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Akin to Barney’s and Saks in the U.S., Shoe Mart in the Philippines, Seibu in Japan, El Corte Inglés in Spain, and Selfridges in the U.K.; downtown Montreal has her own fancy department stores. Three major ones are La Maison Ogilvy, The Hudson’s Bay Company, and Holt Renfrew. I encourage shoppers and visitors to visit all of these beautifully historic “cathedrals of commerce” whose turn-of-the-century architecture reinforces the adage, They just don’t build ‘em like they used to.

Around this time of year when shopping becomes sport, stores are known to pull out all the stops to keep their customers happy. They offer services like extended open hours, free gift-wrapping, and, some, special appearances from Santa. For me, a hardcore romantic, the holiday season always fills my heart with childhood nostalgia, Christmas merriment, and, yes, the urge for retail rampage.

If you happen to be in the city and buying gifts (and even if you’re the only one on your list), here are the department store details to enrich your Montreal experience.

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LA MAISON OGILVY

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Ogilvy’s, as we call her, opened its five-story building way back in 1896. Known as the Grande Dame of Sainte-Catherine Street, she has a unique shop-in-shop concept where big brands like Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Burberry, Gérard Darel, Ports 1961, Jaeger, and more (there’s also a posh men’s department), all boast their own little boutiques under the same roof.

At street level there is a collective of chic accessories, beauty products and fragrances showcased amidst shiny marble flooring and twinkling chandeliers. Downstairs is Café Romy (a nice corner for hot soups, paninis, wine and beer), as well as Lacoste, Juicy Couture, Ed Hardy, Godiva chocolates, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Essence du Papier, my favourite little nook for pretty notebooks and high-end stationary.

The fourth floor is home to O Coiffeur & Spa, which provides great view from their large windows while you get your hair done. They also offer manicures or pedicures.

On Dec. 16 and 17, as part of a regular classical music series, l’Orchestre de Chambre I Musici de Montréal performs on the fifth floor in the storied Salle Tudor (11 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., $30). This is, perhaps, a subtle way to lose your better half, if he’s not quite the shopping fan.

Another tradition (this one goes on all year) is Ogilvy’s bagpiper, a nod to the store’s Scottish heritage. Mr. Man-in-a-kilt starts on the fifth floor, makes his way down to each level, and then does a little round on the sidewalk before coming back inside.

Kiddies also love coming to Ogilvy’s to see the mechanical window, which is displayed along Sainte-Catherine Street. Created by a German company especially for Ogilvy in 1947, there are two alternating scenes. This year the “Enchanted Village” is back with countless moving parts animating stuffed animals like teddy bears, rabbits, and frogs. Directly across the window is one more (unofficial) Ogilvy landmark. For over a decade, “The Spoon Man” has been performing his unusual act to delighted passersby.

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LA MAISON OGILVY

1307 Sainte-Catherine Street West
(514) 842-7711

Metro: Peel Station

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HOLT RENFREW

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This Art Deco building in the museum district is shopping headquarters for the prestigious Westmount neighbourhood. The beauty wing at the entrance is a fashionable nest of Chanel, Bobbie Brown, Dior, Jo Malone, and more, that branches into Tiffany’s and the accessories area (I call it “heaven”) where It-Girl labels like Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs await. Look not too much further for Gucci, Hermès, Dior, Chanel, Max Mara, and Links of London boutiques, as well as a manly den for made-to-measure suits. And that’s only the first floor!

On Saturdays, there will be free hot chocolate from local chocolate-maker Geneviève Grandbois on the third floor. On the lower level, ladies (and men) who lunch can take in the Christmas menu at the Holt’s Café whose popular open-faced sandwiches (“tartines”) will offer a special turkey option. For dessert, you can also sample bûche de Noël, a traditional Quebecois dessert; or the “Café Mont Blanc” cocktail, which is coffee, brandy Grand Marnier, and Godiva chocolate liqueur.

