A foodie's heaven, the Atwater Market is a slightly more upscale sister of the Jean-Talon Market. Constructed in the early 1930s, the long building has two stories and houses dozens of merchants. In the summer, vendors set up in the parking lot, with flowers and plants. Inside the market you'll find every conceivable variety of food: fruits, vegetables, beef, fish, spices, bread, pastries, cheese and plenty more.

A site that was historically the center of social and cultural activities of the colony, the Bonsecour Market evolved into a true public market in 1847. Since then it has been home to the Canadian Institute and City Hall and was completely restored for the millenium. It now boasts an eye-poping array of boutiques and restaurants, an art glass gallery where visitors can watch glass blowing, and ongoing free exhibitions of contemporary photography.

Foodies take note: This is the place everyone talks about. And adores. It's a whole city block of nothing but stall after stall piled high with the best regional fruits and veggies, meats and seafood. Baked goods, cheese, maple syrup, ice cream, jams and jellies, charcuterie, wine and beer, olive oil, balsamic vinegar ­ you name it, if it's a "gourmet" food item, produced or grown locally, or imported from Italy, Japan or some other far off country, you will find it here. Fabulous.