Montréal is more than just a creative hub—it’s home to a tight-knit community of marketing and communications pros who are shaping culture, building standout brands, and bringing global campaigns to life with local insight. In this guide, meet a few of the experts making moves in the city and get their go-to recs on where to eat, shop, recharge, and get inspired. Whether you're visiting for work or planning a longer stay, consider this your marcomms-savvy guide to Montréal.
What categories do your clients fall into?
At 1Milk2Sugars, we partner with some of the world’s leading brands across a range of lifestyle-driven categories. Our core client base includes skincare, beauty, wellness, hospitality, and consumer goods. We specialize in awakening the potential of lifestyle brands that are looking to activate what we call the 3 C's: coverage, content and community. We strategize to grow their earned media presence, connect more deeply with their audiences, and stand out in a crowded market. Whether it's a cult-favorite skincare line, a luxury hotel group, a wellness startup, or a heritage consumer brand, we bring tailored, strategic communications to every partnership. Our expertise lies in understanding the nuances of each category and awakening the full potential of every brand we touch through compelling storytelling, targeted media relations, and culturally relevant campaigns that drive results.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
Montreal’s communications landscape is unlike any other in North America. As a bilingual, multicultural city, it demands a deep understanding of both French and English markets, not just in language, but in cultural nuance. Montreal has a tight-knit, collaborative communications community, which we have been privileged to be a part of for almost 15 years. Success often comes from knowing how to navigate both the local media landscape and broader national or international markets, all while staying grounded in the city’s unique identity. We have grown considerably since our agency's founding and now have offices in Toronto and New York City, but we always stay close to our Montreal roots.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
Montreal is such a vibrant city, and I definitely have a few go-to spots I love. For dining, Marcus and Gia are two of my favorites. For workouts, I’m passionate about strength training and long walks, and I’m always open to discovering new wellness spaces like Roze, a beautiful Pilates studio in the Old Port with an incredible vibe. We’re also lucky enough to have a few of our own Sugars who are certified yoga instructors and they lead private sessions right in our office, which is such a treat. When it comes to relaxing and recharging, Bota Bota has been a staple for years. There’s nothing like floating on the St. Lawrence while unplugging from the day-to-day hustle. Sculptor is also an incredible spot for a facial or massage.
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
We’ve got a couple of exciting things in the works! First, our Toronto office is moving into a larger, more collaborative space designed to foster creativity, connection, and growth. It’s more than just a move; it’s a reflection of the momentum we’re building as an agency.We’re also thrilled to share that our sister agency, double shot, is gearing up to host its very first Agents of Change conference. It’s going to be a powerful gathering, stay tuned for more details.
What categories do your clients fall into?
We're a boutique PR and communications agency with offices in Montreal, Toronto, New York, and Paris, and we specialize in beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands.
Part of our clients - past and present - are La Rosée, L’Oreal Canada, the Pierre Fabre group, The North Face, Sézane, WonderBra or Guerlain, to name a few and we fully operate across Canada, including Quebec, and / or the US. Whether it’s launching new products, building visibility in key markets, or managing national press and influencer strategies, we love partnering with brands to grow their presence here.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
Montreal's comms world is incredibly unique because it thrives at the intersection of cultural diversity, bilingual creativity, and vibrant urban energy. As a culturally rich and dynamic city, Montreal is a melting pot of influences that fuels innovative storytelling across multiple platforms. Its bilingual nature pushes communicators to think and create in both French and English, which opens up broader perspectives and original approaches. The city's trendy neighborhoods and buzzing startup scene also offer endless opportunities for fresh, bold campaigns. Whether you’re working with established brands or disruptive newcomers, Montreal’s communications industry blends global thinking with a local, authentic flair that’s hard to find anywhere else.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
I absolutely love Montreal’s incredible culinary diversity, and one of my favorite spots in the city is Filet — their miso oysters and refined dishes are simply unforgettable. I'm also a huge fan of Bistro Chez Roger, which is right around the corner from my place in Rosemont. It’s practically my second home. I go there to eat with friends, and it’s also my go-to spot for casual meetings. My neighborhood has even more to offer — the Beaubien Cinema is one of the last remaining repertory cinemas in the city, and I love the charm and character it brings to the area. Since last fall, I’ve been completely hooked on reformer Pilates, and I now go four times a week to Mouvement Humain on Plaza St-Hubert — which is also where my agency is located. The Plaza has become my favorite place to shop: you can find everything from vintage gems and trendy boutiques to glamorous evening gowns. It’s also home to Montréal Plaza, one of the best restaurants in the city, known for its playful, inventive cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. Over the past few years, the neighborhood has really come back to life, and it’s such a joy to walk through its streets and see it thriving again.
