6 Must-Visit Montreal Farmers Markets

Best Farmers Markets To Get The Fresh Fruit & Vegetables

Farmer Market with fresh produce in montreal

Nothing tops a Sunday trip to the market for fresh

Nothing tops a Sunday trip to the market for fresh, locally grown produce! Montreal sure has its share of farmers markets, both well established and lesser known, and we sure have our favourites. Before we move onto those, here are a few tips for your shopping trip:

BYOB
Bring your own bags! Most vendors provide plastic bags, but I think we can all agree that it’s time to stop that habit. Bonus points if you have reusable produce bags.
Check the source
Not everything at a farmers market is necessarily from a local farm. Those beautiful peaches may be displayed in lovely woven baskets and even have a few leaves on them for good measure, but they may also have been trucked in from California. Read labels!
Talk to vendors
Not everything at a farmers market is necessarily from a local farm. Those beautiful peaches may be displayed in lovely woven baskets and even have a few leaves on them for good measure, but they may also have been trucked in from California. Read labels!
Bring a cooler bag with ice packs
Not everything at a farmers market is necessarily from a local farm. Those beautiful peaches may be displayed in lovely woven baskets and even have a few leaves on them for good measure, but they may also have been trucked in from California. Read labels!
Wear sunscreen
It’s not a hike or bike ride, but you’re still outside. Don’t get burned.

Here are 6 of our favourite Montreal (and Montreal area) farmers markets:

1. Jean-Talon Market

Jean Talon is fruits and vegetables as far as the eye can see. And it’s all fresh, delicious and you can taste test a lot of it, so come prepared to compare!

Although it is light on non-fruit & veg vendors, given its massive area, this market sure has some gems. There’s the nut guy (fresh nuts!), an oyster shop with over 40 types of oysters, a maple syrup vendor specializing in maple pie, a butcher that’s just all pork, a shop dedicated to spices and teas, several restaurant kiosks and more.

Discover more: Jean-Talon Market

2. Marche 440

If you’re up for a little drive, Marche 440 in Laval is a great place to spend a day. When it first opened in 1983, it was surrounded by agricultural land and much of the produce was literally grown next door.

Today, in addition to locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and cheese, you’ll also find a hair salon, florist, pasta shop, bulk dry goods, a decadent chocolate shop (yum!) and a few small restaurants and cafes.

Discover more: Marche 440

3. The Lachute Farmers Market

The Lachute Farmers Market started life as a horse auction… and still is one! The market has plenty of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, honey and other locally produced deliciousness. And they have a horse auction every Tuesday at 2pm. Oh, and if you came by car and bought a horse on a whim, don’t worry. They offer delivery (yes, we’re serious).

They also have a vibrant flea market, live entertainment and an indoor antique mall.

Discover more: The Lachute Farmers Market

4. Atwater Market

Atwater Market is not the largest market. In fact, compared to Jean Talon, it seems a bit small. But it is steeped in charm and history. You also cannot beat its location along the Lachine bike path.

Here you will find everything you expect in a farmers market, including Les Douceurs du Marche, which, if you’re a food lover, you can quite literally get lost in. You’ll find rare and fragrant spices, unique plates of pasta, a huge selection of teas, plenty of canned and dry goods, a mix of international foods and locally produced artisanal goods, and a very impressive collection of oils and bottles of vinegar, many that you can taste test.

Discover more: Atwater Market

5. Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande

Located in Rougemont, Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande is also a bit of a drive, but well worth it. Here you can get the market experience, or harvest your own produce!

Yes, this is a fully functioning farm growing tomatoes, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, herbs and more, which you can pick yourself, depending on the season.

You can also meet the farm alpacas and egg-laying chickens, try your hand at the corn maze or rediscover your inner child on the GIANT trampoline. Think you’re too big for a trampoline? You are not.

Discover more: Potager Mont-Rouge Halte Gourmande

6. Longueuil Public Market

This is a small market with a big personality. The vendors here are all about freshness and taste, and the market itself even fills their website with incredible recipes to help you decide how best to enjoy the fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and cheeses you find.

They also often host food and cooking-focused events, including the adorable “Market Cooks” program for children ages 5-12. They recently hosted a Thai salad cooking class ahead of Mother’s Day, and have planned a cheddar and bacon waffle session for Father’s Day.