MONTREAL – Summer in the city means a figurative explosion of farmer’s markets, food trucks and places to stock up on locally sourced treats.
If you’re bored of doing your groceries inside and want to explore the city, check out these amazing local Montreal markets:
Marché Solidaire Frontenac
2349 de Rouen street, Montreal
Wednesdays to Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A powerhouse farmer’s market in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve with over 100 members, Marché Solidaire Frontenac is all about promoting healthy eating.
This year, their main base is just outside Frontenac metro station.
They also have a second location near the Baldwin Park swimming pool, which is ideal for killing two birds with one stone – if those two birds are swimming while buying groceries.
The best part? You won’t have to pay more than $6 for anything.
NDG Good Food market
2146 Marlowe avenue, NDG
Fridays 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The NDG Good Food Market was launched by the NDG food depot as a way to address hunger and poverty in the borough.
It works with local farmers to offer fresh produce at reasonable prices and is the first of its kind in NDG.
The non-profit market is a new approach to make healthy eating accessible to everyone in the community.
It offers a variety of produce including local, organic, ‘imperfect goods’ and seasonal vegetables.
There will also be guest chefs, workshops, tasting opportunities, kid’s activities, music and info kiosks from food-focused community organizations and start-ups.
Marché Sainte-Anne
Lalonde street, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Marché Sainte-Anne is the oldest market in the West Island.
It’s open on Saturdays all year round, but its summer location on the waterfront board-walk makes it extra-special – and it’s more than just a farmer’s market.
Marché Sainte-Anne has endless tables of produce and locally sourced cheese, honey and other artisanal products.
The market also boasts about 30 different vendors, so there’s plenty of lunch-able options from tacos to Ethiopian dishes.
The variety and the lakeside view makes it a worthwhile excursion to the edge of the island.
Marché des Possibles
5635 St-Dominique street, Montreal
Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Marché des Possibles isn’t quite a farmer’s market.
It was launched by the Pop Montreal music festival in 2014 and is a mixed bag of standard market fare combined with art and live music all nestled in the surprisingly tranquil former industrial section of the Mile End.
They have fruits and veggies from local farms supplemented by food trucks, foodie and non-foodie artisans and craft makers.
The market also offers family-friendly cultural events like yoga classes, film screenings and live music – plus an onsite bar in case it all gets too overwhelming!
Marché Atwater
138 Atwater avenue, Montreal
Mondays to Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OK, so the Atwater Market isn’t exactly an unknown gem, but it very much comes into its own during the summer months as it expands out of its cramped building all the way down to the Lachine Canal.
Summer-only vendors flock in to sell juicy heirloom tomatoes, berries and leafy greens and the canal-side location makes for easy picnicking.
The only downside? It’s the most popular and accessible market for tourists.
That means it can get a little hot and crowded, and the prices are fairly high – but then again, so is the quality.
Marché Jean-Talon
7070 Henri-Julien avenue, Montreal
Mondays to Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays to Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Jean-Talon market is hardly a secret, but it deserves praise because it’s not only the city’s biggest public market – it’s also one of the largest in North America.
The market balloons over several streets and traffic is blocked in the warmer months to make room for over 300 vendors.
The surroundings might not be as picturesque as Atwater, but the prices and selection make up for that.
It’s also great if you’re looking to exotic spices or flavours.
There’s a Mexican grocery store, Thai supermarket, various Italian patisseries and more within walking distance of the central market.
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