Neither wind, nor rain, nor sub-zero temperatures can stand in the way of your passion for outdoor markets. The good news is that there are four outdoor Marchés Publiques open year-round – one in each corner of the island of Montreal. So, when the four seasonal markets and two organic markets shutter up at end of October, your canvas market bags don’t have to.

Venture into any of the big four, four-season markets: Atwater, Jean-Talon, Lachine, or Maisonneuve markets and you'll find yourself in the midst of a foodie's fantasy. Twirl past hundreds of stalls selling everything from pungent, raw-milk cheese to aromatic fried pakoras, and ice wine to organic lard.

There are seasonal stars like spring’s spears of delicate asparagus and tart rhubarb or summer’s succulent strawberries, raspberries and Lac St. Jean blueberries. In the fall, make way for red peppers and Italian tomatoes but nothing beats last days of winter’s maple syrup taffy you roll up from a bed of fresh snow. 

Buying at the market gets you up close and personal – those weathered hands passing you your change are the same ones who pulled your fresh eggs out of the coop this morning Don't be surprised if you find yourself chatting with a stranger about politics, the best way to cook fennel, or everyone’s favourite; the weather.

We know that smiling through a Montreal winter requires some extra joy and we’re sure that the winter markets will have you stepping up to the storms and happily skipping through the slush.