Welcome to Montreal! If you are staying at 4610 Coolbrook Ave, Montreal, QC H3X 2K6 in the Snowdon / Côte-des-Neiges–NDG neighborhood, you are in one of the most culturally diverse and food-rich districts in the city. Whether you need a quick snack after checking in, fresh ingredients for a home-cooked dinner, a bottle of wine or spirits from the SAQ, or legal cannabis from the SQDC, this guide breaks down every store in the neighborhood, their operating hours, price comparisons, and essential house policies.
Your Location: 4610 Coolbrook Ave
Located just 350 meters (3-4 min walk) from IGA on Côte-Saint-Luc and 450 meters (5 min walk) south of Queen Mary Road / Snowdon Metro Station (Orange & Blue lines). You have rapid access to both local pedestrian shopping and arterial routes like the Décarie Expressway.
1. At-a-Glance Store Comparison
| Store | Distance / Access | Price Level | Typical Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGA (Côte-Saint-Luc) | 3-4 min walk (~350m — Closest!) | $$$ (Moderate-High) | Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Closest supermarket to 4610 Coolbrook. Fresh bakery, Quebec produce, butcher & ready-to-eat hot meals. |
| Metro Plus Snowdon | 5 min walk (450m) | $$$ (Higher) | Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Fresh produce, prepared meals, Quebec craft beer, immediate convenience on Queen Mary. |
| Provigo (Monkland Village) | 15 min walk / 4 min drive (1.3 km) | $$$ (Moderate-High) | Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM | President's Choice (PC) & PC Organics products, PC Optimum points, artisanal cheeses & Monkland strip. |
| Supermarché Esposito (Sherbrooke) | 6-7 min drive / Bus 105 (2.8 km) | $$ (High Value) | Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Local Italian secret: Unbeatable prices on meats, deli cuts, imported pastas, olive oil & produce. |
| Jean Coutu (Queen Mary / Snowdon) | 5 min walk (450m) | $$$ (Convenience) | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–9 PM Sat–Sun: 9 AM–8 PM |
Direct Snowdon Metro access, pharmacy, dairy, breakfast essentials, snacks, cosmetics & post office. |
| Jean Coutu (Côte-Saint-Luc) | 8 min walk (650m) | $$$ (Convenience) | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–9 PM Sat–Sun: 9 AM–8 PM |
Convenient Côte-St-Luc location, quick pantry staples, drinks, health items & prescriptions. |
| Pharmaprix Snowdon | 5 min walk (450m) | $$$ (Convenience) | Daily: 8:00 AM – Midnight | Late-night essentials, milk, snacks, dairy, toiletries & pharmacy items. |
| SAQ Sélection (Queen Mary / Snowdon) | 5-6 min walk (500m) | $$ - $$$ (Standard SAQ) | Mon–Wed: 10 AM–6 PM Thu–Fri: 10 AM–9 PM Sat: 10 AM–6 PM Sun: 11 AM–5 PM |
Liquor & Fine Wine: Spirits (whiskey, vodka, gin, rum), champagne, imported fine wines & apéritifs. |
| SAQ (Monkland Village) | 8-9 min walk (700m) | $$ - $$$ (Standard SAQ) | Mon–Wed: 10 AM–6 PM Thu–Fri: 10 AM–9 PM Sat: 10 AM–6 PM Sun: 11 AM–5 PM |
Curated European wines, rosé, sparkling & spirits in charming Monkland Village. |
| SQDC (Cannabis — Queen Mary) | 6 min walk (520m) | $$ (Regulated) | Mon–Fri: 10 AM–9 PM Sat–Sun: 10 AM–5 PM |
Official Quebec legal cannabis dispensary (Age 21+ with photo ID). No smoking on property! |
| Supermarché PA Westbury | 5-7 min drive (2.4 km) | $ - $$ (Great Value) | Daily: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM | Unbeatable value on gourmet cheeses, organic produce, European deli & Mediterranean staples. |
| Walmart Supercentre (Jean-Talon Ouest) | 7-9 min drive (3.2 km) | $ (Lowest Budget) | Mon–Fri: 8 AM–9 PM Sat–Sun: 8 AM–5 PM |
Bulk pantry items, household goods, lowest packaged food prices, free massive parking. |
2. Walking Distance Groceries & Essentials (No Vehicle Needed)
IGA (Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Luc)
5300 Ch. de la Côte-Saint-Luc, Montréal, QC H3W 2H2 ~350m (3-4 min walk)Why go here: IGA on Côte-Saint-Luc is the absolute closest full-service supermarket to your door at 4610 Coolbrook. Just walk down Coolbrook Avenue and turn onto Côte-Saint-Luc — you will be there in under 4 minutes! It features a full butcher counter, fresh fish, artisan bakery, salad bar, hot prepared meals, and an extensive selection of local Quebec products and organic goods.
