© Mark Tomalty

Montreal's markets are small, neighbourhood favourites, or larger, attracting both locals and tourists, and some of them have been around for quite awhile. Both Jean-Talon and Atwater Markets date from 1933. Maisonneuve Market once hosted political meetings and cultural events. In 1962, the municipal government decided to close the building. The residents didn't get their market back until 1994, when a new one was built.

Marché Public 440
If you don't live in Laval, it's likely you've never been to this market. But it's worth checking out if you have the chance. Gidney's offers more than 250 kinds of fish and seafood, including salmon, mussels and lobster. La Ferme du Marché is a favourite for its truffles, foie gras, confits de canards and tourtières. For something a little different, try the apple and cinnamon or cranberry sausages at William J. Walter Saucissier. Cheese-lovers will be confounded by the selection - over 500 varieties from around the world - at La Fromagerie des Nations. Don't have time to cook? Pick up a prepared gourmet meal at Les Jardins du Gastronome.

Marché Maisonneuve
The small but lively Marché Maisonneuve offers a wonderful range of fresh produce at competitive prices. Les Jardins Dauphinais is a great choice for Quebec-grown fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of plants. Pick up sweet corn on the cob at Jean Normand et Jean-Yves Deneault, and fresh strawberries at La Ferme Perron. Colder months draw shoppers indoors to Fruiterie Maisonneuve. You'll find a wide selection of meats, fish, cold cuts and cheeses at Boucherie du Marché Maisonneuve and Fromagerie Maisonneuve. Les Aliments Merci has a nice array of bulk items - spices, nuts, pastas and rice.

Fromagerie Hamel is considered to be one of the best cheese shops in the city - it stocks over 475 varieties.

© Linda Turgeon

Jean-Talon Market
What makes Jean-Talon so special is its range of specialty and ethnic goods. Marché des Saveurs is filled with Québécois specialties like caribou pâté with cider and apples, smoked ham and mussels from les Îles-de-la-Madelaines. Fromagerie Hamel is considered to be one of the best cheese shops in the city, and it's no wonder. The place stocks over 475 varieties, from Gourmelin feta and triple-cream Brie to Pecorino, chèvre and artisanal cheeses. In the market proper are dozens of produce and plant vendors. Check out Intermiel for honey-infused everything - caramels, mustards and spreads. And Verger Pierre Gingras has a wonderful selection of organic and handmade cider, and balsamic vinegars.

Marché de l'Ouest
Who says you can't get good food on the West Island? Marché de l'Ouest has come back to life in recent years. Le Petit Olivier offers dozens of varieties of olives, and at Le Quartier, you'll find cuts of rabbit, duck, organic chicken and veal. Cavallaro serves up cheeses, deli meats, mustards, coffees and aged balsamic vinegars. You'll find it tough to tear yourself away from the rows of oils, preserves, pâtés and meats at Maitre Corbeau Fromager. They have a staggering assortment of unusual cheeses, including whiskey and Guinness cheddars. Outside is a gardener's dream - rows of flowers and plants, many of which are already potted, as well as a few fruit and vegetable stalls.