Want to know where to find vinyl records in Montreal? We’ve got you covered.
Montreal is a bit of a hidden gem in North America.
With a much more reasonable cost of living than Toronto or New York City, Montreal naturally attracts a wide range of freaks and artists — aka those who know how to appreciate music properly. The city’s vibrant way of living helps foster a robust, constantly evolving record store culture. People here genuinely love music — and they want to spend their money on art. A pretty good place to own a record shop, eh?
Here, we break down some of the best record stores in Montreal. On your next trip to Quebec, enjoy some poutine, drink craft beer, smoke legal marijuana, and shop at some of the best record shops in North America — among some of the friendliest people in the world. Pourquoi pas?
Paul’s Boutique
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Paul’s Boutique in Montreal is a classic record store full of potential discovery. Located right down the road from Mount Royal, this dingy little shop is a record digger’s dream. It’s one of those places that feels like it’s been around since the beginning of time, with a seemingly endless supply of LPs, CDs, DVDs, VHS, books, and whatever else makes sense. The staff can be surly, but they’re always helpful. Isn’t that what a record store is supposed to be like, anyway? The shop does its Beastie Boy namesake justice. Oh, and don’t forget to duck when you walk through the door.
Getting There
Address:
112 Mont-Royal Ave E
Montreal, QC H2T 1N8
Encore Books & Records
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Encore Books & Records is a cute little storefront in the heart of the NDG. Take a stroll through Encore, and you may find a classic book alongside a classic album. The staff is sweet and friendly, happy to chat about whatever you want — even if it’s a Sublime album. Get lost in some classic Montreal charm at Encore, and embrace their namesake and, do it again tomorrow.
Getting There
5670 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal, QC H4A 1W7
Cheap Thrills
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Cheap Thrills is one of the oldest record stores in Montreal. Starting in 1971, it was the first shop to sell used vinyl (and later CDs). It’s a store for heads by heads, with a diverse selection of avant-garde, jazz, and world music. Enter with a desire to explore, chat with one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff members, and get ready to lose an afternoon between the stacks.
Getting There
2044 Metcalfe St.. 2nd Floor
Montreal, QC H3A 1X8
L’Oblique
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
L’Oblique is a charming neighborhood record store. It’s incredibly well-curated, and the owner is almost always there, happy to have long and expansive chats about whatever music interests you. You might call this your record store owner’s favorite record store… or something like that. It’s the kind of place that rewards the quest for musical knowledge. For music lovers by music lovers.
Getting There
4333 Rivard Street
Montreal, QC H2J 2M7
Death of Vinyl
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
With all due respect to the other phenomenal shops on this list, Death of Vinyl offers a massive selection of new and used music products — and might just be the best record store in Montreal. Find your way here if you want to dig for gems or if you’re simply just looking for a new release. The staff is ready to chat about whatever you’re looking for — and will happily help boost your musical knowledge in the meantime. Located past Mile End and up the iconic road of Saint Laurent, Death of Vinyl is a must-stop for anyone visiting Montreal.
Getting There
6442 Saint Laurent Blvd
Montreal, QC H2S 3C4
Beatnick
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Beatnick is a hidden gem — and might be the coolest record store in Montreal. To enter, you dip down into what initially feels like a basement, but the vibe is warm and welcoming. This record shop isn’t the biggest, but the curation is world-class. And the quality of used vinyl is very high. Have a chat with whoever’s behind the counter about what you’re looking for — or maybe ask them what they think you should check out.
Getting There
3770 Saint Denis St.
Montreal, QC H2W 2M1
Atom Heart, musique alternative
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Since 1999, Atom Heart, music alternative has been a resource for buying music independently in Montreal. The shop specializes in indie rock and electronic — a nice, welcoming experience for someone looking to expand their taste beyond Radiohead. The friendly staff creates a down-to-earth and home-y vibe, kicking pretentious record store cliches. The best part is that the selection is massive, and it’s easy to get lost in the sauce (in a good way).
Getting There
364 Sherbrooke St E
Montreal, QC H2X 1E6
Phonopolis
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Located in the Mile End, this record store is an endearing Montreal institution. The neighborhood brings students, tourists, and hip residents together under the artistic vision of the city — and Phonopolis is a reflection of that ethos. Stop here to browse new releases or used vinyl, knowing you’re getting excellent taste and curation.
Getting There
207 Rue Bernard O
Montreal, QC H2T 2K5
Aux 33 Tours
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
If you’re looking for an afternoon of record digging, Aux 33 Tours is the record store in Montreal for you. Nearly two decades old, Aux 33 Tours remains an excellent resource for vinyl enthusiasts. Moreover, the shop has a great selection of audio equipment if you want to upgrade your setup. And if you’re not sure where to start, a friendly staff member will happily drop some knowledge.
Getting There
1373 Mont-Royal Avenue East
Montreal, QC H2J 1Y8
Vinyle Verdun Les Bons Debarras
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Yes, there might be better record stores in Montreal, but Vinyle Verdun Les Bons Debarras is a great little spot on Wellington Avenue in Verdun, one of the more interesting neighborhoods in the city. Here, you’ll find a well-curated selection of vinyl and books on a great strip of restaurants, bakeries, bars, and other cool shops. So plan an afternoon in Verdun — maybe sit by the water after lunch at the Pavillion Snack Bar — and be sure to stop at Vinyle Verdun Les Bons Debarras along the way.
Getting There
4646 Wellington St.
Verdun, QC H4G 1W9
Sonorama
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
At Sonorama, expect great taste. This record store in Montreal carries a wide range of the best music in every genre — ranging from experimental jazz to esoteric psychedelia. Head to this shop with your head on a swivel, ready to dig and get lost and spend more money than you intended. Just because, well, that’s what tends to happen in places like Sonorama.
Getting There
260 Rue Bernard Ouest
Montreal, QC H2V 1T4
La Rama
Why It’s One of the Best Record Stores in Montreal
Montreal is a mecca for DJs, and La Rama is one of the best record stores in Montreal for DJs. Here, you’ll find a vast supply of singles and out-of-print vinyl perfect for spinning. But La Rama is not just for the DJs who lead our dance floors. Any music enthusiast will appreciate the Mile End record shop’s wide selection of music. Go into the shop ready to dig — who knows what you’ll find? Then, the friendly staff will happily chat with you about your discoveries. Beautiful, right? The world spins madly on.
Getting There
77 Rue Bernard Ouest
Montreal, QC H2T 2J9
2 replies on “The 12 Best Record Stores in Montreal, QC”
My best one is Le Vacarme 6250 St-Hubert, Montreal http://www.levacarme.com also online. It’s one of the newest stores so maybe it’s why it’s not listed.
Thank you for your suggestion, Mark. We’ll be sure to check out Le Vacarme next time we’re back in Montreal!