Canadians in Montreal are lucky to be so close to the US border. This allows them to open up a world of shopping possibilities just a short drive away. So, if you’re a savvy shopper looking to score the best deals and unique finds, this is your ticket to a successful shopping spree. Join us in this post as we provide insider tips, must-visit destinations, and everything you need to know to make the most of your next shopping trip. So buckle up and get ready to explore the best cross-border shopping from Montreal!

Key Takeaways

• Montreal residents have easy access to top US shopping destinations like Plattsburgh, Burlington, and Albany, making exploring a wide range of stores and products convenient.
  
  
• Shop smart and be savvy when cross-border shopping from Montreal. Take advantage of diverse offerings in US cities to snag great deals on fashion, electronics, and specialty items.
  
  
• Consider the convenience of online shopping to access exclusive deals. Then, enjoy hassle-free shipping through Shippsy and streamline your cross-border shopping experience from the comfort of your home.

Top US Areas For Cross-Border Shopping From Montreal

Listed below are the closest US areas for Canadian shoppers living in Montreal. If you’re crossing the border, include these destinations in your checklist:

1. Plattsburgh, New York

Plattsburgh, New York, is where great shopping experiences await Canadians in Montreal. Just a short drive across the Canadian border, Plattsburgh offers many US stores that appeal to Canadian shoppers.

Tourists can explore local specialty items in Plattsburgh, like maple syrup and artisanal crafts. Plus, they also have a wide variety of American snacks not commonly found in Canada, like MoonPies and Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

With the short distance from Canada and its broad selection of snacks and products, Plattsburgh, NY makes the trip both convenient and rewarding for Canadian shoppers.

This blend of short-distance convenience and unique shopping finds makes Plattsburgh an excellent shopping destination for Canadian shoppers looking for cool US-based brands and exciting discoveries.

Travel Distance: 1 to 1.5 hours by car

Shopping Malls:

a. Champlain Center

Champlain Center is a vibrant shopping destination offering diverse US stores and amenities. Spanning over 60 acres, this vast mall houses over 60 retailers, ranging from well-known national chains to local boutiques.

Shoppers will enjoy a wide selection of fashion outlet stores, including popular brands like JCPenney, Old Navy, and American Eagle. Aside from apparel, the mall also features department stores like Target, electronic shops like GameStop, and more.

With its spacious layout and ample parking, Champlain Centre provides a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for locals and visitors, making it a bustling hub of activity in Plattsburgh.

Address: 60 Smithfield Blvd, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, USA

b. Consumer Square

If you’re looking for a place that offers a great blend of US retailers and attractions, then you will enjoy Consumer Square in Plattsburgh. This place is home to an impressive array of stores, restaurants, and entertainment centres.

This shopping centre’s diverse mix of big-name brands, like Walmart, T.J. Maxx, and Bath & Body Works. Plus, popular dining options like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Buffalo Wild Wings add to the allure of this bustling shopping complex.

Also, many of the stores at Consumer Square offer competitive prices and frequent sales, making it a budget-friendly option for Canadians seeking value for huge savings. With this and its diverse stores in one location, this mall is a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike.

Address: Plattsburgh, NY 12901, USA

2. Burlington, Vermont

Canadians in Montreal will find Burlington, Vermont, a shopaholic’s dream destination. Why? Because of its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque setting, Burlington offers a great escape for those looking for a one-of-a-kind retail experience.

In this city, you will find many shops ranging from boutique stores to well-known brands, such as Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, and GAP. Plus, the favourable exchange rate often makes shopping in Burlington an even sweeter deal for Canadians.

Whether strolling down some huge marketplaces or exploring the unique shops along the waterfront, Canadian shoppers will delight in Burlington’s variety and beauty.

Travel Distance: 1.5 to 2 hours by car

Shopping Malls:

a. Church Street Marketplace

The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-friendly street with various stores, from local boutiques to well-known brands.

The street’s ambiance, historic architecture, and lively street performers create an enjoyable shopping experience every Canadian will never forget. Visitors can browse through specialty boutiques offering one-of-a-kind jewelry, handcrafted ceramics, and distinctive home decor items.

This area often hosts events and festivals like the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Festival of Fools, the Fire Truck Pull fundraising event. These events add to the excitement, making it a year-round activity hub.

Overall, this marketplace stands out for its rich history, vibrant energy, and diverse offerings, making it a favourite shopping landmark for shoppers.

Address: 131 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

b. University Mall

University Mall, also known as U-Mall, is a shopping mall near the University of Vermont. Canadian shoppers should consider visiting University Mall in Burlington for convenience, variety, and value.

The mall often features promotions, discounts, and tax-free shopping opportunities. All these make this mall an attractive destination for Canadians who want to save on their purchases.

Beyond its retail offerings, University Mall also fosters a sense of community with its events, activities, and amenities, such as fitness centres, movie theatres, and food courts.

Address: 55 Dorset St, South Burlington, VT 05403, US

3. Albany, New York

Albany offers a refreshing blend of big-city convenience and small-town charm. This makes it the perfect destination for Canadians wanting a unique shopping adventure.

