Shopping in Montreal isn’t just about buying things, it’s part of the city’s lifestyle. From massive underground shopping complexes to elegant malls with skyline views, Montreal offers some of the most unique shopping experiences in Canada.
Whether you’re visiting the city, escaping winter cold, or just looking for a good place to spend an afternoon, here’s a local guide to the best malls in Montreal , what makes each one special, and which one is right for you.
Why Montreal’s Malls Are Different
Montreal malls aren’t all the same. Some are huge and modern, others are deeply connected to the city’s neighborhoods. You’ll find luxury brands, local Quebec stores, food courts worth visiting on their own, and most famously the Underground City, which lets you shop without ever going outside in winter.
Best Malls in Montreal
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
📍 Downtown Montreal
If you’re looking for the biggest and most central mall in Montreal, Eaton Centre is the obvious choice. Located right in downtown and connected to the metro, it’s busy, energetic, and packed with popular brands.
Why people love it:
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Huge selection of international and Canadian brands
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Direct access to Montreal’s Underground City
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Perfect for tourists and first-time visitors
Best for: One-stop shopping downtown
Complexe Desjardins
📍 Downtown / Quartier des Spectacles
Right across from Place des Arts, Complexe Desjardins blends shopping with culture. It’s smaller than Eaton Centre but feels more local and relaxed.
Why it stands out:
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Great food court
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Events and seasonal decorations
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Easy access to festivals
Best for: Casual shopping and dining
Place Montréal Trust
📍 Sainte-Catherine Street
Bright, modern, and stylish, Place Montréal Trust is known for its glass ceiling and trendy stores. It’s directly connected to Eaton Centre, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
Why it’s worth visiting:
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Modern atmosphere
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Popular fashion brands
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Clean, airy design
Best for: Fashion and lifestyle shopping
Carrefour Angrignon
📍 Lasalle
Carrefour Angrignon is one of the largest malls on the island of Montreal. It’s spacious, family-friendly, and far less hectic than downtown malls.
Why locals go there:
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Large parking lot
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Big-name stores and essentials
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Close to Angrignon Park
Best for: Families and relaxed shopping
Place Versailles
📍 East Montreal
This mall has a more traditional feel and is popular with locals from the east end of the city. It’s practical, quiet, and easy to navigate.
Why it matters:
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Local neighborhood vibe
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Everyday shopping needs
Best for: No-rush shopping
Royalmount (New Luxury Destination)
📍 Near Midtown / Mount Royal area
Royalmount is Montreal’s newest high-end shopping destination. Still developing, it’s designed as a luxury, lifestyle-focused mall with dining, entertainment, and premium brands.
Why it’s exciting:
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Modern, upscale concept
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Restaurants and experiences, not just stores
Best for: Luxury shopping and experiences
The Underground City (RESO): A Mall Like No Other
Technically not one mall, Montreal’s Underground City (RESO) connects multiple shopping centers, metro stations, offices, and hotels. In winter, locals use it daily.
Connected malls include:
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Eaton Centre
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Place Montréal Trust
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Complexe Desjardins
Best for: Winter shopping without going outside
Best Malls in Montreal by Situation
Best downtown mall:
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Eaton Centre
Best for fashion:
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Place Montréal Trust
Best for families:
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Carrefour Angrignon
Best luxury mall:
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Royalmount
Best winter shopping:
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Underground City (RESO)
Local Tips for Shopping in best malls in Montreal
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Weekends downtown can be very busy, go early if you can.
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Many malls stay open later on Thursdays and Fridays.
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Combine mall shopping with nearby cafés or neighborhoods for a full experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mall in Montreal ?
CF Toronto Eaton Centre is the largest and most visited mall in downtown Montreal.
Is Montreal good for shopping ?
Yes. Montreal offers a mix of international brands, local designers, luxury shopping, and unique indoor malls.
What is the Underground City in Montreal ?
It’s a network of connected malls, metro stations, and buildings that allows people to shop and move around downtown without going outside.
Are malls in Montreal open on Sundays ?
Yes, most malls are open on Sundays, usually with shorter hours.
Montreal’s malls reflect the city itself, diverse, practical, stylish, and seasonal. Whether you’re wandering underground during winter, shopping downtown, or spending a relaxed afternoon in a neighborhood mall, there’s no single “best” mall, just the one that fits your day.
If you want convenience, go downtown to shop in best best malls in Montreal. If you want space, head outside the core. And if you want something new, keep an eye on Royalmount.
