Ripe strawberries, decadent chocolate and gourmet cheese… these are just a few of the sensual foods lining the aisles of Montreal’s Jean-Talon Market.
One of North America’s largest outdoor markets, Jean-Talon features 300 stalls of fresh, locally-grown produce. The most amazing thing about this Montreal institution? It’s open year-round, despite the notorious Canadian winter!
Scroll down for the highlights of the Jean-Talon Market, and don’t forget to visit on your next trip to Montreal.
#5. Fresh, local produce
Warning: Walking down the aisles of Jean-Talon causes sensory overload. The scent of steamed corn wafts through the air as rainbow-hued vegetables jostle for your attention. You can’t help but wonder, have you ever seen strawberries this red?
Free samples and low-cost snacks abound at Jean-Talon. I tasted steamed sweet corn– right from the truck– with travel writer (and fellow New Yorker) Charu Suri of Butterfly Diary.
#4. Canadian classics
You can’t visit Canada without picking up a jar of pure maple syrup; it’s the perfect souvenir of a trip up north. You’ll feel good about buying your gifts at Jean-Talon since the vendors are local farmers and small business owners.
If you’re used to sliding jellied cranberries out of a tin can, make sure to pick up the real thing. Fresh cranberries are a staple of fall dishes in Canada and the US.
#3. Gourmet cheese
Strolling down the aisles of this massive food market is hard work! Reward yourself by tasting locally-produced cheeses at Le Marche des Saveurs du Quebec, a gourmet boutique located next to Jean-Talon. Don’t leave without sampling Alfred le Fermier, a raw cow milk cheese, and Chevre Noir, an aged goat milk cheddar cheese.
Owned by a mother-daughter team, Le Marche des Saveurs only sells products made in Quebec; specialties include fromage, ice cider and craft beers.
#2. Chocolate and pastries
Nothing beats fresh berries– except sweetened berries sitting atop a rich cheesecake. My heart skipped a beat as I entered Première Moisson, a bakery located inside the Jean-Talon Market. Based in Quebec, this chain boulangerie serves pies and pastries to suit every taste. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, stock up on artisanal bread or charcuterie.
#1 – To brighten your day
It’s hard not to smile when visiting Jean-Talon. Meeting local farmers, nibbling on complimentary samples, and buying the freshest, most colorful produce you’ve ever seen– what’s not to love about this free, open-air attraction?
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All of the above photos were snapped on a Cannon G11 at the Jean-Talon Market in September 2011.
My trip to Montreal was sponsored by Tourisme Montreal. For information on city attractions and events, visit the Tourisme Montreal website and Twitter feed (@VisitMontreal). Click on #MontrealArts to read my other Montreal posts.
Amazing produce…so fresh and yummy looking!
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What a fantastic looking market! I would have had a hard time getting beyond the cheese section 😛
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Love the produce pictures the colors are so vivid! Yum!
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Looks amazing. I’ve been to Montreal a number of times, but not made the markets. What a great town, and now another great reason to visit.
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I have never been to Montreal. If the great Butterfly Diary and Leslie Travel recommend it I will have to go. I could also go and practice my French.
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It all sounds and looks so delicious. Love the pics of you and Charu too!!
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Nicely done Leslie, and love the pictures…I wish we had bought a bottle of neige (ice cider) though…darn..next time!
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Great! Have you tried the Brillat Savarin at Fromagerie Hamel? A triple cream Brie that is better than butter.
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This market looks divine! The beautiful colors, comforting smells and fresh Canadian air must have been the perfect way to begin your day!
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Totally! The Jean-Talon market is amazing
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I love Jean Talon Market in Montreal. Another great thing about the market that you didn’t mention was that it’s just not a market in the sense of buying groceries. There are plenty of stalls and food purveyors there that you can easily have an amazing lunch and/or dinner there at a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
— Matt (TheExpeditioner.com)
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Yes, there are options for dining…. if the free samples don’t fill you up 🙂
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I LOVE Quebec’s cheese, beer, fresh veges, and french bread! Oh man… wish I could stay there longer. Thought, it was too expensive on my budget. Haven’t been to Montreal, but would love to!
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Wow, that market looks like heaven! I’m going to try to make it up there this summer. 🙂
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I suddenly feel the urge to back a lot of fruit pies! Great pics!
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