Jean-Talon Market
The largest open-air market in North America, in the middle of Little Italy.
Duration
1 hr – 2 hrs
Best time
Weekday mornings
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
The market opened in 1933 on a former lacrosse ground, in the heart of Little Italy. It is the largest open-air market in North America, and it runs all year: uncovered in summer, under heated canopies in winter.
Quebec growers sell direct, and the season reads off the stalls: strawberries in June, corn in August, squash and apples in October, maple syrup in spring. The permanent shops round the edge — cheesemongers, butchers, Italian grocers — stay open when the stalls empty.
Getting there
Metro blue line, Jean-Talon or De Castelnau station, five minutes on foot. Little Italy starts just to the west.
Rules on site
The outdoor stalls shrink sharply from November to April; the surrounding shops do not close. On Saturday, moving between the aisles is very slow.
Other places in Montreal
Old MontrealThe cobbles, Notre-Dame basilica and the old port, in a handful of streets.
Mount Royal ParkThe hill laid out by the designer of Central Park, and the whole city from the lookout.
Mile EndWood-fired bagels, video game studios and outdoor spiral staircases.
The underground cityThirty-three kilometres of passages linking metro, malls and stations — essential in February.