An Editor-Approved Guide to Doing Montreal Like a Local

Close your eyes and picture your perfect day in Montreal. What does it look like?

Maybe it’s exploring the old-world charm of Brooklyn, the 2015 Saoirse Ronan romantic drama, which used the Canadian city as a stand-in for 1950s New York. Or maybe it’s an action-packed excursion to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve to watch gorgeous cars and even more gorgeous men battle it out on the racetrack. Do you envision eating your way through Rue Notre-Dame, visiting all three Joe Beef restaurants? Or do you want to give your arms (and credit card) a workout on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, shopping your way through all the best stores in Montreal? There are no wrong answers—only options and possibly too many. How is one ever to distill it down to a feasible itinerary?

Enter American Express’s #ShopSmall program, created to encourage Cardmembers to support local businesses through dedicated offers and resources. The key to making the most of it? Bookmark Amex Maps—a treasure map of sorts with a custom filter to find local #ShopSmall businesses in dozens of cities around the world, including Montreal!

I had the chance to test it out this past June when I was in town for the Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada and in desperate need of my retail fix. (Shopping problem? What shopping problem?) Thanks to Amex, I discovered an under-the-radar spa run by three badass Brazilian women. I drank French bubbly and got my tan on while lounging on the waterfront. And I almost left with a silky Prada slip dress that I may or may not regret later.

Below, I round up all my editor-approved picks for the best shopping in Montreal.

Bonita Beauty Studio

It’s a universal truth that while life may be chaotic, your nails don’t have to be. Enter Bonita Beauty—a serene spot for nail care, facials, brows, massages and more. Surrender your cuticles to the pros and let your half-chipped polish woes drift away. We’re partial to a metallic nail ourselves, but their technicians are full of spot-on recommendations.

Estudio Niksen

Equal parts utilitarian, Japanese minimalism and elevated gorpcore, Estudio Niksen defies categorization—which is exactly its charm. Proudly a product of Montreal, the fashion and lifestyle brand is quickly gaining global traction thanks to its exaggerated denim and refined chore coats. Just be sure to leave extra time for your Uber driver or GPS to actually find the showroom. If you end up on a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’re in the right place!

Hibou Café

No visit to Montreal is complete without a pastry, and Hibou Café serves up some of the city’s finest. Tucked just beyond the downtown core, this cozy spot is well worth the detour—one bite of their brioche à la cannelle (cinnamon bun) and you’ll agree. Prefer something green and dreamy? Their matcha latte has your name on it. Before you leave, carve out a few extra minutes to explore Hibou Home, the adjoining boutique brimming with hygge-inspired homeware and understated delights.

Maison Colorée

The moment I stepped into Maison Colorée, I was confronted with a delightfully difficult decision: butter-themed hair clip or butter-embroidered cap? Naturally, I bought both. This whimsical home and accessories shop fuses Scandi-girl charm with artisanal Portuguese flair. Think vibrant candles, playful decor, dreamy dinnerware, cheeky prints and hair adornments galore. Warning: a novelty hat (or two) might follow you home.

Marché des Éclusiers

If you find yourself strolling along the cobblestones of Old Port (and truly, you must), consider Marché des Éclusiers your perfect pause. Nestled by the water, this riverside oasis brings together passionate artisans, local growers and inventive restaurateurs to create a menu with unmistakable Montreal flair. During my visit, I savoured a decadent beef tartare, a garden-fresh salad and a crisp glass of French bubbly. Shoutout to Amex Maps, where the custom filter helped me find this local #ShopSmall business.

Ruse Boutique

If New Yorkers have heard of Montreal’s Ruse Boutique, then you know it has to be good. Recently renovated, this not-so-hidden gem is a curated consignment shop that expertly merges affordability with affluence. When I visited the shop on Boulevard Saint-Laurent I tried on a multitude of green dresses, with a $100 ba&sh one making its way into my suitcase, and a $1,200 Prada lace slip haunting my dreams.