Just next to the café, executive chef Nicolas Garbay will do cooking demos. This level will also house the “Happy Christmas Boutique,” a great last minute spot for quick gift ideas, including gourmet food products, coffee table books, doggie accessories, and other fun trinkets. When your list is all wrapped up, get your purchases boxed in Holt’s handsome magenta boxes, which are tied with an elegant heather ribbon.

This year, Holt’s has chosen the Christmas tree to be their main decorating theme. Look for the recycled arbre de Noel on the third floor. While you’re there, don’t miss the florist from Pourquoi Pas who will be doing Christmas arrangement demos, as well as taking orders. (Flowers are never out of style.) And to provide a holiday soundtrack, a tuxedo-ed pianist will play seasonal classics.

One very cool concept that was introduced last fall is the Holt’s Hostesses. Dressed by Canadian label Pink Tartan, these friendly folks walk around in grey suits, matching air stewardess-ish hats, and magenta scarves. Somewhere between a concierge and sales associate, they know everything about the store, as well as the surrounding area. So don’t be shy to ask anything from “Where are ladies’ gloves?” to “Is there a nice place for sushi nearby?”

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HOLT RENFREW

1300 Sherbrooke Street West
(514) 842-5111

Metro: Peel Station

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THE HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY

The brand is quickly recognized by its iconic green, red, yellow and blue stripes. We Canadians call it, simply, “The Bay” – or “La Baie” in French. A cross-country chain (almost 100 stores strong), the Bay is the oldest company in North America dating back to the 17th century thanks to its roots in the fur trade. The red sandstone Victorian building, which dates back to 1891, isn’t hard to miss across Phillips Square.

Like most department stores, beauty, fragrances and accessories are on the ground level. Access to the other four floors is made via the central escalators. While the Bay is decidedly more accessible than Holt’s or Ogilvy’s, they have a quality selection of clothing for men, women and children; décor accessories and home appliances. There is also a travel agency, a not-so-obvious cafeteria that’s popular for soups, and a Clarins Skin Spa on the second floor (a quiet space to get a soothing facial or body treatment when it’s time to enjoy a little gift for yourself).

If you have your heart on meeting Saint Nick, the Bay holds a traditional Breakfast with Santa on Saturdays. (Ogilvy’s offers the same opportunity at their Café Romy, but it always books up really fast.) Call the store to check for openings – you know how popular the old dude is.

ATHE HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY

585 Sainte-Catherine Street West
514-281-4422

Metro: McGill Station

The post MONTREAL’S DELUXE DEPARTMENT STORES appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

My parents were born on a sunny island in the Pacific, so I like to believe that I’m genetically opposed to winter. Thank goodness then for Montreal’s Underground City, a massive web of tunnels that connects a major area of downtown office buildings, hotels, museums, banks, condominiums, shopping malls, metro stations, and even the Bell Centre.

When navigating this subterranean complex, you’ll know you’re on the right track when you see these four little letters: RÉSO, a short form of the French word réseau, which means “network.” You can download a PDF map of the whole shebang here. Click on “Underground City.” Everything in pink indicates where you can trek without ever stepping foot outside – a heavenly boon in sub-zero weather.

But back to shopping. Today I’m going to focus on the retail centres that run along Sainte-Catherine Street West and parallel to the métro’s Green Line. Check out the video above and come with me as I traverse five interconnected malls. Along the way, I’ll point out some choice Canadian stores (many are Montreal-based) to help inspire your holiday gift list. Let’s go!

