Jean-Talon Market Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Jean Talon Market
Interior of the market
General information
Location	Henri Julien Avenue
Coordinates	45°32′09″N 73°36′55″W / 45.535889°N 73.615222°W / 45.535889; -73.615222
Opened	1933; 92 years ago (1933)

The Jean-Talon Market is a very popular farmer's market located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. You can find it in the lively Little Italy neighborhood. This market is bordered by Jean-Talon Street to the north and Mozart Avenue to the south. Casgrain Avenue is to its west, and Henri-Julien Avenue is to its east. It even has two streets inside it, both called Place du Marché du Nord.

This market is the biggest in Montreal. It is also one of the largest outdoor markets in all of North America. It's a fantastic place to find fresh food and experience local culture.

Discovering Jean-Talon Market's Past
- The Market's Central Building
- Modern Upgrades and Shops
What to Do and See at the Market
- Summer Market Fun
- Shops Around the Market
See also

Discovering Jean-Talon Market's Past

The Jean-Talon Market first opened its doors to the public in 1933. At that time, Camillien Houde was the mayor of Montreal. Before it became a bustling market, this area was a sports field. It was used for lacrosse games by a club called "Shamrock Lacrosse Grounds."

The Market's Central Building

The market has a main building, known as the chalet. This building quickly became a key spot for the area's growth. From when it opened until 1961, the chalet served as a bus station. Buses would leave from here to go to the nearby city of Laval.

Later, between 1961 and 1970, the bus station was replaced. A public library and a social services center moved into the space. Since then, the chalet has been used for administrative offices.

Modern Upgrades and Shops

In 2004, the market underwent big renovations. These changes were made to help handle the large crowds, especially during the busy summer months. An underground parking lot was built, making it easier for people to visit. Above this parking area, a new structure was added. This new space now hosts 20 special shops.

What to Do and See at the Market

The Jean-Talon Market is open all year long, even during Montreal's cold winters! In winter, walls are put up around the central part of the market. This helps keep shoppers and vendors warm. The outdoor areas, however, remain empty during this time.

Summer Market Fun

During the peak summer season, from May to October, the market truly comes alive. Its open-air sections are filled with about 300 vendors. Most of these vendors are farmers from the countryside around Montreal. They bring fresh fruits, vegetables, and other delicious goods directly from their farms.

Shops Around the Market

The open-air market is surrounded by many other food-related businesses. You can find stores selling meat, fish, and cheese. There are also shops for bulk foods, spices, and imported items. Bakeries offer fresh bread and pastries, and there are various restaurants. You can even find a branch of the SAQ, which sells alcoholic beverages for adults.

Here are some of the stores you can find around the market:

Léopoldo Fruit Store
La Fromagerie Hamel
William J. Walter boucherie (a butcher shop)
Joe la Croûte boulangerie (a bakery)
Maison de thé Camellia Sinensis (a tea house)
Terra Bella Organic Store

Since July 15, 2006, cars are not allowed inside the market's streets. This rule applies during summer weekends. It makes the market safer and more enjoyable for everyone walking around.