ok now that i can type via computer i can offer some help.
so shopping in montreal... well i dont know i mostly go to the malls in downtown, its 4 malls all attached underground, and the shopping can range from average to ecclectic. but i guess st laurent street holds most interesting style clothing, but some shops can be more expensive. empire is worth checking out for skater type of clothes because its a massive shop. there is also underworld if that interests you.
most interesting ski shops are found either on the north or south shore(off island). theres axis, and dstructure, and other empires, which are pretty nicely stocked with lovely products. theres a new element store in the west island, if it tickles your fancy. the shop is really stunning, but the trip is only worth it i guess if youre really down for it.
if you so happen to come the last week of october, theres the lanterns and pumpkin festival at the botanical gardens that ends oct 31, which showcases cool lanterns all handmade in china, and its a night time event, but worth seeing at least once because its pretty cool. the pumpkins stuff is just all handmade designed stuff that win prizes and etc.
theres obviously the museums, we have fine arts, contemporary, historical stuff too, as well as travelling shows, and permanent collections. wednesdays i believe are free at the beaux arts. i think the mccord museum is free, its small but has some mummies and dinosaur bones.
cool food places i would reccomend, thought its vegan, check out aux vivres on st laurent above mont royal. chile pepper brownie, whats up! or ginger apple juice and craziness if that's your thing. theres also an amazing australian pie shop on mont royal and parc, called ta. surprisingly delicious meat pies and desserts. theres santropol for ecclectic sammiches and soups, and deliciousness(its in my top 5 places). i suggest tequila taco if you feel like authentic mexican, on st laurent and sherbrooke, if you like tacos and tequila. theres a lot, although retaurants on the upper plateau, til little italy, full of really delicious treats. a lot of latin, french, or ethnic food. theres really too many to name. of course theres china town, and little italy... all in all, if you walk up st denis, youll find a good restaurant too. that street also has some funkyish shopping.
really good pub food and affordable drinks would be irish embassy on bishop. and brutopia, on crescent, who make their own beers, with seasonals such as cherry wheat, maple, and chocolate stouts,. theres also dieu du ciel on laurier which i fucking, absolutely recommend as a microbrewerie. they make, vanilla stout and its amazing(they also serve foods). theres also saint bock which makes really good food, and their own beer on st denis. they have amazing honey beer. theres the st ambroise brewerie that has a bar, they make apricot and pumpkin beers, as well as other standard types.
if you like hiphop, wednesday nights at salon officiel, and the big beers are 5$ lol. i think theres also saturday at bluedog. but meh. if youre more a punk rocker type, check out katacombs,(st laurent) or foufounes electric. theres also ladies night at foufs for 4$ on thursday and your lady gets 4 free drinks. tuesday night is 5$ pitchers, and generally beers are dirt cheap, between 1-3$. get there early, there's lines. its a bit of a younger crowd though. on sunday and monday, or tuesday, theres sainte elizabeth, on ste elizabeth, that has 4-5$ pints.
theres also the ns office on st laurent street
if you feel like egging your favorite website.
