Photo of Jean Talon Market, a Landmark in Little Italy

A fixture of Montreal’s Little Italy since 1933, Jean-Talon Market is one of North America’s largest and most vibrant open-air markets. More than just a place to shop, it’s a sensory experience—stalls overflowing with just-picked produce, fishmongers and butchers calling out their daily specials, and the scent of fresh bread, spices, and roasting coffee filling the air.

Originally built to feed a growing city, the market remains deeply rooted in Montreal’s culture, blending local tradition with international flavours. Farmers, cheesemongers, bakers, and specialty grocers offer everything from Québec terroir products to hard-to-find global ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned locavore or just here for a warm pastry and a stroll, there’s something for every appetite.

Open year-round, Jean-Talon transforms with the seasons—enclosed in winter for a cozy market feel and expanding into pedestrian-friendly outdoor aisles in summer. It’s a place where generations of Montrealers have gathered, and where food, community, and culture come together daily.

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