With its array of shopping districts, from the trendy boutiques in Lark Street to the sprawling Crossgates Mall, there’s something to satisfy every style and budget. Plus, the favourable exchange rate often means Montrealers can snag fantastic deals on fashion, electronics, and more.

Whether strolling through historic streets or exploring modern shopping centers, the allure of Albany’s retail scene will surely captivate any Canadian shopper from Montreal.

Travel Distance: 3.5 to 4 hours by car

Shopping Malls:

a. Crossgates Mall

Canadians should consider shopping at Crossgates Mall in Albany for its expansive selection of stores. The mall has over 250 retailers, including popular brands like Apple, Zara, and Michael Kors, ensuring shoppers can find everything under one roof.

Also, you can find the perfect dining scene in the mall, with numerous restaurants and eateries offering quick bites and sit-down meals to refuel during a shopping day. Its convenient location and ample parking make it easily accessible, providing a hassle-free shopping experience.

So, if you want to snag the latest fashion trends, electronics, or home goods, you will love how Crossgates Mall is a rewarding destination for all your shopping needs.

Address: 1 Crossgates Mall Rd, Albany, NY 12203, US

b. Colonie Center

Shopping at Colonie Center in Albany involves enjoying an inviting atmosphere and a diverse range of stores. Boasting a mix of well-known brands and local boutiques, Colonie Center offers something for everyone.

With over 100 stores, including stores like Macy’s and L.L.Bean, shoppers can explore a wide selection of products and styles. Additionally, Colonie Center features a food court and sit-down restaurants, providing plenty of dining and relaxation options.

Plus, this shopping centre made history as it is one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the United States. Along with this legacy, Colonie Center continuously evolved to meet modern shopping needs. Overall, Colonie Center creates a distinct shopping experience that reflects the diversity of the Albany area.

Address: 131 Colonie Center, Albany, NY 12205, US

Shop Smart and Save More By Reviewing Your Personal Exemptions

As Canadian travellers, you should never forget to review your exemptions when crossing the border. Why? Because these guidelines set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) help you avoid unnecessary fees and delays.

These exemptions outline the maximum value and quantity of goods you can bring back into Canada without paying additional fees. It also helps you to make informed decisions and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Canadian Personal Exemptions:

• Returning after less than 24 hours
  • No personal exemptions
    
    
    
• Returning within 24 to 48 hours
  • You can claim goods worth up to 200 CAD without paying regular duty and taxes.
    
    
  • Goods must be present when you enter Canada.
    
    
  • Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are not included.
    
    
  • Goods worth more than 200 CAD are not included in this exemption. If so, you need to pay full duties on all goods you bring in.
    
    
    
• Returning after 48 hours
  • You can claim goods worth up to 800 CAD without paying any duties and taxes.
    
    
  • Goods must be present upon entry to the Canadian border.
    
    
  • Some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages may be included in your personal exemption.
    
    
    
• Returning after 7 days or more
  • You can claim goods worth up to 800 CAD without paying any duties and taxes.
    
    
  • Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages must be present upon entry to the Canadian border.
    
    
  • Some goods can arrive later as goods to follow.

Shop Online And Ship Your US Orders With A Package Forwarder

Shopping across the border is fun but can take up a lot of your time and money. So, instead of travelling, why not shop online from home? It’s easy and comes with perks:

• Grab exclusive online sales and promos
  
  
• Enjoy convenient shopping anytime, anywhere
  
  
• Save money, gas, and energy

Once you’re done adding items to your online cart, the next thing to do is to ship them using a US shipping address provided by your package forwarder.

Instead of having your package mailed directly to Canada, the US retailer will ship your items to the cross-border shipping provider’s US facility and will then handle the delivery to Canada. In short, a package forwarder works like a middleman between Canada and online stores in the US.

This process can make cross-border shipping more efficient and cost-effective, as package forwarders often have deals with shipping companies to get better rates.

Remember that the key to a worthy cross-border shipping experience is to find the best package forwarder. While there are many package forwarding companies in the country, Shippsy stands out the most when it comes to providing top-notch services.

Ship With Shippsy

Shippsy offers a hassle-free and cost-effective solution for Canadian online shoppers. With Shippsy, you can enjoy the convenience of shopping from your favourite US retailers and paying the lowest fees on shipping to Canada.

Unlike other shipping providers, Shippsy’s pricing lets you ship your US orders by paying as low as 7.99 CAD for Ontario and 8.99 CAD for British Columbia and Quebec. When it comes to speed, Shippsy is also unbeatable. By optimizing our delivery systems, we ensure your items arrive within 2-4 business days!*

So, say goodbye to the headaches of cross-border shopping and trust Shippsy to streamline your online shopping experience. Create your Shippsy account today and make it easier than ever to access the products you love from the US.

*Transit time depends on your location.

Final Thoughts

Canadians from Montreal have a wealth of cross-border shopping opportunities at their fingertips. With US areas close to the city, like Plattsburgh, Burlington, and Albany, a diverse array of stores and experiences await.

To ensure a smooth cross-border shopping experience, consider the convenience of online shopping and shipping through services like Shippsy for added savings and convenience.

Aman Chopra

Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.

Read all posts written by  Aman Chopra