Montreal’s Best Tattoo Parlours

No matter where you get tattooed, it’s going to hurt some. But unless you want a lifetime of painful regret, it’s best to choose your tattooist wisely. Avoid a personal tattoo “tradgedy” – head to one of Montreal’s best tattoo parlours.

PSC Tattoo
Travel back in time to the days of Sailor Jerry with Pointe St-Charles Tattoo, one of the oldest shops in town. There, you can get inked by old-school artist Tony D’Annessa, who started working as a tattoo artist in New York in the 1950s. 1925 Rue Centre, in Pointe St Charles, 514-931-2325.

Imago Tattoo Studio
On the Prince Arthur cobblestone, Imago’s focus is strictly on custom work. While their artists are often traveling abroad to conventions, many internationally acclaimed artists (including Vancouver artist Hugues Lauzier) do occasional guest spots here. Our pick, however, is resident artist Safwan. 158 Prince-Arthur E., 514-350-0015.

Pol Tattoo
Although his talents are diverse, we’d recommend Pol most strongly for Japanese work; however, his excellent reputation can mean wait-times upwards of a year. If you’re impatient, the other two shop artists safe bets, too. 6654 Papineau Ave., 514-504-9588.

Studio Tattoomania
Give the gift of ink this season: Tattoomania will add 20 percent to the value of any gift certificate. And with two Montreal locations housing ten resident artists, there’s a tattooist for everyone. If you can, book your session with shop owner and Art Tattoo Montreal convention organizer Pierre Chapelan. 1615 de Maisonneuve Blvd. E., 514-525-2025; 4148 St. Denis St., 514-289-2025.

Image courtesy of vickomaniac.