Below is a list of the top and leading bookstores in Montreal. To help you find the bookstores located near you in Montreal, we put together our list based on this rating points list.
Montreal’s Best Bookstores:
The top-rated bookstores in Montreal:
- Argo Bookshop – the oldest English-language independent bookstore in Montreal.
- Drawn & Quarterly – has grown from a single-issue magazine to an internationally renowned publisher.
- Word Bookstore – a citywide institution, frequently ranking as the number one secondhand bookstore.
- La libraire Gallimard de Montréal – North America’s premier French language bookseller.
- Encore Books & Records – supplying retail books and music records.
Argo Bookshop
First on the list is Argo Bookshop. It is the oldest English-language independent bookstore in Montreal and is located in the Shaughnessy Village since 1966. They offer a well-curated selection of fiction and non-fiction, including literature, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, science, philosophy, history, and biography. They also have sizable sections of young adult fiction and kids’ books.
The bookstore specializes in books on linguistics and Japan, as well as books on marginalized groups and by marginalized authors, including books on race, gender, and queer issues. They strive to serve all members of their vibrant and multicultural local community and even takes special orders. They also have a lounge space for readers to come, read, and relax, as well as regular events ranging from readings and signings to book clubs and write-ins.
Products/ Services:
Antiques & Collectibles, Architecture, Art, Bibles, Biography & Autobiography, Business & Economics, etc.
LOCATION:
Address: 1915 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1M3
Phone: 514 931 3442
Website: argobookshop.ca/
REVIEWS:
“Been ordering books through them online, pickup in store. Takes a week or so to areive, but cheaper than A*zon and feels good supporting local.” – Tristan Stewart
Drawn & Quarterly
Drawn & Quarterly has grown from a single-issue magazine to an internationally renowned publisher of the world’s best cartoonists. D+Q has published many North American luminaries of the medium including Adrian Tomine, Lynda Barry, Daniel Clowes, Chris Ware, Kate Beaton, Chester Brown, and Seth, as well as international authors, and many more cartoonists from across the globe.
The company’s dedication to high production values, editorial integrity, and artistic autonomy has led to it being described by Time as “the most elegant comics publisher in North America.” The company operates two storefronts, Librairie D+Q and La Petite D+Q, in the Mile End neighborhood of Montreal.
Products/ Services:
Books, Kids Books, E-Books, etc.
LOCATION:
Address: 211 Rue Bernard O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K5
Phone: 514 279 2224
Website: drawnandquarterly.com/
REVIEWS:
“My new favorite bookstore! They allow dogs inside and are very welcoming. Staff are very knowledgeable and the store has an expansive library of graphic novels and literature. They have tons of queer, black, multicultural, and even some first nations authors/artists. Just an awesome place!” – Alex Stewart
Word Bookstore
Third on the list is Word Bookstore that was founded by Adrian King-Edwards and Lucille Friesen in 1975. Over the years, the Word has become a citywide institution, frequently ranking as the number one secondhand bookstore in the Montreal Mirror’s annual Best of Montreal list. In 2009, the Quebec Writers’ Federation presented Friesen and King-Edwards with the QWF community award in honor of the owner’s contribution to local literary culture.
The Word offers a pleasant reprieve from the crowded and chaotic modern shopping experience. The store has changed very little since it first opened. There are still no computers or electronic cash registers and calls are still made on a rotary phone. Their shelves still overflowing with hundreds of books that run from floor to ceiling on every wall. Although the books are sorted and shelved meticulously, there are still no signs to indicate where one section ends and the other begins.
Products/ Services:
Bargain Book Boxes, Rare & Collectibles, Gift Cards, Mcgill Course Books, etc.
LOCATION:
Address: 469 Milton St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1W3
Phone: 514 845 5640
Website: wordbookstore.ca/
REVIEWS:
“The staff is super kind, attentive, well informed and helpful.
Love their $1 section. Unlike other bookstores that online price very bad books that cheap, you can find real treasures in here. Love it!” – Antonia De Bonis
La libraire Gallimard de Montréal
La libraire Gallimard de Montréal is North America’s premier French language bookseller when it comes to literature and ideas. The bookstore opened on November 9th, 1989 on the west side of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and since then, it has been a repository for literature from around the world. Alongside the great authors of France and Quebec are the works from across the globe in French translation.
They also foster debate and dialogue around their collection, ensuring that space is a lively venue where literature and ideas come alive. Whether in poetry, theatre, philosophy, literature, the humanities, every corner of the bookstore offers a rich font of knowledge and enjoyment based on a wealth of experience.
Products/ Services:
French Language Bookseller
LOCATION:
Address: 3700 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2V4
Phone: 514 499 2012
Website: gallimardmontreal.com/
REVIEWS:
“Great selection of books in a local bookstore. Nice children’s section.” – Diane D’Allaire
Encore Books & Records
Started by just searching for interesting books and records together, father and son, and eventually accumulated a large number. It became apparent that they could not keep all of their treasures and started supplying retail book and record stores. The Encores Books & Records idea was to make the store open and inviting with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Comfy chairs, great music, and well-organized sections were a must. Over ten years later, Encore has several talented and creative employees and is a staple of the NDG community.
Products/ Services:
Books, Records, Prints
LOCATION:
Address: 5670 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1W7
Phone: 514 482 5100
Website: encorebooks.ca/
REVIEWS:
“I love getting lost in their shelves. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. Books of all kind in French and English. I go there monthly to see what’s been added to the comicbook shelves. I sell them back my old books when I am done with them.” – Sarah Perez