Metro Plus Snowdon
5150 Chemin Queen Mary ~450m (5 min walk)Why go here: Metro Plus on Queen Mary is just 5 minutes walk north. It features a complete butcher, bakery, deli, sushi bar, prepared meals, and an excellent Quebec craft beer section.
Provigo (Monkland Village, NDG)
6485 Rue Monkland, Montréal, QC H4B 1H1 ~15 min walk / 4 min driveWhy go here: Located right in the heart of charming Monkland Village in NDG. Provigo is part of the Loblaws network and is the home of famous President's Choice (PC) and PC Organics products. Features spacious aisles, a gourmet cheese counter, artisanal bakery, fresh sushi, and broad organic selections.
Jean Coutu (Snowdon / Queen Mary)
5020 Chemin Queen Mary ~450m (5 min walk)Why go here: Located directly across from Snowdon Metro station. Jean Coutu is a Quebec institution carrying milk, dairy, bread, eggs, bottled juices, snacks, coffee, frozen meals, toiletries, and health essentials. Includes a full pharmacy and Canada Post service counter.
Jean Coutu (Chemin de la Côte-Saint-Luc)
5510 Ch. de la Côte-Saint-Luc, Montréal, QC H3X 2C9 ~650m (8 min walk)Why go here: Situated just west on Côte-Saint-Luc (corner of Earnscliffe). A quick 8-minute walk from 4610 Coolbrook for immediate pharmacy prescriptions, bottled water, dairy, snacks, toiletries, and household supplies.
Pharmaprix (Shoppers Drug Mart)
5122 Chemin Queen Mary ~450m (5 min walk)Why go here: Arriving late at night or need immediate essentials like milk, butter, bread, bottled water, coffee, toiletries, or travel medicine? Pharmaprix has a mini-grocery section carrying basic grocery necessities and remains open until Midnight.
Get Directions to Pharmaprix3. Wine, Spirits & Alcohol: SAQ & Local Rules
Understanding Quebec Alcohol Laws
In Quebec, beer, hard ciders, and basic domestic table wines are sold in supermarkets (IGA, Metro, Provigo) and corner stores (dépanneurs) until 11:00 PM. However, spirits (whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, liqueurs), champagne, and high-end international wines are sold exclusively at government-run SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec) stores. Legal drinking age is 18+.
SAQ Sélection (Chemin Queen Mary / Snowdon)
5250 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3W 1X5 ~500m (5-6 min walk)Why go here: Just 5 minutes walk from 4610 Coolbrook (right across from Snowdon Metro). As a designated "SAQ Sélection" branch, it offers a wider collection of vintage red wines, chilled white/rosé wines, single malt scotches, rums, gins, champagnes, and cocktail mixers than standard branches.
SAQ (Monkland Village, NDG)
5665 Av. de Monkland, Montréal, QC H4A 1E4 ~700m (8-9 min walk)Why go here: Located on the vibrant pedestrian-friendly Monkland Avenue strip. Perfect for picking up a fine bottle of Italian or French wine to pair with a meal or taking back to the suite.
4. Cannabis: SQDC Location & Strict House Rules
Strict House Rule: 100% Smoke-Free & Vape-Free Property
Zero Tolerance Policy for All Guests and VisitorsPlease note the following strictly enforced policy at 4610 Coolbrook:
- NO SMOKING OR VAPING OF ANY SUBSTANCE: Smoking, vaping, burning, or lighting cannabis, weed, tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, shisha, or incense is STRICTLY PROHIBITED anywhere inside the building, inside the private apartment suites, in hallways, on fire escapes, on private or shared balconies, in the backyard, or within 9 meters of any building entrance.
- SMOKE SENSORS & DAMAGE FEES: The building is equipped with sensitive optical and air-quality detectors. Any detection of cannabis or tobacco smoke, lingering odor, or evidence of smoking will trigger an immediate $500+ specialized deodorizing and deep-cleaning fee.
- IMMEDIATE EVICTION: Violations will result in immediate termination of the reservation and eviction from the property without refund.
- LEGAL CONSUMPTION: If purchasing cannabis, guests are advised to use non-combustible products (such as sublingual oils, capsules, or pre-packaged edibles) or consume in authorized outdoor public areas in strict compliance with City of Montreal municipal bylaws.
SQDC (Société québécoise du cannabis — Queen Mary)
5240 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3W 1X5 ~520m (6 min walk)About the SQDC: The SQDC is the sole legal entity authorized to sell recreational cannabis products in the province of Quebec. Located a short 6-minute walk north on Queen Mary near Snowdon Metro.