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
In 2024, we announced the opening of our Parisian office. This decision was a strategic response to growing demand on both sides of the Atlantic. With Quebec and Canadian brands increasingly seeking to expand into France and, conversely, French and European brands seeing opportunities to tap into the Canadian market, Paris presented itself as the natural next step. This move wasn’t just about geography; it reflected Bicom’s core strength in cultural fluency. Having built deep expertise in bridging North American and European markets—especially across bilingual regions like Quebec—the agency was ideally positioned to replicate its proven model in France. Situated at the crossroads of clients’ needs and bicom’s bilingual, culturally agile DNA, the Paris office lets the agency embody its mission: bilingual, agile and fully in control, helping brands navigate both the Canadian and French communications ecosystems. Also part of this move was Laetitia Jallais, our Vice‑President of Strategy & Innovation, who returned to France in September 2023 after starting her career in Paris (co‑founding a PR firm in 2006), landing in Canada in 2011 and joining bicom in 2017 . Her extensive knowledge of the French and Canadian media landscape and network made her the ideal leader for the new office. Reinforcing the rationale, bicom already represents a roster of renowned French clients including Sézane, Diptyque, Guerlain, Lacoste, Lancôme, Vichy, Nicolas Feuillate, Emily’s Pillow, La Maison Générale and La Rosée, solidifying our credibility and positioning in both markets.
What categories do your clients fall into?
Our platform is built to make life easier for marketers, whether they work in PR, social, or paid performance, across agencies and internal brand teams. Most of our clients are in the beauty, fashion, Food & beverages and CPG industries in North America, where scaled influencer marketing plays a key role in driving both brand love and performance.
As former agency leaders ourselves, we were our first clients and we designed Heylist to support the real workflows and challenges today’s marketing teams face, and we are on a mission to democratize its access.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
There’s a unique edge here. Montreal blends European flair with North American hustle. The city’s bilingualism pushes communicators to think more deeply about audience, nuance, and culture. It’s also a place where creativity, tech, and social impact intersect more naturally than almost anywhere else. Collaboration is part of our DNA, and you can feel it in the way agencies, brands, and creators work together.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
For dining, Ferreira is a staple. It offers modern Portuguese cuisine, with incredible food and a vibrant atmosphere. My new fave address is Molenne, a Montreal-Style elevated brasserie in the Mile-End, their Crudo D’Hamachi is to die for. And for something quick or delivered, Mandy’s is my go-to for healthy yet delicious options that never feel like a compromise.
When it comes to shopping, I love Ssense for fashion-forward finds, Ruse Boutique for curated pre-loved luxury pieces, and the local designer Ève Gravel for fun, thoughtful everyday wear.
Mouvement Humain has become my second home for reformer Pilates twice a week. For running, Parc Maisonneuve is my personal version of Central Park. And when I trade informal lunches for power walks, Mont-Royal offers the perfect mix of energy and calm. For all things beauty, La Rousse Espace Beauté is my go-to, from cuts and color to quick blowouts or event-ready updos. Sophie is truly a magician.
To unwind, I treat myself to customized facials at Beauties Lab, a self-care haven and beauty boutique in the Mile-End where I can also stock up on my favorite products.
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
We’re gearing up for Heylist’s expansion into the U.S., starting with New York, California and the Mid-West. It’s a major milestone for us, and early adoption from our first clients has been incredibly encouraging. This next chapter combines the power of our roots in creative storytelling with our fast-growing network of connected nano and micro-influencers.
We’re also working on powerful new features to supercharge our Smart Search engine making it even easier for marketers to discover the perfect niche influencers in just seconds. It’s all about helping teams move faster, smarter, and with more confidence in a space that’s constantly evolving.
What categories do your clients fall into?
When I founded ZOÏ 25 years ago, my goal was clear. I wanted to work with brands that inspired and motivated both me and my team; brands that were unique and attentive to detail. They didn’t need to be luxury names or global powerhouses, but they had to have something special. Something we could nurture and grow together at ZOÏ.
Over the years, this passion has shaped our agency’s identity. We’ve built a portfolio of clients that reflects our commitment to working with brands who dare to do things differently. These are companies that invest time, energy, and heart into their story, and who value long-term growth over quick wins.
We’re proud to have partnered with exceptional names like H&M, COS, GUCCI, FENDI, Christian Louboutin, Maison Margiela, the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, Fogo Island Inn, GOODEE, and Evian, among others.
Each of these brands shares a common trait: a strong sense of identity, a unique narrative, and a genuine care for their craft; and that’s what makes them part of the ZOÏ story.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
Our agency operates across North America, with satellite offices or teams supporting key markets including Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and Montreal. Each market is unique, with its own distinct characteristics, but Montreal definitely stands apart.
