Mile End

In a charming storefront in the boho Mile End enclave, shop owner Julie Pesant’s philosophy is simple: “In order for a dress to find its way into our store, I have to love it enough to want it for myself,” she says. It follows that the shop is a treasure trove of sweet, feminine dresses—everything from classic A-line silhouettes and shifts from the brand’s house line to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces Pesant has handpicked for the store, plus well-known styles from Tibi, Cynthia Rowley, and Elizabeth and James.

A cozy, low-key spot for a drink, Sparrow has a pub-meets-café look with lots of wood and exposed brick. The décor is unfussy and distinctly casual, but the cocktails hold their own—all the classics make an appearance on the carefully curated menu: Go old-school and try a French 75 for bubbles, or a Negroni for a strong predinner kick.

Montreal excels in the casual watering holes and restaurants department—this is the city of unfussy and dressed-down socializing, where the focus is on the produce, not the people. Henrietta is a pared-back bar with white tile walls and cozy round tables for close conversation; the wine list is extensive and leans heavily on European producers. The food menu features dishes perfectly suited to a few glasses of wine—manchego popcorn, grilled cheese, and oysters—the kind of food that goes down easy and shares well among friends.

Les Étoffes' something-for-everyone edit for both guys and girls translates to pieces by Christophe Lemaire, Patrick Ervell, and Unis, each one lovingly picked by Diana Taborsky and Christopher Girard, who have run the shop together for almost a decade. There are small giftable items, too, like a selection of beauty products by goop-favorite Grown Alchemist; journals by Maya Assouad, which are handmade right here in Montreal; and Linda Farrow eyewear.

A delightful mix of contemporary design with a Scandinavian bent, the edit here focuses on both bigger furnishings (Simon Legald form chairs, HAY nesting end tables) and giftable decorative-but-useful objects from brands like Stelton and Good Thing. Be prepared to make some room in your suitcase.

This achingly cool, impeccably styled store is the kind of men’s shop that makes girlfriends, wives, and sisters jealous. That said, his-for-her enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of La Paz stripes, Bleu de Paname pullovers, and limited-edition kicks. The buyers put an emphasis on craftsmanship and storytelling over trends, meaning that every purchase is for keeps.

This kitchen emporium and boutique boasts impeccable design and an excellent assortment of high-end kitchen tools. Here you’ll find open shelves displaying Mauviel pans, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, and hand-carved artisan cutting boards next to Maison Milan aprons and Global knives. The owners, a married couple with a true penchant for global cuisine, also host workshops with some of Montreal's best chefs, as well as gourmet trips—tailored culinary retreats to various cities around the world.