Montréal has always been my dream city to visit in Canada when I moved here in 2009. Actually, I have always been in love with the French culture since I was a little girl because of the cartoon Madeleine I used to watch. You know, that little girl that lives in a boarding school with their most popular line that said “We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other”?
Anyways, it took me eight years since migrating to Canada to finally bring myself to Montréal. After living in beautiful Melbourne, I packed my bags and started my new life in Montréal as a graduate student at McGill University. I lived there for a year and it was nothing short of amazing. It was a dream come true.
There are many amazing things you must do when visiting Montréal. One of the things I love about living in Montréal, aside from its vibrant art and food scene, is the fact that they have public markets I can check out all-year round.
Here is a list of my well-loved markets in Montreal I enjoyed visiting while I was living there.
Table of Contents
Marché Jean-Talon
This farmers’ market is located in the heart of Montréal’s Little Italy district. It is considered one of the oldest public markets in Montreal after its establishment in May 1933. That is over 85 years ago! It is also considered as one of the largest open-air markets in North America. It was originally called Marché du Nord (or market of the north) but was later on changed to its present name, in honour of Jean-Talon. This market, which is open year-round, except for a few holidays like Christmas or New Years, have fresh products for everyone including fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat, seafood, pastries, etc. You can expect about 150 merchants in this market during peak season. Surely, your foodie heart will thank you. There are also cafés and restaurants nearby you might want to check out. One popular café I remember close to Jean-Talon Market is Café Henri.
Address: 7070 Henri-Julien Avenue, Montréal, Quebec, H2S 3S3
Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closest metro station: Jean-Talon
Parking: Paid underground and outdoor parking for 410 cars
Atwater Market
Just like Marché Jean-Talon, this market was built in 1933. It is situated in the southwest corner of Montréal and is near the Lachine Canal, which you can explore by foot or bicycle. Atwater Market prides itself with its Art Deco-style architecture. To feed your gastronomic desires, you can expect nothing but the best cheese and meat from Atwater Market.
There is also a small place for a food court, which they call Pôles des saveurs, and a few food trucks for you to choose from.
I once went there during fall and they had hundreds of pumpkins and it was a perfect place for an Instagram photo. Although, I’ve been there multiple times and I can say that it is beautiful any season.
Address: 138 Atwater Avenue, Montréal, Quebec, H4C 2H6
Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closest metro station: Lionel-Groulx
Parking: Outdoor parking is free for 500 cars around the market for 90 minutes
Marché Bonsecours
This market used to be Montréal’s main public market for about 100 years. It was built in 1844 and opened in 1847. The market was shut down in 1963. It has now become popular among tourists as a photo stop with its Renaissance Revival Architecture. Although this market does not sell your usual food products and offers instead locally-made fashion, jewellery, and art items, I think this market is still worth a visit if you are in Old Montréal. There is a small coffee shop at the end of one of the hallways but you may also opt to eat at the surrounding cafés and restaurants in Old Montréal. In the same building, events are also hosted including the annual World Press Photo exhibition.
Address: 350 rue Saint Paul, Montréal, Quebec, H2Y 1H2
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closest metro station: Champ-de-Mars
Parking: Paid parking for 1,000 cars
Lachine Market
Lachine market beats Marché Jean-Talon and Atwater Market as the oldest public market in Montreal since its establishment in 1845. However, it was destroyed by a fire in 1866 and re-opened in 1906. My research says that the must-try food in Lachine Market are the waffles at Gaufrabec. Of course, there is also no shortage of local, fresh, and high-quality products here.
Address: 1875 Notre-Dame, Montréal, Quebec, H2S 3S3
Hours: Mondays to Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closest metro station: Lionel-Groulx but then take a bus
Parking: Paid underground and outdoor parking for 410 cars
Metro Station markets
Montréalers love their markets as I have also noticed tiny markets in some metro stations. I lived near the Sauvé Metro and there’s one there that sells fresh fruits and other produce that I can buy and eat on my way to McGill. There’s also one just right when you get off Mont-Royal Metro which is perfect when you need a quick bite before you head up Mont Royal. They also sell plants and flowers at Mont-Royal Metro station market.
Address: Varies
Hours: Varies
Closest metro station: Varies
Parking: Varies
There is no doubt that Montréal markets are definitely one of the many things I miss and love about living in Montréal. Have you been to any of these markets in Montréal? Which was your favourite?
Ready to continue your adventure outside of Montréal? Check out this comprehensive itinerary on going on a Quebec roadtrip!
I am canadian and yet to have made it to montreal. It is on my list and I hope to make it this year. I will be sure to check out some of the markets.
Bonsecours Market seems to be really old and important. The fresh flowers and food being sold in the market seems very attractive to me. If I am in Montreal, I am going to visit at least three of these for sure. Even the tiny markets at metro stations are remarkable.
Lovely. I think markets speak a lot about country’s culture. I like the way they lay out food. Looks inviting. Somehow reminds me of Markets in Belgium and Holland.
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I love visiting farmers market, the fresh produce, that hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, handmade items sold by artisans and the morning shopping is something I enjoy doing over the weekends. How was the photo exhibition at Marché Bonsecours? Was it to your liking?
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I’ve been dreaming of visiting Montreal for ages, but it just sucks that domestic travelling is so expensive within Canada. (I’m from the west coast.) Local markets are a must for me when I travel and those decadent peach pies (?) at Atwater Market look absolutely to die for!
This is perfect timing as I’m actually heading back to Montreal sooner rather than later! It’s one of my favourite cities in the country!
Our last visit to Montreal was in the dead of winter. We certainly missed many outdoor activities. But a summer visit would be great to try out all of these markets. I love the rows and rows of flowers in the Marche Jean-Talon. The Atwater Market sounds like a great choice to stock up on cheeses! And it would be worth a visit to the Lachine Market for the waffles at Gaufrabec. Food is always a great reason to visit Montreal!
Okay, first off, those strawberries at the Atwater market look so incredibly delicious! I love local markets! Not only can you find amazing foods, but I like them because it gives you a better look into the lives of those that live in that area. But probably mostly because of the delicious foods!
Montreal is in my bucket list and when I go there, I will surely check out these markets. Those strawberries and pumpkins and colorful flowers….they are so inviting! 🙂