Hull Shopping Tips by johngayton Top 5 Page for this destination

Les Depanneurs (All of them!!): The Advantage of Hull being in Quebec!!

The term "Depanneur" very loosely translates as "convenience store" and here in Hull every neighbourhood has its own, rarely more than a couple of hundred metres from its furthest customer. These little stores specialise in providing the day-to-day basics at the times that the larger stores are closed as well as being agents for things such as bus tickets, the lottery and mobile phone top-ups.

What to buy: What really brings Les Depanneurs into their own though is the fact that they sell alcohol (tho' not "hard" liquor!) which none of the other provinces allow their local stores to do - for instance across the river in Ottawa if you fancy a take-away beer you could end up walking a good few miles to find the nearest state-run "Beer Store"!!

And so this is where Hull scores majorly in this commentator's book in that the nearest beer is never more than that couple of hundred metres away!

What to pay: Expect to pay a little more than supermarket prices but then the convenience is what you're paying for.

Address: All Over The Place!

Theme: Other

SAQ: Where To Get Your Booze in Hull

Unlike its neighbour, Ontario, across the river the Province of Quebec allows retail sales of alcohol in supermarkets and depanneurs. However these are restricted to a maximum alcohol content of 20%.

Full strength spirits and liqueurs are still strictly regulated and can only be purchased in the provincial government-owned SAQ (Societe des alcools du Quebec) stores.

Here in Hull there are 3 SAQ outlets: Blvd de la Carriere, Blvd St Joseph and Promenades du Portage.

The St Joseph store is what as called an "Express" and has a somewhat limited range of products but the other two carry a good selection.

What to pay: Usually that bit cheaper than over the river!

Address: Various - see website

Phone: 1 866 873 2020

Theme: Food and Drink

Website: http://www.saq.com