50 Years of Literary Discovery
Montreal's Most Beloved Independent Bookstore
Literature, philosophy & poetry in a 19th-century landmark near McGill. Curated by readers, for readers, since 1975.
Literature, philosophy & poetry in a 19th-century landmark near McGill. Curated by readers, for readers, since 1975.
From first editions to contemporary discoveries, every shelf holds something extraordinary. Our collection reflects five decades of passionate curation.
Classic and contemporary fiction from around the world. From the canon to emerging voices, find your next great read among our carefully chosen titles.
From Plato to post-structuralism, our philosophy section is one of the most respected in Canada. Dive deep into the ideas that shaped civilization.
Anglophone and translated poetry collections spanning centuries. A sanctuary for poets and poetry lovers alike, from Neruda to Atwood.
Discover out-of-print treasures and gently loved volumes at remarkable prices. Our used book selection turns every visit into a treasure hunt.
Small press publications, literary magazines, and indie periodicals. Supporting the vibrant ecosystem of Canadian and international letters.
Can't make it in person? We ship across Canada. Browse our catalogue online or contact us — we'll track down almost any title you seek.
The Word Bookstore has called a former Chinese laundry on Milton Street home since 1975. Tucked between the cobblestones of the McGill Ghetto, our shop has weathered forty Montreal winters — and counting — while remaining steadfastly independent.
We've never been just a place to buy books. We're a meeting ground for writers, students, professors, and dreamers. Leonard Cohen once browsed these shelves. So have generations of McGill students seeking refuge from the Quebec cold.
Fifty years of community means thousands of stories shared between our shelves.
"The Word isn't just a bookstore — it's a Montreal institution. I've been coming here for thirty years, and the curation has only gotten better. Their philosophy section is unmatched in the city."
"When I moved to Montreal, The Word was the first place that felt like home. The poetry section introduced me to writers I never would have discovered otherwise. A true literary sanctuary."
"I found a first edition here that I'd been hunting for decades. The staff know their stock intimately and clearly love what they do. This is what a bookstore should be."
Whether you're around the corner or across the province, The Word is your bookstore.
Whether you're searching for a specific title or just want to get lost among the shelves, The Word awaits. Visit us today and discover your next great read.
We're always happy to hear from fellow book lovers. Reach out with questions, special orders, or just to say hello.