THE DETAILS

1. Les Promenades de la Cathédrale

625 Sainte-Catherine Street West

Métro: McGill

• HOME DÉCOR

Linen Chest

2. Complexe Les Ailes

677 Sainte-Catherine Street West

Métro: McGill

• WINE AND SPIRITS

SAQ Signature

• MEN’S, WOMEN’S LEATHER

M0851

• LINGERIE AND SLEEPWEAR

La Vie en Rose

3. Le Centre Eaton

705 Sainte-Catherine Street West

Métro: McGill

• MEN’S, WOMEN’S SHOES

Aldo

• BATH AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Bella Pella

4. Place Montréal Trust

1500 McGill College Avenue
(corner of Sainte-Catherine Street West)

Métro: McGill

• BOOKS, MAGAZINES, DVDS, CDS

Indigo

La Maison Simons department store

977 Sainte-Catherine Street West

Métro: Peel

5. Les Cours Mont-Royal

1455 Peel Street

Métro: Peel

• MEN’S, WOMEN’S MULTIBRAND FASHION

Three Monkeys

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GET GLAMMED UP WITH THE GIRLS – OR GO SOLO

Sometimes all you need is an express mani or basic facial. Other times you need a slow, luxurious treatment to go with your girly gabfest. (Foot scrub, leg massage plus French pedicure, anyone?) Of course, it doesn’t hurt to add a cocktail or two in there. Either way you choose to glam-it-up, a string of beauty bars have recently opened in the downtown core. All of them also offer exclusive or hard-to-find product lines for sale; so why not throw in a little shopping while you’re there?

INSTITUT DE BEAUTÉ CARITA

2020 rue Drummond
(514) 439-6255

In the hopes of bringing a little bit of her homeland to our belle province, Faiza Meddeb opened the first Institut de beauté Carita on this side of the pond. Now devotees of the famous French beauty line can find all their favourite products under one roof. While the anti-aging properties of Diamant de Beauté have caused some skincare of hoopla, I personally like the Fluide de Beauté 14 Pailleté, a lemony-scented dry oil that has specs of gold, and can be used on your hair, body or face. (It makes tanned legs sparkle.) You’ll also find a circular hair salon; two manicure-tables next to large, bright windows; and four treatment rooms in the back for private body treatments. While you wait for your nails to dry (hair to set, etc.), you can peruse the in-store boutique that sells the lovely Mark + James line by Badgley Mischka, as well as jewellery by American Gerard Yosca or Di Donna, a sterling silver collection from Italy.

Nearby: Just across the street, m:bgr (pronounced mmm-burger, at 2025 rue Drummond) is a posh diner and fully-licensed bar that serves Kobe-beef burgers with foie gras, sweet potato fries, and Bailey’s mint chocolate “spiked shakes.” And if you’re in the mood for more French flair,  Le Pois Penché, a street corner to the south, is a fun parisian-style bistro.

MATIS BAR ESTHÉTIQUE

2125 rue Crescent
(514) 439-9000

Matis is another North American flagship store that features haute qualité products from France, which are all beautifully displayed in the front part of the space. Owner Melissa Brassard was an estetician for 12 years before she opened Matis; she wanted to create a social place where women could hang out, enjoy a little TLC and not be shhh-ed. Thus, pedi-stations and mani-tables are strategically lined up in chit chat-friendly rows. (A closed section in the back is reserved for face and body treatments.) And in case you get thirsty, there’s a terribly chic juice bar that offers smoothies, as well as tea and coffee. If you’re short on time, I recommend the Express Counter where besides a speedy half-hour body massage, there are other rapid services like the clever Mani-shooters, which include nail grooming, massage and polish – all in 25 minutes. Add $5 and five minutes for the Pedi-shooter.

Nearby: Soupe Soup (2183 rue Crescent) sells, uh, soup – and sandwiches – from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ROUGE NAIL BAR

2070B rue Crescent
(514) 507-3002

The downtown franchise of this hip mani-pedi chain has all the main ingredients that have made Rouge so popular; that is, ample mani-stations, a U-shaped, white leather couch; a large central flat screen; and all the Sex & the City or Gossip Girl you can take. What makes this location different from her Mile End (65 avenue Fairmont ouest) or Plateau (3790 boulevard St-Laurent) sisters is it’s unique sunken living room feel – and of course walking distance to all things downtown. Beauty junkies should ask for treatments that use the sweet-smelling and ultra-moisturizing Barefoot Venus products (the vintage-inspired packaging is so darling, you’ll want to buy something to use at home). Do note that the line is not only for feet, but hands too. Another interesting detail: Rouge also carries Butter, a choice polish brand from London that has zero formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP. Good news, particularly for you pregnant gals.

