Car Hire Montreal Canada and Montreal Shopping
Thing you're a superb shopper? Have you got a sixth sense when it comes to savings? Well, prove it during your upcoming car hire Montreal Canada vacation by browsing the city's bargains. Whether you view shopping as a diversion or a full-on challenge, you won't be disappointed by Montreal's collection of chic shops and designer labels. Shopping ranks right up there with dining in this booming metropolis so don't even think about arriving in last season's shoes. Update your wardrobe in one of the coolest Canadian locales - shop up a storm during your car hire Montreal vacation.
Things to know about the Montreal retail scene
Car hire Montreal travelers will find most stores open Monday through Saturday. General hours are from 9 or 10am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday, and until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday's are prime shopping times, as stores are open from 9 or 10am to 5pm. Still need more time to check things out? Some stores hold hours from noon to 5pm on Sundays. If you're an international traveler and planning to pay on credit card, remember that charges are automatically converted at the going bank rate before they appear on your following statement. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards in Montreal, while Discover and American Express are far less prevalent.
The best areas to get your shop on
Montreal's complicated street grid may make for difficult driving, but it's perfectly suited for pedestrian shopping. Practically every neighbourhood has its own retail respites, offering everything from country furniture to designer clothing. If you're looking to surround yourself in luxury, TransCanada Car Hire Montreal recommends heading downtown to rue Sherbrooke, with its array of international and domestic designers. Art galleries, furriers and upscale boutiques are everywhere on this street, making for endless upscale opportunities. For more affordable options, head over to rue Ste-Catherine, home to a variety of major department stores and satellite shops. Looking for bargain-basement prices? Take a drive over to boulevard St-Laurent in your car hire Montreal vehicle. Here you'll find everything from budget practicalities to handmade merchandise.
Mall madness in Montreal
Want to get a lot of shopping done in a short period of time? Then check out the city's unique shopping complexes, both above ground and below. If the weather is nice, TransCanada Car Hire Montreal recommends heading to the Place Ville-Marie in downtown, opposite Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth Hotel. Known locally at the PVM, this complex was the city's first post-war mall. It is home to more than 80 boutiques and eateries. If the weather is miserable, park your car hire Montreal vehicle and head underground. The Underground City is one of the city's most popular attractions, as it allows travelers the freedom to enjoy entertainment, sans parka and winter boots. In the Underground City, car hire Montreal travelers will discover more than 1,700 shops inside 10 shopping malls. The most popular underground retail center is the Complexe Desjardins. Not only does it have great stores, but it also has a waterfall, fountains, trees and hanging vines.... all underground!
Unique things to look for on your Montreal shopping adventure
Want to pick up some unique souvenirs during your stay in Montreal? Then be sure to keep your eye out for uniquely Montreal items like Ice Cider and Ice Wines made in the province of Quebec. Glassware is also very trendy in this city, along with 19th- to early-20th-century country furnishings. Daring French Canadian clothing designers also feature unique wardrobe pieces. Want even more details on hot items and cool boutiques? Then pick up the Montreal Tourist office's Official Tourist Guide. It lists all of the complexes at your service throughout the city.