Bring Back a Souvenir
Here's a couple of ideas to help you find a little something to bring back to your friends and family, or maybe a memento of your trip!
Trinkets & Postcards & Shirts, Oh My!
Whenever I visit another city, I like to bring back a little kitschy trinket, like a snow globe or a magnet. From my recent trip to Chicago, I brought back a miniature "L" train wagon (I love it!) There is a ton of small gift shops in the Old Port area. Wander around the neighborhood a bit if you're looking for this type of thing. You'll find just what you need!
Maple Syrup and Maple Products
Liquid gold! This is the ideal time to stock up on it. Maple syrup comes in four grades: Golden, Amber, Dark and Very Dark. The darker the syrup, the stronger the maple flavor. I prefer dark and very dark. The grade has no impact on the sweetness or the quality of the product. You can find syrup in all kinds of fancy glass bottles in souvenir shops but I strongly suggest you buy it like we locals do: in a can. You can find good syrup in most supermarkets or grocery stores. You can also get maple taffy, maple candies, maple butter. Maple leaf cookies are a great choice too. There's lots of options!
Les Herbes Salées du Bas-du-Fleuve
In English, "The salted herbes from the Lower St. Lawrence River". This is a mix of herbs and salt that adds wonderful aromas to your stews, soups, braises and other recipes. For the foodie that loves to cook. Heads up, I checked and it counts as a liquid with TSA, so if you plan on bringing some back on the plane, you'll have to put it in your checked luggage.
All-Dressed Chips
Because of course, you can even buy your potato chips All-Dressed. The ones you want are made by Ruffles, and they're pretty darn good! The flavor is somewhat of a cross between ketchup, bbq sauce and salt & vinegar. It packs a punch. You can get those in almost any dépanneur or supermarket.
Ice Wines & Ice Ciders
Both made from frozen fruits, both absolutely delicious. Head on over the the SAQ for a wide selection. These are good for any occasion but they shine as an aperitif, a digestif, or paired with desserts.
Bagged Milk
Yes, we do sell milk in bags in Canada. But I'm kidding, don't bring that back, that's a terrible idea! The bags don't do anything special and the milk tastes just like any other cow's milk.
Coffee Crisp
One of the best candy bars around. I brought a bunch of Canadian candy bars at the Atlanta meet-up and the Coffee Crisps were the first to vanish. I was not surprised!
Piko Peppers Hot Sauce
You might already be familiar with Piko Peppers if you watch Hot Ones on Youtube. Their Piko Rico hot sauce was featured in season 19 of the show. Sean Evans said it was one of the top 5 best hot sauces he'd tried... That's high praise! I've been a customer since they've opened. The owners, Val and J-P, are awesome and super welcoming. I can't recommend this place enough if you're a fan of tasty, spicy condiments. Tell them Gab and Louise said hello if you drop by!
📍367 Duluth Ave E (Plateau Mont-Royal)
Magasin Général Lambert Gratton
Vintage objects, local art and products, candies, bags, herbal teas, Montréal memorabilia, this place is a cozy and eclectic mix of cool things all gathered in one tiny shop. A stone throw away from Piko Peppers, if you're in the area you should check both of them out!
📍4051 Rue De Bullion (Plateau Mont-Royal)
Le Petit Dep
This is a coffee shop and gourmet store that focuses on local products. Grab a drink and browse through their selection, you might find something fun to bring back!
📍179 Saint-Paul St W (Old Port)
Henri Henri
Canada's oldest hat store! If you're looking for the perfect thing to put on your head, you might want to pay them a visit.
📍189 St Catherine St E (Quartier des Spectacles)