Nearby: For the best hot cocoa on this side of the moon, La Pendulerie (2080 rue Crescent) expanded their wares from just clocks to include Swiss chocolates. Granted, it’s a cuckoo combo, but worth it, I promise.

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The hair is the richest ornament of women.  ~Martin Luther

Once or twice a year, I venture to new salons in order to get my hair straightened. Make no mistake, I love my curly hair, yet change is always something I welcome with arms wide open.

Notice that I would make more regular trips to the hair salon if it weren’t for the fact that I usually despise paying for disappointment. My hair is curly, dry and damaged. I pretty much don’t know what to do with it except letting it grow, something I’ve been relatively successful at – if I ignore the upsetting reality that it’s actually not growing anymore. Damn you, dead ends.

To address this unfortunate situation, I recently headed to Montreal’s famous Salon Pure. After all, the team of co-founders Anna Pacitto-Merlo and Daniel Benoit did just win the title of North American Salon of the Year at Vegas’ NAHA Awards, also known as The Oscars Of Hair Awards. That would be the third time in nine years for Pure and considering no other salon in North America ever won the award more than twice, I figured my hair would be in good hands.

And so I dragged my bird nest-like head to Peel Street where I met with Salvadoran hair stylist Brian, who began by giving me a serious hair treatment. « Girl, you NEED a hair treatment», said his eyes as he liberated my mane from the grip of its elastic.

They say to build a lasting house you need to have a solid foundation. It seems like Anna and Daniel (who are also Art Directors for L’Oreal Professionel in Canada) have mastered that principle down to perfection, assembling a team of professionals that are not only talented and detail-oriented but who ultimately really care about every single client that walks through the door of their Cours Mont-Royal establishment.

The salon offers a variety of services, from cuts and extensions, to coloring, styling, evening hairstyling and hair treating.

Judging by what they did to my unruly hair (see bouncy and pretty capillary action above), this is one hair salon I won’t shy away from – and so shouldn’t you.

PURE

Les Cours Mont-Royal
1455 Peel Street, 4th floor
Montreal, Quebec
(514) 871-4004

Business Hours

Monday and Tuesday: 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: noon to 5 pm

The post SALON PURE WILL MAKE YOUR HAIR LOOK REAL NICE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Listen closely ladies! If you’re looking for something amusing and unique to do in Montreal, I have the most perfect suggestion for you!

How about making perfume?

Essence Workshop, a brand new service offered in Montreal, allows you to create your very own fragrance, AND – catch this- they come to you, wherever you are in the city! Hands down greatest thing since pizza delivery.

Essence Workshop was created by  two amazing women – entrepreneur and international model Ruby Brown, and French chemist, Marion Maire. Having both lived in Europe for many years, Ruby and Marion have developed a very authentic passion for the sensuous world of perfumery.

Picture this : you and your girlfriends hanging out in your hotel room making your very own fragrance from the world’s finest essences. First, Ruby will introduce you to the olfactory world of essences: how is a perfume composed, what are the different categories of essences, how (and where) should one apply perfume, etc.

Then, you will get to smell and choose your favorite essences, mark them on a paper and see how they blend together. The chemist, Marion, will then help you mix and dose the different essences.

At the end of the process you’ll leave with your 50 ml of eau de parfum, which is stored in EW’s database so you can even order more bottles when you run out!

ESSENCE WORKSHOP

Reservations:

(O) 514 – 564-7240

(C) 514 – 812-6712

(E) info@essenceworkshop.com

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