Pamela MacNaughtan
Last Updated on October 19, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
At Le Grand Marché the sight of locally grown produce, herbs, and flowers, brightly coloured and full of life, is one of the best parts of summer. When you get close their smells are a mixture of delicate intrigue and boisterous joy.
Every plant, fruit, vegetable, and artisanal product at the market is the result of sweat and tears and hard work. Trials and joy.
Within the walls of Le Grand Marché resides the heart and soul of Quebec; its people, food, culture, and traditions.
the beauty of le grand marché
The high ceilings, white walls, birch wood accents and tall windows of Le Grand Marché create the perfect milieu for artisans, producers and patrons.
Kiosks and small shops line the middle of the market, selling Quebec terroir by producers from the regions of Quebec, Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
Birch stairs with wide ledges lead to a second level with a kids’ zone and space for community activities and workshops, as well as seating.
La Tablée des Chefs is an open kitchen dedicated to feeding people in need and provides workshops and day camps for teens to learn valuable cooking skills and techniques.
Les Urbainculteurs is tucked away in a quiet corner of the upper level. Known for creating spectacular urban gardens, their experts offer valuable tips and advice. A great place for asking questions, buying organic seeds, and sustainable garden needs.
nosh on quebec terroir
Honestly, we would nosh at every stall at Le Grand Marché.
The market has everything from butchers and bakers to craft beer, fresh pasta, and warm cake donuts covered in white powdered sugar.
The left side of Le Grand Marché is where you’ll find stalls of producers selling fresh fruit and vegetables, along with baskets upon baskets of juicy strawberries grown on Ile d’Orleans.
Along with pots of fresh herbs, plants, and colourful flowers that will remind you to stop, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the moment.
Intermixed with the producers are stalls such as Cassis Monna et filles (women-owned), one of our favourite places on Ile d’Orleans. Sample some of their preserves or pick up a bottle of cassis wine.
Perfect foodie souvenirs of your time in Quebec City.
Of course, in summer it is imperative that you stop to buy a basket of lush juicy red strawberries from Ile d’Orleans.
The island is one of the biggest producers of strawberries in Canada. This is why it is also one of our favourite places to go in Quebec!
Stop by Beignes d’Antan for a warm cake donut covered in white powdered sugar, cinnamon or maple.
There is almost always a line at La Boîte à Pain, but the wait is worth it for a fresh baguette, croissant, pastries and some of their prepared sandwiches and salads.
Les Cochons touts ronds is perfect for picking up some charcuteries, as is Le Roi du Boudin by Le Pied Bleu.
You’ll find foie gras and all things canard (duck) at Le Canard Goulu, and delightful oie (goose) products by La Ferme Québec-Oies near the front doors.
Naturally, you should also visit Laiterie Charlevoix for some cheese and Miellerie St-Patrice for artisanal honey products.
Craft beer lovers will find their happy place at SNO Microbrasserie Nordik, a microbrewery inside Le Grand Marché, the perfect spot to stop for a beer tasting and some lunch or dinner.
If you want to sample many Québec craft beers and pick up some souvenirs to take home with you, then go to Chalou and try not to get overexcited by their impressive selection.
Of course, those with a sweeter palette will find delicious wines and ciders at Le Grand Marché. Some of our favourites include Cidrerie Vergers Bilodeau from Ile d’Orleans and Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault from L’Isle-aux-Coudres.
They also sell delightful creations such as apple butter and savoury preserves begging to be included on your next charcuterie and cheese board.
plan your visit to le grand marché
Getting to the market takes a bit more time than when the market was known as Marché du Vieux-Port and is located near the marina and Old Quebec City.
Here is what you need to know to visit Le Grand Marché.
ADDRESS:
250, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel
OPEN:
Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm; Sat & Sun 9am to 5pm
PARKING:
Free for the first two hours
GETTING THERE:
Take bus #3 from Place d’Youville near Saint-Jean Gate in Old Quebec City. Métrobuses 801 & 802 also go to the market. A single fare is $3.50 CAD.
SHUTTLE:
A free shuttle leaves daily from Place d’Armes, just outside Château Frontenac. The shuttle runs Mon – Fri 9:45am to 4:45pm and leaves Le Grand Marché to return to Old Quebec City 10:15am to 5:15pm.
This shuttle operates 14 Jun – 14 Oct. Outside of these dates you will need to drive or take the bus.
visit their website for more details: https://www.legrandmarchedequebec.com/en/
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