Nestled in the heart of Old Montréal, Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) is a charming piece of the city’s history. Opened in 1847, this beautiful building with its iconic domed roof once served as one of Canada’s largest public markets, where Montrealers gathered to buy fresh produce and goods. Its grand neoclassical design still captures the attention of visitors today, standing proudly as a symbol of the city’s past.
Now, the market is a lively spot that blends history with contemporary culture. Inside, you’ll find a mix of art galleries, unique boutiques, and artisan shops, showcasing Quebec’s creative spirit. Throughout the year, Bonsecours Market also hosts exhibitions, events, and festivals that attract both locals and tourists, giving it a vibrant energy.
More than just a place to shop, Bonsecours Market is a reflection of Montreal’s ability to honor its roots while embracing the present. Whether you’re wandering through its galleries or just soaking in the atmosphere of Old Montreal, it’s a must-see spot that offers a taste of the city’s rich heritage and modern flair.
1884 – Photograph of the Market in Montreal on Christmas Eve. It shows people walking around the outdoor market in front of the building.1900 – Photograph of the Bonsecours Market at Place Jacques-Cartier and Montreal City Hall. Reproduction of a postcard.1930 – Photograph of a courtyard on Saint-Paul Street opposite the Market in Montreal on a market day. Horse-drawn carriages can be seen piled up behind the buildings.1932 – Photograph showing merchants selling their products at the Bonsecours public market located on Place Jacques-Cartier.1932 – Photograph of the Bonsecours public market located on Place Jacques-Cartier. Reproduction of a photograph published in the Montreal Standard.1935 – View towards the north of Place Jacques-Cartier, from Rue des Commissaires (de la Commune). At the beginning of the 20th century, the square hosted a portion of the Bonsecours market, which also overflowed to the Champ-de-Mars.1935 – Photograph showing the activity of the Bonsecours public market at Place Jacques-Cartier. Reproduction of a photograph published in La Patrie.1935 – Rue Saint-Paul (horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians, shops, Hôtel Québec) around the Market.1938 – Photograph of a winter scene at the Bonsecours Market, on the side of Rue Des Commissaires (now Rue de la Commune). Reproduction of a photograph from La Presse published on February 19, 1938.1938 – Photograph of part of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel and the eastern end of the market, from rue Bonsecours.1938 – Photograph of the western end of the Market and its dome, at the corner of rue Saint-Paul and rue du Marché (today rue du Marché-Bonsecours).1942 – Photograph of a painting showing the Market on Rue des Commissaires (now Rue de la Commune). Reproduction of a painting by Charles Tulley published in La Presse on January 24, 1942.1945 – Photograph of the roof of the fish market on Rue des Commissaires (now Rue de la Commune).1947 – Photograph of an illustration of the back of the Bonsecours Market and the old Palais de Justice. The Aldred Building can be seen in the background. Reproduction of an illustration by Raymond Killens published in La Presse.1950- Photograph of the Market. It shows a landing stage for trucks on Rue des Commissaires (now Rue de la Commune) and a delivery truck from merchant Wilfrid Chaput.1953 – Photograph of the back of the Bonsecours market on rue des Commissaires (now rue de la Commune).1953 – Photograph of the Market (300, Saint-Paul Est), built from 1844 to 1847.1966 – Photograph of an engraving showing a merchant displaying his products at the Market. Reproduction of an engraving.1966 – Photograph of the back of the Bonsecours market. It shows the outdoor installations of the merchants. Reproduction of a photograph.1982 – The report includes a photograph of the Market, seen from the street of the same name.
Find more photos from the Montréal archives on their website.
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.
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