What makes Montreal different is the blend of languages, the strong European influence, and the rich culture that’s deeply woven into everyday life. That means when we’re communicating here, we need to be extra thoughtful; making sure we’re speaking to both French and English audiences in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
This complexity impacts every aspect of our work; from communications planning to media and influencer relations, as well as the partnerships we form with organizations and events. It also means everything from campaign planning to media and influencer outreach—takes more time and care. While Montreal may be a smaller market compared to others, it requires twice the time, attention, and effort to navigate effectively.
And honestly, it’s worth it. Montrealers are passionate, loyal, and deeply engaged. When you get it right here, it really resonates and that’s something we love being a part of.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
Le Violon: A true Montreal neighborhood restaurant offering exquisite food. It’s intimate and inviting. I admire Chef Danny Smiles for his talent, values and generosity. He (and his team!) are a key reason why I always love to go back!
Gia Vin & Grill: This Italian restaurant is located in a converted garage within a historical building in the up and coming area of St-Henri. It’s owned by the Elena Group – one of Montreal’s leading restaurant groups known for their great food and intimate and welcoming restaurants. Ryan, Emma, Lawrence and the entire team at Gia have created something very special and definitely worth experiencing!
Olive + Gourmando: True Montreal classic boulangerie that I have been going to in Old Montreal since I opened my public relations agency 25 years ago. It’s my favorite in the city not only for its pastries and sandwiches but its authenticity and soul. I love the co-owners Dyan Solomon and Eric Girard. They have heart and are true visionaries. They opened Olive + Gourmando in Old Montreal when there was nothing in the west side of the Old Port. They took risks and created a truly special place.
Habitat 67: Blessed to be living in a building that inspires me every day. I always wanted to live here and 18 years ago a place came up for sale and my husband and I jumped on the opportunity. We have grown our family here - now with two daughters 12 and 15 who realize how special it is to be living in this heritage building built back in 1967 for Expo 67. The Structure is truly unique… and the sunlight and views (city & river) are unlike any other. Habitat 67 now offers guided tours of the complex that can be booked directly on Habitat 67 website.
Old Montreal: There is no visit to Montreal without experiencing old Montreal. This is where I used to live before moving to Habitat 67 and where my ZOÏ Agency Headquarters are located (for the past 25 years). The architecture is unique and you truly feel transported back in time.
While in Old Montreal, it’s definitely worth visiting the following places:
I would also recommend that people visit the CCA, as well as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, they should visit the newly opened retail destination: ROYALMOUNT as it’s new – just opened in the Fall of 2024 and there is no other retail experience like it in North America. It is a luxury 100% carbon neutral mixed-use development that includes shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. It highlights public art and creative placemaking, contributing to a unique and inspiring urban experience.
Also: Hotel William Gray: Located in the heart of Old Montreal, this hotel has the best roof top terrace in Old Montreal offering spectacular views of the Port. And, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
We’re currently working on a number of exciting projects at the agency. While many of them are still confidential, we’re thrilled to share a few highlights.
We’ve recently partnered with Maison Margiela to support the opening of their very first store in Canada. It’s a milestone moment, and we’re proud to be working alongside their team to promote and celebrate their continued expansion in the Canadian market. Another exciting collaboration is between our client Fogo Island Inn and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Chef Timothy Charles of Fogo Island Inn will be the featured guest chef at the Museum’s prestigious Ball in November 2025; an event we’re very much looking forward to.
We’re also continuing to work closely with some of our long-standing partners. With H&M, we’re gearing up to celebrate their next major designer collaboration. And with FENDI, we’re helping to mark a major milestone: 100 Years of Craftsmanship. While many details remain under wraps for now, we hope this gives you a glimpse into the exciting things happening behind the scenes.
And lastly, we’re gearing up for a celebration of our own: ZOÏ’s 25th Anniversary! Stay tuned for more to come.
What categories do your clients fall into?
ZAK has a strong expertise in Fashion and Beauty, which has allowed us to refine best practices in a very dynamic sector with exacting standards. In the last 5 years, we have evolved through winning several accounts in sectors such as wellness and hospitality, so today our focus is more broadly on lifestyle.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
Montreal is a bilingual city, and most media outlets are French; therefore, adapting messaging from Global brands for this market is a unique challenge. There is always an additional layer of consideration when developing national strategies to ensure we are resonating with local media. It’s not a question of translation but rather understanding the cultural landscape and then finding ways to connect that are relevant and impactful. Having our Canadian HQ in Montreal is a real strategic advantage, as one needs to be on the ground here to truly understand the nuances of this market.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
Our office is in the Mile End of Montreal, known for its creative and entrepreneurial environment, which continues to inspire me. Favourite spots include the newly opened Italian lunch café Prezze Mollo, located down the street from our office, a great addition to the neighbourhood and my go-to for business lunches!
Montreal received a major upgrade with the newly opened luxury mall, Royalmount. ZAK was chosen to represent its food hall, Le Fou Fou, which is a sophisticated gathering spot featuring the best of Montreal’s food scene in a stunning, upscale environment. I highly recommend checking out the terrace at Le Fou Fou for post-shopping re-caps, drinks and dinner!
For working out, I became hooked on Pilates when Studio Set first opened in Montreal 8 years ago and was thrilled when they later became a client. They have 2 locations in Montreal and recently opened a 3rd in Mont Tremblant; they are the best Pilates in Quebec.
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
We recently began working with a Montreal-founded luxury menswear brand, Bugatchi and just held a launch event at Nobu in Toronto. We are truly excited to work with them to bring more visibility for this brand in Canada, which is already very well known in the US. It’s so rewarding to discover a 40-year-old luxury brand right in one’s own backyard and we are excited to help tell their brand story to Canadian media. We developed a full-year strategy that includes a variety of tactics spread throughout the year, such as KOL product seeding and pop-up events in Montreal and Toronto.
What categories do your clients fall into?
Fashion, beauty, home design, lifestyle, entertainment, and tourism.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
Both: Montreal’s communications landscape is shaped by its bilingualism and the distinct cultural fabric of Quebec. Every strategy must not only be bilingual, but also culturally attuned — what resonates nationally doesn’t always translate here. There's a deep appreciation for authenticity, storytelling, and creativity rooted in the province’s unique identity, making every campaign a chance to truly connect with this market in a thoughtful, localized way.
Montreal is also one of the most diverse cities in North America — a true melting pot of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. This diversity adds richness to the communications space and makes inclusivity not just important, but essential. To be effective here, campaigns must reflect the multicultural reality of the city and speak to its people in ways that are inclusive, representative, and deeply human.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
Karine: My go-to dinner spots are Tuck Shop, RYU Sushi, and Lou’s — always dependable and delicious. For hair, I swear by Atelier 731 and my hair god Adrien — we've been together for over 10 years. To unwind? Give me any patio, a cold glass of Chablis in hand, and I’m happy — especially with a view, like Bar Nacarat or the Terrasse Nelligan.
Kristina: For dinner, I cannot recommend Romie’s enough, great drinks, great food and a gorgeous atmosphere in Montreal’s Old Port! For relaxation, Spa St. James is my go-to place for the best facials this city has to offer!
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
Both: We’re gearing up for Sundae Festival, our agency’s ultimate pre-party destination ahead of Montreal’s biggest festival weekend. We have amazing brand partners on board, and we’re especially excited to have UberEats join us as our main sponsor. Guests can expect a one-of-a-kind experience — think hair and makeup touch-ups with L’Oréal Paris, curated festival goodies, and of course, our location: the iconic Bar Nacarat, which will serve as the perfect Montreal backdrop for the day.
What categories do your clients fall into?
I like to say that at MATINÉE STUDIO, we don’t follow trends, we help create the stories behind the brands you already love (and the ones you’re about to). We partner with culturally relevant, creatively led brands across beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and design to help them go further, connect deeper, and stand out for the right reasons.
From global powerhouses to Canadian independents, our work lives at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. With roots in both Montreal and Toronto, we’ve become a go-to partner for brands looking to grow their presence and impact in the Canadian market, whether they’re launching, expanding, or evolving. From retail activations to creative collaborations, media and content creator-led campaigns, as well as national events, we strive to build strategies that resonate long-term.
What makes the Montreal communications world unique?
There is a certain agility that comes with working in two languages and within two cultural landscapes. Montreal is a city where creativity meets contradiction: it’s bilingual, multicultural, and artistically bold. The communications world here is inherently nimble, collaborative, and culturally attuned, shaped by the city’s design-forward sensibility, strong Francophone media and social media landscape, and North American-meets-European perspective.
Authenticity and community matter here. Brands are expected to adapt to the language, be culturally fluent, and locally engaged, all while maintaining a global mindset. That duality is something we really embrace at MATINÉE STUDIO. It’s also what allows us to translate brand worlds into strategies that resonate deeply with Canadian audiences, from coast to coast.
What are your go-to spots to dine, shop, work out, primp, or unwind in the city?
So many gems, it’s hard to narrow it down, but here are a few favourites of the moment:
Can you share a sneak peek of an exciting current or upcoming project?
We can’t say too much just yet, but we are in talks with an incredible brand in the fragrance space, which has been a dream category to explore. It’s going to be a good one, stay tuned and be sure to keep up with us on Instagram at @matinee.studio.
