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 Literary criticism |
1915 Ste-Catherine Street West (Near St-Marc) Montreal, QC H3H 1M3 Canada +1 514 931 3442 |
This book seller specializes in literature and literary criticism, including all the works of F.R. Leavis and Q.D. Leavis, the well-known Cambridge critics and publishers of the 1930s magazine Scrutiny. In all some 10,000 titles are crammed into about 500 square feet. A good selection of ancient history includes all the major world empires - Chinese, Egyptian, Inca, Aztec, Hindu and Babylonian. All in all, it's one of the city's best known and loved independent bookstores. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Zen bookseller |
4433 St-Denis Street (Near Mont-Royal) Montreal, QC H2J 2L2 Canada +1 514 849 0959 |
This charming little bookseller stocks an intriguing selection of titles on the broad subject of self-exploration and discovery, meaning everything from Eastern religions to mountaineering, from travel to new age. The atmosphere is suitably calm and relaxed, and the staff can guide you through their stock towards dozens of paths to enlightenment, in both French and English. After a day combing through hundreds of stores on St-Denis Street, this is a great place to feed the mind. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: malika djardi |
 Photo: Eric Hudon |
 Unique exhibitions |
1920 Baile St (At St-Marc) Montreal, QC H3H 2S6 Canada +1 514 939 7026 http://www.cca.qc.ca/ |
Housed in a much lauded modern building and the 125-year-old Shaughnessy House, this museum offers fascinating glimpses into architecture, urban design and more esoteric fields (a recent exhibit focused on the American Lawn). Permanent collections include the sketches, plans and photographs of famous architects and buildings. The museum frequently plays host to premiere touring exhibits, which have in the past included Mies [van der Rohe] in America, and John Soane (1753-1837). Admission: CAD10 Adults; CAD7 Seniors (65+); CAD5 Students; CAD3 Children (6-12); Free for children 5 and under. Free admission for all on Thursday evenings after 5:30p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Niomi Hill |
 Photo: Marla Clarke |
 Photo: James Lin |
 Photo: m.puddifoot |
 Photo: Anabela Carneiro |
 Photo: avianto  |
 Photo: J Berzowska |
 Photo: Jody Smith |
 Photo: riane_riane |
 Photo: MTL GUY |
 Photo: Pepijn Lemmens |
 Photo: TorontoWill |
 Photo: Ryan Harvey |
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Art info nexus |
460 Ste-Catherine St West (Suite 508) Montreal, QC H3B 1A7 Canada +1 514 874 0049 http://www.artexte.ca/ |
More a library than a gallery, this downtown institution is dedicated to catalouging all the modern art being produced in Montreal and across the country. Its collection consists of 5,000 artists' portfolios, periodicals, CD-ROMS and a huge collection of exhibition catalogues and other books. Artexte has published several companions to modern art, and participates in many intriguing side projects: one is attempting to document public art in Quebec since 1964, even those long since washed away. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Original and still the best |
2044 Metcalfe Street (Near Sherbrooke) Montreal, QC H3A 1X8 Canada +1 514 844 8988 http://www.cheapthrills.ca/ |
Montreal's first used record outlet is in many ways still the best. Poky, musty and full of great finds in both the CD and book departments, it's a source of great, unexpected treasures. Though it offers a fairly impressive selection of used rock, R&B, classical and world music, the shop really shines in its assortment of jazz, blues, electronica and other experimental genres. You can check out the catalogue online, or consult the extremely knowledgeable staff, who will be glad to let you have a listen to your prospective purchases. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gregory Durrell |
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French comics and more |
3882 St-Denis Street (Near Roy) Montreal, QC H2W 2M2 Canada +1 514 499 8477 |
One of Montreal's premier sources for French-language hardcover comics, rare books and CDs, this browser's paradise is also located in the midst of a perfect day's shopping on St-Denis Street. Favourites like Tintin, Asterix and Obelix keep company with rare volumes of crime fiction, some first editions, posters, original drawings and a wacky assortment of used CDs. It is a great place to find a gift, and collectors with a taste for francophone literature will find few more impressive resources in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Long hours |
3694 St-Denis Street (Near des Pins) Montreal, QC H2X 3L7 Canada +1 514 849 1913 |
These guys buy and sell used CDs and French books, stocking around 14,000 titles. The store pays an average of $7 for used CDs and sells them for around $11.50. Books sell for between $2 for a paperback and $150 for a high-end art book. The book selection covers everything from art to history and geography, as well as soft and hard cover novels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Medieval wonders |
3804 St-Denis Street (Near Roy) Montreal, QC H2W 2M2 Canada +1 514 840 9030 http://www.oyez.ca/ |
As hard as it is to believe, St-Denis Street is home to two separate boutiques devoted entirely to medieval clothes and paraphernalia. Here in the Red Dragon's Workshop you will find swords and maces with which to fight the Black Knight, and chain mail armour to ward off his counter-attacks. It is all too easy to get caught up in the bodices, lavish undergarments, outrageously ugly picture frames, books, CDs and intriguing medieval musical instruments. The staff are certifiably nuts about their chosen obsession, and are eager to guide you through their bizarre inventory. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Academic and general interest |
