Le Valet d'Coeur

Le Valet d'Coeur on Rue Saint-Denis is one of Montreal's most respected board game and specialty game shops. The store has been around for decades and carries an enormous selection of board games, card games, role-playing games, and puzzles. For families with kids who enjoy tabletop gaming, this is a must-visit.

What sets Le Valet d'Coeur apart is the staff expertise. They can recommend games based on your child's age, the number of players, and the type of experience you're looking for. They'll pull a game off the shelf, open it up, and walk you through the rules. This hands-on approach means you actually know what you're buying, which is rare in retail.

The store is on the Plateau-Mont-Royal stretch of Rue Saint-Denis, one of Montreal's most walkable neighborhoods. The aisles can be tight given the volume of inventory, so large strollers are tough to maneuver. Kids who are into strategy games, cooperative games, or trading card games will want to stay all afternoon.

Rue Saint-Denis is lined with restaurants and cafes. You'll find crepe shops, ramen joints, and casual bistros within a block in either direction. The Mont-Royal metro station is a short walk away, and Parc La Fontaine is about 10 minutes on foot if you want to combine gaming shopping with outdoor time.