Think of six miles of vintage shopping, artisanal coffee, and ice cream as a treasure map for those who love ‘thrifting and a little treat.’ Still on this dream on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Montréal. It is an iconic stretch for anyone who appreciates (or appreciates) the charm of curated second-hand finds or a lazy day spent eating. It is a short trip from large cities and relatively inexpensive for U.S. travelers.
Boulevard Saint-Laurent takes the vintage shopping up a notch in many cities, while others have some great spots. Shopping is not a lifestyle composed of nostalgia, sustainability, and creativity combined.
Beyond the Old Port: Montréal’s Fashion Frontier
New York is famous for its Times Square with its bright and neon signs; New York is just as renowned for its plastic yet beautiful new landmark, the Red Ball, with free popcorn and a retrospective of the first moving pictures. However, head a few miles north, and you will be in the Mile End, where Boulevard Saint-Laurent is vibrant dozens of streets with an eclectic array of vintage shops, contemporary second-hand boutiques, and sustainable fashion brands.
If you are hunting for a rare band tee, upcycled denim, or high-end vintage luxury, the options are endless:
- Seconde Vintage: A vintage and contemporary luxury apparel, accessories treasure trove, and even home goods.
- Floh Market: A long-time known for their extensive vintage denim collection, with pristine original pieces and upcycled designs.
- Caravan Vintage: A haven for one-of-a-kind 70s and 80s workwear that is nostalgic and timelessly stylish.
- Authentic Band Tee Shop: 1,000 square feet of actual band shirts, most selling for less than $200.
An added charm is boutiques such as Maguire, a shoe brand eager for ethical craftsmanship, or Bedi Studios, makers of sustainably made coats and bags.
Fuel for the Day: Coffee and Ice Cream
Shopping on Boulevard Saint-Laurent is not just about clothes but a complete experience. Cafes in the area are cozy and lend you time not to rush, not to follow with urgency, but to pause for a moment to enjoy the day.
- Make sure your next day is jam-packed, and leave your mouth watering with a scoop of handcrafted ice cream or a perfectly brewed coffee from the many coffee houses.
The city’s culinary gems are not far away if you need a more elevated dining experience. Boulevard Saint-Laurent is a short drive from the award-winning Marcus Restaurant and Terrace at the Four Seasons.
Shopping Experience of All The Shopping Experience
In a retail landscape increasingly defined by sameness, Boulevard Saint-Laurent offers something refreshingly different, an immersive experience filled with great surprise and joy and lost in endless hours of looking for unique.
It feels curated in the Mile End neighborhood. Whether you shop for lightly curated boutiques or racks of vintage treasures, they are all carefully designed. It is a shopping experience you can feel good about, all done with sustainability.
Worth the Trip
Montréal or when driving, Boulevard Saint-Laurent is a must-go on your agenda. Shopping is not just about the joy of discovery.
If you only spend a day here, you will leave with more than just a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. You will leave with memories of meandering through an eclectic, creative hub where the find is an art, and we are reminded of slowing down and appreciating the beauty.
Sophia Walker is a fashion journalist who reports on the latest trends, events, and industry news, keeping readers informed about the dynamic world of fashion.