3420 McTavish Street (Near Sherbrooke) Montreal, QC H3A 3L1 Canada +1 514 398 7444 http://www.bkstore.com/mcgill/ |
McGill University's bookstore maintains an excellent selection of academic and general interest books on all subjects. Their Canadian Literature section is especially strong, and they strive to highlight local publications and events. The second floor cafe periodically hosts readings from McGill and visiting professors, and any urge for university paraphernalia can be satisfied on the main floor. It is wise to steer clear during the first two weeks of term (early September and January) when awesome queues develop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Upscale boutiques |
1307 St. Catherine Street West (Near Crescent) Montreal, QC H3G 1P7 Canada +1 514 842 7711 http://ogilvycanada.com/ |
This grand dame of St-Catherine Street stores has undergone many changes since it first opened more than 130 years ago. What was once the store of choice for genteel Montrealers is now a series of upscale boutiques, ranging from the Pavillon Christofle crystalware shop to Gifts and Gear for gardeners. During the Christmas holiday season, the store revives its famous antique Enchanted Village from the 1940s. It is not uncommon for dozens of shoppers to stop and watch the mechanical animals bobbing up and down in the display window. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline Pilon |
 Photo: Maria Luiza Uchoa Campos |
 Photo: Tim Sullivan |
 Photo: Jacques Rivard |
 Photo: Candra newsham |
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Literary and academic superstore |
2220 McGill College Avenue (Near de Maisonneuve) Montreal, QC H3A 3P9 Canada +1 514 845 5811 http://www.paragraphbooks.com/ |
This "megastore" isn't quite as huge as its downtown neighbours, and focuses primarily on literature, the social sciences and other more academic pursuits. It is a favourite among university students and professors because of its knowledgeable staff, peaceful surroundings and efficient ordering system. It combines the best features of the big chains with the attentive service of days gone by. Though it doesn't have an in-house cafe or dozens of couches, the adjacent coffee shop attracts a literate crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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French-language multimedia superstore |
1432 Ste-Catherine West (Near Bishop) Montreal, QC H3G 1P8 Canada +1 514 876 9119 http://www.renaud-bray.com/ |
Likely the closest thing the province of Quebec has to a French-only book superstore, this chain has been around since 1965 and has been a major player in the industry ever since. Offering bright, cheerful interiors that encourage browsing, the idea is much the same as Montreal's English-language superstores; but some locations now offer an extensive selection of multimedia products, CDs, and children's books on top of the always-impressive stock of books from Quebec, France and other parts of Europe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Antiquarian specialist |
3878 St-Laurent Boulevard (Near Duluth) Montreal, QC H2W 1Y2 Canada +1 514 848 9358 http://www.swwelch.com/ |
With over 20,000 titles to choose from, it's a good bet that you'll find what you're looking for in a used or antiquarian book at this venerable establishment. Most items sell at cheap rates but rare titles will set you back a few thousand dollars. The store offers a good selection of science fiction and mystery, but few best sellers or romance novels. A couch is provided for your reading enjoyment. Those looking for hard-to-find titles would do well to consult the knowledgeable and helpful staff here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Important spiritual centre |
3800 Queen Mary Road (Near Côte-des-Neiges) Montreal, QC H3V 1H6 Canada +1 514 733 8211 http://www.saint-joseph.org/ |
This is recognized as one of the great spiritual centres of the world and attracts more than two million visitors a year. Many are simply curious, but some pilgrims climb the steps of the Oratory on their knees, hoping that God will answer their prayers. The Oratory's magnificent copper dome, which can be seen for miles around, is second in size only to St Peter's. Inside, it contains a basilica, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrement, Brother André's tomb and two museums in his honour. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: G o r a n |
 Photo: Anne M. Archibald |
 Photo: klaus fiedler |
 Photo: Bjørn Smestad |
 Photo: Mina Naguib |
 Photo: Olena Sullivan |
 Photo: Peter Sawatzky |
 Photo: Mathieu Jarry |
 Photo: Shane Duan |
 Photo: Hal Gatewood |
 Photo: Carsten Klatt |
 Photo: Brian |
 Photo: chillys945 |
 Photo: Jane Ogilvie |
 Photo: Mariel Balzola |
 Photo: Mariel Balzola |
 Photo: Dan Parsons |
 Photo: Gina Jamal |
 Photo: jennyccwong |
 Photo: Jer_GlobeTrotter |
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College classics |
469 Milton Street (Near Hutchison) Montreal, QC H2X 1W3 Canada +1 514 845 5640 |
This legendary used bookstore specializes in the classics and the humanities, and also has a large drama and poetry selection. Thanks to its location, close to McGill University, it stocks up on used text books at the beginning of the school year. Paperbacks sell for CAD2-10 and hard covers for about CAD6-50. The store also sells new editions of local writers, and its poetry selection is unsurpassed in the city. Only cash and cheques are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |