Bonsecours Market : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Bonsecours Market is an iconic landmark in Old Montreal that dates back to the 19th century and is a popular tourist destination for the locals and visitors alike. It offers a unique experience of discovering Montreal’s rich history, culture, and architectural beauty. Located in the heart of the city, the market was built in 1847 as a public market originally by Philippe Villeneuve, a local architect. It has seen numerous renovations over the years, and is now home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. If you are looking for interesting facts, information, and a travel guide to Bonsecours Market, read on to learn all about this Montreal gem.

Interesting Facts About Bonsecours Market

1. Built from 1847-1852, the Bonsecours Market is one of the oldest public market buildings in North America.

2. It served as the main market for Montreal from 1847 until the early 1960’s, when it was closed due to the construction of Montreal’s underground city.

3. The building was refurbished to become the main tourist information centre for the 1976 Olympic Games, and since 1984, it has served as a souvenir shop and craft market.

4. In the late 19th century, the market was a hub of the cloth industry in North America, with fabric from Paris brought to the market.

5. In the 1920’s, the building was transformed into a movie theatre and the Bonsecours Cinema.

6. In the 1950’s, the market was home to the Montreal Forum, the former home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.

7. The ceiling of Bonsecours Market features stained glass skylights installed in 1907, which have been restored to their original form.

8. The market is part of the Old Montreal UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. In 1990, the building was designated a national historic site of Canada.

10. In April 2021, Bonsecours Market was featured in the season 3 finale of The CW television series “Legacies”.

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History & Information About Bonsecours Market

The Bonsecours Market (also known as the Marché Bonsecours) is an historic market hall in Montreal, Canada. It is located in the Old Montreal district and is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Built between 1844 and 1847, the Bonsecours Market is a two-story building made of stone and brick. Its facade is reminiscent of colonial architecture, with a bell-shaped copper-clad dome. It was the home of Montreal City Hall until 1922 and was then used as a public market until it closed in 1963.

The building underwent extensive renovations in the early 1990s. Today, the Bonsecours Market is used as a cultural centre, with music, theatre and visual art exhibits, and serves as an important Montreal landmark. It is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops and services.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Bonsecours Market

Bonsecours Market is an historic public marketplace located in the Old Montreal area of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Built between 1844 and 1847, the central dome of the building was renovated in 1900 and has since become a famous landmark. Today, the market is home to a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and merchants selling local products. Here is a guide to visiting the Bonsecours Market.

Getting There:
The Bonsecours Market is located in the Old Montreal area, easily accessible by public transit or car. If coming from Montreal’s city center, take the Yellow Line metro to Place-d’Armes station, then walk for five minutes to the market. Another option is to take the Orange or the Green line metro to Champ-de-Mars station, then walk for seven minutes.

What to do:
There is a lot to do at Bonsecours Market. The market is home to the Montreal Science Centre, which features interactive exhibits, a theatre, a cafe, and a restaurant. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Visitors can purchase souvenirs from local vendors, pick up a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Events & Festivals:
Bonsecours Market is home to a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Montreal en Lumiere festival, and the Montreal High Lights Festival. You can also catch live music performances, comedy shows, and special events at the market.

Amenities:
The Bonsecours Market is equipped with a range of amenities to make your visit comfortable and convenient. Public Wi-Fi is available, and there are plenty of restrooms and a ticket office located inside. There is also a visitors center with helpful information about the market and the city of Montreal.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bonsecours Market

Q1. When did the Bonsecours Market open?
A1. The Bonsecours Market opened its doors in 1847.

Q2. Is there on-site parking at the Bonsecours Market?
A2. Yes, there is an underground parking lot accessible off of Rue de la Commune that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q3. Are pets allowed at the Bonsecours Market?
A3. Pets are not allowed inside the Bonsecours Market.

Q4. What kind of events are held at the Bonsecours Market?
A4. The Bonsecours Market hosts a variety of year-round events such as art shows, live music, flea markets, and specialty food events.

Q5. Are there any restaurants at the Bonsecours Market?
A5. Yes, the Market features multiple restaurants such as BolegGante, Restaurant Jardin Nelson, and La Cuisine du Marché.

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