Housed in an iconic Art Deco building, the Atwater Market provides a slightly more upscale market experience than the one found at Jean Talon. The two-story indoor and outdoor complex houses numerous butchers, bakeries, restaurants and purveyors hawking fresh produce. Because the goods are of higher quality than those at Jean Talon, prices are a bit steeper. Both markets are worth visiting.

Opened after its owners hosted a number of successful pop-up shops, this vintage emporium is Montreal’s best spot for upcycled wear. Adding to the already colorful character of the boutique is a series of live music shows and artful window displays. Their repurposed bags are especially splurge-worthy.

Comme des Enfants is the boutique of choice for Montreal’s young fashionistas, with quirky basics like a giraffe-print jumper and fun accessories like a chic wooden camera and neon wall prints. The sleek, all-white boutique embodies Montreal’s French sensibilities.

Located in the far-flung Little Italy neighborhood, the Jean Talon Market is one of Montreal’s most iconic tourist destinations, and a must-visit for foodies. While the Atwater market has more gourmet options, Jean Talon is the local favorite, and offers an authentic look into the lives of Montreal residents. Among the various offerings (butchers, produce stands, cheese mongers) are Olives et Epices, a fantastic spice shop, and Le Ryad, which offers Middle Eastern delicacies and pastries. Stop by Librarie Gourmande to pick up a souvenir for gourmands back home; the cookbook shop sells international titles as well as tomes from Montreal’s best restaurants like Joe Beef, Garde Manger and Toque!.

Stylish but sturdy, La Canadienne’s boots are a staple in any locals’ wardrobe thanks to their nearly supernatural ability to withstand harsh Montreal winters. Founded in 1961, the luxury shoe store churns out roughly 1,000 boots a day, which are sold  in their boutiques (and in hundreds of high-end department stores) alongside international shoe brands. Should one arrive unprepared for Montreal’s arctic winter elements, La Canadienne has an arsenal of frost-repelling gear, from outerwear to hats and gloves.

As much a case study in artful symmetry and coordination as a home goods shop, Les Touilleurs is also one of the finest kitchenware stores one could envision. Cookware lined up on the stark white walls doubles as décor, while the cookbooks, utensils and high-tech appliances on display provide ample distraction for hours of browsing. Those who want to do more than shop can sign up for one of the cooking classes with a local chef.

Rachel Fortin and Mathieu Mudie, co-owners of Mile End’s innovative Lo Well, drew inspiration for their shop from Lowell, a small suburb in Massachusetts. After the decline of the fur industry in Montreal, the manufacturing town was home to a large number of displaced French-Canadians, including both owners’ great-grandmothers. From this, the idea of repurposing the old was born; the duo sell modernized vintage furs, and place a special emphasis on maintaining the integrity and quality of each piece. The shop also offers a selection of local designers and sophisticated apparel for men, women and children. Another plus: all of the furnishings (antique filing cabinets, vintage sewing machines) in the store are for sale.

Montreal-based designer Marie Saint Pierre has been a staple on the city’s fashion scene since opening in 1988. Her classic aesthetic—she is known for simple tailoring and a unique use of color—produces timeless fashion for the everyday (but subtly chic) woman.

The premiere destination for menswear in Montreal, Michel Brisson offers apparel and a design aesthetic to rival the top womenswear boutiques in the city. The Old Montreal shop features rich wood paneling and shelves that are lined with high-end styles from the likes of Filipa K, Saint Laurent, Dries van Noten and the latest up-and-coming fashion houses. There is another location in Mile End (1074 Avenue Laurier O., 514-270-1012).

Haute couture has a new wunderkind in Rad Hourani, the Jordan-born, Canadian-bred designer behind this high-end unisex fashion line. His eponymous brand of androgynous designs launched in 2007 when the ingénue was just 27 years old. After years selling out of his tiny storefront in Paris, the ex-pat brought his fashions home to Montreal’s iconic shopping street, Rue St. Paul, where forward-thinking urbanites shop his structured, minimalistic pieces.

With a curated selection that can only be compared to that of high-end e-retailer Net-a-Porter, Ssense revolutionized the Montreal fashion scene when it opened its flagship boutique in 2010, expanding its previously online-only presence. The two-story boutique occupies a modern space on Old Montreal’s main drag, and offers a virtually infinite selection; if the desired piece isn’t in stock, shoppers can access Ssense’ full inventory via the shop’s online station. Pieces of interest are then shipped to the boutique for customers to try on without any obligation to purchase. While couture is the focus, Ssence also stocks the cream-of-the-crop of high-end casualwear, with creations from Helmut Lang and Current/Elliot getting as much shelf space as those from Balmain and Lanvin.

This charming, multilevel home boutique carries a beautiful assortment of gifts (jewelry, accessories, scented candles, etc.), as well as furniture and lighting fixtures. Some of the finds have a touch of retro, like the Victorian wine glasses or picture frames made from antique brass. There is also a nice selection of Canadian and Montreal-specific mementos, making this boutique a great stop for gifts.