A tasty (and romantic) road trip that’s just a few hours from Barrhaven
Fall is almost here, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year when it comes to eating fresh locally grown food. You might also know that I enjoy embarking on local road trips to discover the wonderful hidden gems that are located within a few hours drive of Barrhaven. So today I’m going to combine my love of travel with my love of food and transport you to two beautiful farmers markets nested in the most unlikely of places – Montreal!
This is one of my favorite local getaways. It seems every time I go to Montreal, it has something new and exciting to offer. But Montreal also has a traditional side, and their outdoor (and indoor) farmers markets are world renowned and truly exciting to visit – if you’ve never visited them, you’re in for a real treat. Best of all, most of them are conveniently located near subway stations, so you can park the car and skip from one to the next with ease!
This is a great day trip, but why not stay the night and enjoy the wonders of Old Montreal for the evening; that combo makes for a very romantic weekend getaway!
The Jean-Talon Market
The Jean-Talon Market is my favorite of all the Montreal farmers markets. It’s big, vibrant and just stock full of unique hard to find products – ostrich omelette anyone? You can easily spend a few hours just browsing the many stalls and stores located in this beautiful outdoor/indoor market; but make sure you show up with a good appetite – there are so many tasty treats and free samples on offer, you’ll find them hard to resist.
The market itself has been open since 1933 and is located in the heart of Montreal’s Italian district. It counts itself as one of the biggest farmers markets in North America.
The Jean-Talon Market is located just a few blocks from the Jean-Talon subway station. And don’t be alarmed by the word subway, Montreal operates a very clean and safe transit system.
Despite it’s large size, the Jean-Talon Market is somewhat well embedded within a vibrant multicultural neighborhood, therefore the best way to locate it is to ask a local for directions once you exit the subway. But get ready – you’re going to fall in love with this hidden gem; it really is that good and alone justifies the trip to Montreal.
The Atwater Farmers Market
The Atwater Farmers Market is more of an indoor market, but it also has an outdoor component during the spring and summer months. This market is known for its many butchers and delicatessens, as well as its horticultural vendors and farmers whose kiosks are brimming with fresh produce.
Like the Jean-Talon market, the Atwater Market can easily be reached by subway – simply travel to the Lionel-Groulx subway station and the market can be found just a few short blocks away. Again, my advice is simply to ask a local for directions once you exit the station. Montrealers are very friendly and always happy to assist tourists.
Old Montreal
So you’ve visited both farmers markets and still have some time to kill? Why not hop back onto the subway and exit at Champs-de-Mars station. This stop is just a hop and a skip away from my favorite part of the city known as Old Montreal. Here you can take in some free busker performances, visit the numerous art galleries or take a stroll by the waterfront. Walk the cobblestone streets or stop for a refreshing drink at one of the many outdoor patios. So much to do, so little time!
One last word…
The Barrhaven Blog is a labor of love, but it does take some time and effort to make it all happen. This is why I’m very grateful to the local businesses who sponsor the site.
Today I want to extend a special thanks to Ikram Zouari, a local real estate professional, for sponsoring the blog. Her website www.IkramZouari.com features a number of useful real estate research tools that I recommend to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Barrhaven.
