Jean-Talon Market
A favorite for locals, the Jean-Talon Market sells high-quality products for a very affordable price. It’s been open since 1933, and is an important institution for the city’s culinary scene. While the more upscale Atwater Market is where majority of tourists looking for a farmer’s market experience go, Jean-Talon Market allows you to shop where most locals head every week for their shopping. Here you’ll find ready-made foods, local products, cooking ingredients, drinks, and, best of all, free samples so you can get a taste before you buy. If you’re a photographer, the organized stalls, beautifully displayed foods and vibrant produce make for great pictures.
While you’ll find many worthwhile stalls to choose from, there are a few highlights. First there is Olive & Épices, which sells flavorful olives, olive oils, herbs and spices from around the globe (get the black truffle-infused sea salt!). At Le Marché des Saveurs, you can sample some of the best Quebec cheeses available. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Havre-Aux-Glaces offers homemade ice cream, Intermiel has honey and mead wines and Marcel Les Pommes has delicious maple products.
Although the Jean-Talon Market is open year-round, it’s at its most lively during the summer when extra open-air stalls are added, meaning you’ll typically find around 300 vendors selling their wares. During this time vehicles are banned from driving around the market, allowing you to really appreciate the organic and farm-fresh foods.
Jean-Talon Market’s prime location near Montreal’s Little Italy neighborhood means you’ll be able to continue tasting the city’s best cuisine. Some top restaurants nearby include La Cornetteria, which has delicious Italian-style croissants; Restaurant Inferno, known for its homemade Italian fare; and Da Enrico Restaurant, a great BYOB Italian restaurant with live Italian music. Burn off the calories you consumed by browsing the many shops lining the market.
Practical Info
The Jean-Talon Market is located at 7070 Henri-Julien Street. Hours are 8am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday; 8am to 8pm Thursday and Friday; Saturday 8am to 6pm; and Sunday 8am to 5pm.