Jean-Talon Market

  Just a scant five minute walk from our apartment, in the heart of Montreal's Little Italy, is one of the largest open-air markets in North America: the Jean-Talon Market. Originally opened in 1933 on a former lacrosse field, over 300 vendors (mostly farmers from the Montreal countryside) offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods. The market's single building - the "chalet" - was a bus terminal until 1961, when it became a municipal library. Since 1970, the "chalet" serves as administrative offices for the market. An estimated 2.5 million visitors frequent the market, including local chefs seeking bulk produce for their restaurants. We used to visit the Haymarket Square market in Boston, and loved it. The Jean-Talon market makes Haymarket Square look like a corner grocery store. This place is huge!!! Obviously, this is where we get our fruits, vegetables and baked goods while in Montreal.

One of the entrances to the many aisles of vendors.

This long view of the market gives just a taste of how big Jean-Talon Market is.

Another long view from a different aisle.

Fruits....

...vegetables...

...fresh fish...

...flowers...

...maple syrup and baked goods can be found throughout the market.

Occasional pride in local hockey shows up from time-to-time.

Even farm-fresh animals can be found here.

It was amazing to see all of these peppers and garlic displayed in such an artistic fashion.