Eating Like a Local at Montréal's Iconic Public Markets

Located in the heart of Little Italy, Jean Talon Market is one of the largest open-air markets in North America. As one of the oldest public markets in Montréal, it was inaugurated in May 1933 with the goal of supplying the local population with fresh and local produce, which remains the market’s mission to this day.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market houses butchers, cheese and fish mongers, flower stalls, a liquor store, and shops dedicated to chocolate, spices, Italian sundries, ice cream, and many other specialties. The market is open year-round, with surrounding streets closed to car traffic on weekends from June to October.

Don’t miss:

• Café St-Henri, a micro-roaster that is introducing specialty coffee to Québec coffee lovers
• A selection of over 300 Québec and international cheeses at Fromagerie Qui lait cru !?!
• Delicious sweet or savoury (and always gluten-free!) crêpes at Crêperie du Marché

Situated in Montréal’s Southwest borough, close to the Lachine Canal, Atwater Market has been in operation since 1933. The Art Deco-style architecture places it among the most beautiful buildings in the city, and best of all, it’s open year-round and can be enjoyed at any time of year.

During the summer season, be sure to visit the Pôle des saveurs, which highlights innovative and tasty fast food. There, you’ll find everything from Vietnamese and Reunion Island cuisine to barbecue, tapas, ice cream and other refreshments. Snag a spot at the picnic tables at the Pôle or on the large patio facing the Lachine Canal and enjoy summer in the city.

Don’t miss:

• Ice cream from Havre-aux-Glaces while people-watching by the Lachine Canal
• Singaporean street food at the Satay Brothers stall in the seasonal Pôle des saveurs section
• Small-batch coffee roasted in house at Brûlerie aux Quatre Vents

Located in what is now the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, the Maisonneuve Market opened the doors of its majestic stone building at the beginning of the 20th century. Maisonneuve Market is the perfect place to buy locally-grown food or to make gastronomic discoveries. This market is open year-round, and in the summer, an influx of market gardeners, bakers, cheesemongers, fishmongers and florists spill out onto the street to offer their fresh, high-quality products. 

Don’t miss:

• Boutique aux Champêtreries, a social integration organization offering gourmet products from around Québec
• La Fromagerie Maisonneuve, a family-run cheesemonger that has been in business for over 40 years
• Local products from small producers in the Kiosques de la Relève section, supported by the Union des producteurs agricoles