Discover an alternative to the glamour of the cosmopolitan, French city center at the Jean-Talon Market. In the heart of Little Italy you’ll find a diverse mix of rural farmers and producers of artisan goods. Arrive hungry for a full experience.
The quantity and quality of the fresh produce at the Jean-Talon Market is the star attraction. There is such a diverse range of goods here and there’s a good chance you’ll find fruits and vegetables you’ve never seen before across the 300 vendors. Take a walk down the aisles to see yellow, green and purple cauliflowers hanging in baskets and long strings of shiny chili peppers. Keep your eyes peeled for the unusual purple and white capsicums that sit in contrast to the regular colours.
Over summer the market is at its busiest. Visit between June and October to see the indoor market expand to become the largest open-air market in North America. The summer months also mean fresh produce from the immediate area, rather than sourcing vegetables and fruit from warmer regions as it does during the winter.
There are plenty of Canadian specialties to be found on the stands. Pick up a bottle of syrup, try a glass of ice wine from local Quebecois farmers or grab a freshly caught salmon from the St. Lawrence River.
International cuisine is bountiful at Jean-Talon Market also. Start your morning with an espresso from an Italian café or have a pasta lunch in nearby Little Italy. Sample sweet Moroccan pastries or get a popular taco from one of the Mexican snack bars.
The market is easily reached by bus or train. Car parking is plentiful in the area, as long as you arrive early. The Jean-Talon Market is open every day and cash is the preferred payment method by most vendors.
