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Bookstore browsing in the Mile End: where to find your next great read

Published on: August 10, 2025

By: Avenue Laurier Ouest

A guide to four independent bookstores in Montreal’s Mile End: La Pastèque, a bright gallery-like shop focused on illustrated children’s books and comics; Multimags, a newsstand-style store with magazines, travel guides, and stationery; Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, a cozy community hub for French and English books, graphic novels, and events; and Librairie Michel Fortin, a wood-shelved space specializing in materials for over 250 languages. The article celebrates their role in offering diverse stories, curated selections, and multilingual resources.

There’s no denying that stepping into an independent bookstore is a magical feeling—author names you’ve yet to discover, handwritten staff picks tucked between shelves and the quiet observation of noticing a neighbour pick out their next favourite book.

Montreal bookstores, specifically those nestled in the Mile End, hold an important place in our communities, offering us the chance to discover stories that shift perspective or teach us something about ourselves.

In this neighbourhood, you’ll find multilingual resources, bold graphic novels, niche magazines and, of course, branded tote bags that you can never have too many of. So, buy your entire TBR list or simply browse, either way, this guide covers four spots that are full of character, new voices, fresh ideas, and all the best reads.

La Pastèque

Display of cream tote bags with red La Pastèque logos hanging beside stacks of colourful books inside the bookstore.
Exterior of La Pastèque bookstore with large glass windows showing books, paper planes, and wooden shelves inside.
Stack of red “Paul à Montréal” graphic novels displayed in the bookstore window.
Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves filled with colourful graphic novels and illustrated books inside La Pastèque bookstore.

Founded in 1998, La Pastèque is equal parts publishing house, gallery and storefront (with a focus on illustrated children’s books and comics). With a visual experience as warm as its literary one, La Pastèque creates a paradise for readers: bright, airy interior, wall-painted murals and a colourful display of graphic novels. Their inspiring atmosphere mirrors their dedication to thoughtful exhibitions, creative gatherings and storytelling through art.

Multimags

Close-up of a person flipping through a large, glossy art or design book, showing architectural images on the pages.
Exterior of Multimags store with a bright red façade, large display window filled with books and magazines, and a sidewalk chalkboard sign.

Though the name hints at their primary niche, Multimags offers far more than magazines. Alongside the latest issues of staples like Baazar and Vogue, you’ll also find travel guides, journals, independent titles and cookbooks. That’s not all though—the shop also carries prints, postcards, stationery and small-batch souvenirs. You might pop in for a copy of National Geographic or even a last-minute gift, either way, Multimags delivers on all fronts.

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly

Wide shot of Librairie Drawn & Quarterly’s interior with wooden tables stacked with books, red walls, and warm lighting in Mile End, Montreal
Wall of books and illustrated signage at Librairie Drawn & Quarterly bookstore in Montreal, with graphic novels and fiction titles on display

The heart and soul of Librairie Drawn & Quarterly lies in its loyal community and specialized curation. Originally a comics publishing house, D&Q has grown into a beloved Mile End staple. Their shelves are stacked with a generous mix of French and English titles, ranging from children’s favourites to graphic novels to niche non-fiction, inviting all ages and interests into their perfectly cozy space. Great work by local independent authors is always on display, and they regularly host events, readings and launches. If you’re bringing little ones along, head straight for the windowsill nook where you’ll find a special selection for early readers and a small place to sit.

Librairie Michel Fortin

Interior of a bookstore with rows of wooden bookshelves filled with colourful books, including language guides and children’s titles.
Bookshelves stocked with language dictionaries, grammar guides, and textbooks in multiple languages, including French, English, and Italian.

Prepping for a trip abroad? Curious about learning something new? Perhaps you might even need to restock your teaching resources. Either way, Librairie Michel Fortin has got you covered. Nothing short of a haven for language lovers, Librairie Michel Fortin specializes in materials that cover more than 250 languages. Think bilingual dictionaries, workbooks, novels in foreign languages, conversation guides (even board games), and so much more. With large wood shelving and no-frills endcaps, Michel Fortin feels like a traditional library in the best way.

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