Jean-Talon Market is the place to see a different side of Montréal than the glamorous, French metropolis. At this farmers market located in Little Italy, you will see a rural and diverse Montréal where local farmers and artisans thrive. Arrive hungry, and enjoy.
The main attraction of Jean-Talon Market is the sight of its fresh produce. Most of the market’s approximately 300 vendors sell fruits and vegetables, often in colours that you have probably never seen before. Tour the aisles to find baskets of yellow, green and purple cauliflower alongside the usual white. Enjoy the strings of shiny red and green jalapeños hanging over many stands. Also, look for purple and white bell peppers that complement the usual varieties.
Visit the market between June and October to catch it at its most lively. During the warm months, the market expands outside to become the largest open-air market in North America. This is also when the produce is at its freshest. The market remains open year-round, but in the winter months it is walled up from the cold, and vendors have to source their produce from elsewhere.
Look for Canadian specialties among the stands. Buy a pitcher of maple syrup and some ice wine, both bottled in the area by Québécois farmers. Try a maple-glazed salmon caught from the St. Lawrence River.
Foods from across the world are common fare at Jean-Talon Market as well. Drink an espresso at an Italian café, or eat dinner at one of the nearby restaurants in Little Italy. Eat a Moroccan pastry or a Mexican taco at one of the stands in the snack bar.
The market is easily accessible by bus or train, with stops only a 5-minute walk away. Parking is available as well. You should arrive early in the morning to claim a spot.
Jean-Talon Market is open daily. Bring cash, since most vendors do not accept credit cards.
