
Renaud-Bray - Place Ville Marie
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
30 minutes - 1 hour
Best Ages
3-17
About
Renaud-Bray at Place Ville Marie is one of Quebec's largest bookstore chains, and this downtown location includes a solid children's book and toy section that families shouldn't overlook. The store is inside the Place Ville Marie complex, making it fully climate-controlled and easily accessible from the underground city network.
The children's area carries picture books, early readers, middle-grade novels, and young adult titles in both French and English. For families visiting Montreal, picking up a French-language children's book makes a great souvenir -- even toddlers enjoy the illustrations. The toy section alongside the books includes puzzles, small games, and educational items from quality brands.
The store opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, which is useful if you're looking for a morning activity before other attractions open. Place Ville Marie connects to Montreal's underground city (RESO), so you can reach the store without going outside in bad weather. The space is stroller-friendly with wide aisles and elevator access.
Food options are excellent in the Place Ville Marie complex itself, with a food court and several restaurants on the lower levels. You're also steps from the main downtown shopping district on Sainte-Catherine Street. McGill metro station is connected through the underground tunnels.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Unknown
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for a quieter browsing experience
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Place Ville Marie has a food court and restaurants in the lower levels. Sainte-Catherine Street is steps away with dozens of dining options. Everything is connected via the underground city.
Why Kids Love It
Renaud-Bray has a dedicated children's section with picture books, chapter books, and a small toy selection that keeps kids browsing happily. French-language books with colorful illustrations catch kids' attention even if they don't read French yet. The toy section often has puzzles and small games perfect for travel.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Access the store through the underground city (RESO) to avoid weather entirely
- French picture books make unique souvenirs for kids -- even non-French speakers enjoy the illustrations
- Opens at 8 AM weekdays, making it a good early-morning stop before other attractions
What to Bring
- A reusable bag for book purchases
- Your stroller -- the store is accessible and spacious
- A list of your kids' reading interests to help staff recommend titles
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0-$60 depending on purchases.
Children's books start around $10-$15 CAD; toys and games $15-$40 CAD.
Tips to Save
- Free to browse.
- Check their website for weekly promotions.
- French-language children's books are often priced lower than English imports.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