5. Best Value & Specialty Grocers by Car or Transit
Supermarché Esposito (Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, NDG)
7030 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, QC H4B 1R3 ~6-7 min drive / Bus 105 (2.8 km)Why Montrealers Love Esposito: Supermarché Esposito on Sherbrooke is a revered Montreal Italian family supermarket. It is renowned across NDG for having some of the freshest and most affordable meats, sausages, poultry, and cold cuts in town, alongside imported Italian pastas, giant olive oil tins, specialty cheeses, and fresh produce priced significantly lower than major supermarket chains.
- Best For: Family meat packages, imported Italian pantry staples, prosciutto/salami deli cuts, fresh bakery, and produce.
- Parking: Free on-site customer parking lot.
- Hours: Open daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Supermarché PA Westbury
5240 Rue Jean-Talon Ouest ~5-7 min drive (2.4 km)Why PA is the Local Secret: Supermarché PA is legendary among Montrealers for having high-quality organic produce, European imported goods, and artisan cheeses at prices 20% to 40% cheaper than traditional supermarkets.
- Best For: High-end Greek feta, halloumi, olives, organic vegetables, imported pasta, and fresh European deli.
- Parking: Free underground parking with grocery validation.
- Hours: Open daily: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
Walmart Supercentre (Jean-Talon Ouest)
5400 Rue Jean-Talon Ouest ~7-9 min drive (3.2 km)Why go here: For larger families or extended stays, Walmart on Jean-Talon offers the lowest prices on non-perishable pantry items, cereals, cleaning supplies, and toiletries with a massive free outdoor parking lot.
6. Price & Value Comparison Breakdown
To help you budget your stay, here is how the primary neighborhood and driving stores rank across common grocery baskets:
| Category | IGA / Metro Snowdon | Supermarché Esposito | Supermarché PA Westbury | Walmart Supercentre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit & Vegetables | $$$ (Fresh, premium price) | $$ (Great market value) | $ (Top quality & lowest price) | $$ (Standard commercial) |
| Cheeses & European Deli | $$$ (Specialty counter) | $$ (Authentic Italian cuts) | $ (Enormous variety, best in MTL) | $$ (Pre-packaged commercial) |
| Fresh Meats & Butcher | $$$ (Full butcher service) | $ - $$ (Unbeatable meat deals) | $$ (Excellent value cuts) | $ - $$ (Economical family packs) |
| Pantry Staples (Pasta, Rice, Sauce) | $$$ | $ - $$ (Huge Italian imports) | $$ | $ (Lowest packaged price) |
| Household & Toiletries | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $ (Bulk sizes, lowest cost) |
| Overall Value Rating | 7.5 / 10 (Pedestrian King) | 9.2 / 10 (Italian Value) | 9.8 / 10 (Host Top Pick) | 9.0 / 10 (Bulk & Staples) |
7. Crucial Montreal Grocery Tips for Out-of-Town Visitors
Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban
The City of Montreal has banned single-use plastic grocery bags. Cashiers will not provide free plastic bags. Please bring reusable tote bags or purchase a heavy-duty cloth bag at checkout (~$1.00 to $2.00 CAD).
Sales Taxes (Zero-Rated Groceries)
Quebec combined sales tax is 14.975% (GST 5% + QST 9.975%). However, basic un-prepared groceries (fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, bread, raw meats, eggs) are zero-rated (tax-free!). Prepared hot foods, snacks, candy, and soft drinks are taxable.
Alcohol Retail Hours
Beer and table wine sales in supermarkets stop strictly at 11:00 PM across Quebec. SAQ liquor stores close earlier (typically 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM depending on the day of the week).
Accepted Payment Methods
All grocery stores accept Canadian credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex at most locations), Interac Debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay with tap-to-pay functionality. US and international cards work seamlessly.
8. The Host's Shopping Strategy
How to Plan Your Shopping from 4610 Coolbrook:
- For Arrival Night / Quick Breakfast: Walk 3-4 minutes to IGA Côte-Saint-Luc (closest full supermarket) or 5 minutes to Metro Plus Snowdon and Pharmaprix for immediate refreshments, coffee, croissants, and ready-to-eat meals.
- For High-End Cheeses, Deli & Organic Produce: Take the 5-minute drive to Supermarché PA Westbury on Courtrai / Jean-Talon. You will get gourmet imported goods at 30% lower prices than downtown grocers.
- For Fresh Meats, Italian Pastas & Big Savings: Head 6 minutes west to Supermarché Esposito on Sherbrooke.
- For Wine & Spirits: Walk 5 minutes north to SAQ Sélection right at Snowdon Metro.