Little Italy

So what would you expect to find in the French part of Canada? Well, Le Petite Italie of course! And where there is a community of Italians, restaurants and markets are sure to be the local attractions.

Located in the northern part of Montreal is a small Italian neighbourhood which is home to generations of Italian immigrants who have settled there mostly between 1946 and 1960. One of Little Italy's biggest attractions is the Jean Talon market which has been in operation since 1933.

The Jean Talon market offers visitors the opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and a number of other goods coming from France, Italy and the Middle East. Vendors allow you to taste samples of fresh produce as you walk past their stalls. Milano's and Capital grocery stores offer a variety of imported Italian goods such as olive oils, balsamic vinegar and other Italian treats. There are also a number of Italian restaurants in the area so be sure to ask the locals what they would recommend.

Besides great food, Italy is also renowned for its influence on architecture which you can see a great example of at the Church of the Madonna della Difesa. This amazing looking church was build and decorated in stages by Guido Nincheri. His work was influenced by typical Italian parish churches from the Renaissance era. The walls and ceilings are covered in wonderful frescos that delight the eye. This makes this little church a truly authentic Italian church in a French Canadian countryside.

Accommodations near Little Italy: