throughout the year. You should visit for the extensive collection of food-and-drink-related literature, from cookbooks to nonfiction food writing.
L'Euguélionne
Where: 1426, rue Beaudry
Why You Should Go: This colourful feminist bookstore specializes in all kinds of women's literature as well as uplifting queer, anti-racist and anti-colonial work. For something well-written and critical that will make you think, the kind folks at L'Euguélionne have got you cover-to-covered (ha ha ha). If you're really into their mission and selection, you can consider joining the L'Euguélionne co-op, which grants access to members-only events and a rewards program. It also lets you vote in their General Assembly.
Encore Books & Records
Where: 5670, rue Sherbrooke O
Why You Should Go: This family-run establishment has been selling books and records since 2004, when a father-son duo combined their passions for writing and music into what has since become an NDG staple. Try buying a book with a record to match, or bring a date here to judge their music taste AND their reading taste all in one go. You can also buy online, but really, why not take a trip to the brick-and-mortar store? They have cute tote bags, too.
Crossover Comics
Where: 3560, rue Notre Dame O.
Why You Should Go: Equally adapted for Magic the Gathering enthusiasts, figurine-lovers and avid comics fans, this St-Henri store stocks mainstream comics, low-profile manga, and more. They also sell board games perfect for your next cool-kid gaming party! Oh, is that not what that usually means? Whatever, give board games a shot and you'll see the true faces of your close friends — for better or worse.
Librairie Las Américas
Where: 10, rue Saint-Norbert
Why You Should Go: This quaint, cozy store specializes in Spanish-language books, whether you're fluent or still learning. You can pick up a beginner's guide to Spanish nouns or seek out some Hispanic history texts to broaden your literary horizons. The 40-year institution also stocks rare books, so if you're looking for something really special, you know where to go.
These aren't the only cool, independent and mind-broadening spots in the city, of course, and if your favourite has been overlooked, comment below to share why you think it deserves a place among these literary powerhouses.
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