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November 2023 by R McLean
Very unfriendly staff. Chose to leave and not buy the products we wanted because of rude/lack of welcome.
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October 2023 by Jenn Liolwg
***WARNING THE OWNER HAS MULTIPLE CHARGES OF NOT RESPECTING BASIC EMPLOYEE RIGHTS. THEY ARE ACCUSED OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE. CREATING A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT, EMPLOYEE NEGLECT***** I REFUSE TO SUPPORT a business that direspects and neglects employees the way this owner does. (Speaking as an ex employee) I was let-go because I asked too many questions regarding my basic rights as an employee (breaks, pay, overtime, work hours and more) The owner did not appreciate that I was not in agreement with ALL of his decisions or the way that he spoke to us (speaking very rudelly, loud -yelling sometimes, and using very derrogatory language). The same week that I addressed certain issues and requested for us to have a team meeting with the owners and employees (which they said was impossible to do), was my last week of work. I was never informed that I was not performing inadequately.(I was actually doing more than asked) To top it all off- they lied to other employees that I left on my own behalf and did not tell them I was actually fired. They fired my other coworker/friend because she also asked "too many " questions and to finish, their reasoning was "the atmosphere/environment" was not right...They spy on employees with their security cameras who are not pointed at clients but, pointed at employees only. They spend their time observing and watching which is illegal and causes high levels of anxiety and stress. They take advantage of french (france) employees because they are not informed of their rights.
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September 2023 by Jen W.
The building is lovely. Inside it's a big tourist trap. If you are looking for a souvenir, give it a go, but don't expect anything here to be made in Canada. Just my thoughts. Enjoy Montreal.
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May 2023 by VyVy V.
December 2022 - COVID Review: We stopped by since we were visiting Old Montreal and the Port. Since we went in the winter, it was a welcomed pit stop to get a little break and some heat. A lot of the signage inside was pretty outdated because we thought there were more restaurants to choose from on the different floors. When we went to the different floors to browse, a bunch of the restaurants were actually closed/out of business. It's mainly just a bunch of boutique shops, but not much else. I guess it could be worth the visit for the history of the building, but otherwise you wouldn't be missing too much if you decide to skip it.
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November 2021 by Avril D.
As a Native American woman, I entered the Market for my shopping. I did not intend to see Racism and Culture Appropriation of Indigenous People. Especially after the findings throughout 2021 of Children's Bodies In Residential Schools. I am shocked at the Culture Appropriation of the shops. The only "Heritage" this supports is Genocide of Indigenous People. Hardly "Truth and Reconciliation". I wish I could honestly leave ZERO stars, please do not support they do not have person to sell cheap and fake headdresses and other various items. That are sacred within Indigenous Cultures and they have various tests - mind, body and spirit that they need to pass in order to earn and be given an authentic headdress. They take the profits off what they call "Indian Craft" yet they don't listen the Native American Tribe or Artist that it goes too. They sold a Culture Appropriated Headdress for $25.00 that said "Indian Craft". We aren't Indians, we are Indigenous or First Nations of Canada. I'm beyond disgusted by all of the merchants who sell these items and anyone who supports these businesses also.
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March 2021 by Anton K.
Marche Bonsecours market opened it's doors in 1847 and still remains and architectural masterpiece on the Old Port area of Montreal. In 1984 it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. There are e floors to this market place. The basement area has a rental hall, exhibition space and banquet room. The upper level has art galleries and a coffee shop featuring pastries and lunch items. The street level has multiple stalls which sell Canadian craft items, clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, gift items and furniture. What interested me was all the maple tree products ranging from maple syrup, beer fudge, chocolate to lollipops. They also had some First Nation Art. They also had some high quality mad Quebec leather goods. The overall impression of this market which for a 100 years was a farmer's market until 1963 is that it does not know what it wants to be. Does it what to be a high end retail market or a tourist souvenir destination. Since it is located down in the Vieux Port area of Old Montreal it draws enough tourist traffic to sustain itself but I think it should develop a draw that makes it a destination. There are public restrooms here and even a water fountain. Between the Bonsecours Market and the port are beautiful gardens with water features and pond fountains. It is a traffic free pedestrian are with nice walking paths. Park has an IMAX theater and Science museum. There is a self-parking lot, as well. An adjacent street, rue Saint Paul has art galleries and many restaurants and pubs to chose from.
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October 2019 by Kirsten K.
Don't bother coming here unless you're comfortable dropping $500 on a bracelet or $200 on a purse. If you are looking to purchase high quality made-in-Quebec leather and fur items, you will probably enjoy shopping here. I really don't have much to say about this shopping concourse because I blitzed through it in under 15 minutes once I saw the prices. The building itself is beautiful. We parked right across the street in a self-park lot with an attendant, which was convenient. It was nice weather so we sat outside on the benches and decided where else to go since the Marche Bonsecours was not fun for anyone who isn't super wealthy.
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August 2019 by Austin G.
This market has a great location (inside Old Montreal) and a great story (it's a beautiful historic building along the water). However, it has become a tourist trap with overpriced stores inside that aren't as local as you can find in Montreal. Come to snap a photo of the outside, but don't bother going in. If you don't like shopping for cheap trinkets, there's nothing for you.
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August 2019 by Rick B.
For over 100 years this building housed the primary farmers' market for the Montreal area. After standing idle for a few years there was some talk of tearing it down, but that changed and it was re-purposed instead. I believe it is a Canadian Heritage Site. Built right next to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Bonsecours, the Market Bonsecours today houses scores of retail stores and a few food stops, mainly for the tourist crowd that visits this part of Old Montreal and the port area. There are no farmers' goods for sale here now - unless you count maple syrup, but it is more of a slew of boutique stores. Loads of souvenir stores, a few dress shops, and the like. So for now this is simply an indoor shopping mall, and a nice one at that.
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October 2018 by Matt G.
Just across the road from the old port. Very grand looking building, you wouldn't guess it hosts a souvenir market. Several stores selling the usual Canadian and Montreal souvenir stuffs. Such as a bear on a t-shirt saying 'I sleep bear naked' or a bear chasing a man - 'Canadian fast food'. Some gimmicky stuff, but fun to look at. Only expect tourists to come here. All the maple tree products you can imagine are here. Maple beer, maple wine, maple butter, maple lollipop. Some First Nation arts. There is a cafe that sells light meals and art. The upper and lower levels were closed.
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September 2018 by Jeffrey S.
Passed through here very briefly on my most recent trip to Montreal, and if ever there was a story about incongruous outsides v insides, this is it. It's an absolutely incredible building, historic, stately, imposing, and with a patina that lets you know it's been here a while. I really love the edifice itself. On the inside, though, while still lovely, it's just surprising that it's a collection of whimsical boutiques. Broke tourists need not apply--this isn't the cheap mass-produced stuff, at least it strives not to have much of that. This is more like the "who pays that much for a souvenir" kind of place, but you can find the rare treasure, locally made, and in that case I say fork over all the money. I'm not typically the kind of person who spends a lot on local souvenirs (you're reading the words of a dude who started a year and a half ago, to bring home small stones from every trip as my keepsake or as gifts for those who it would mean something to) so I'm not exactly the target market. But I'm heartbroken I didn't realize there's apparently a chocolate shop in here (?) that I never saw; I'd spend money on that, pick a few delectable ones, and head back out on the street, find a bench and take turns sampling them one by one. It's worh a stop in if you're nearby, especially if you need a break from the hot/cold weather, but probably not a special trip as a destination on its own. Just don't judge a book by its cover.
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September 2018 by Naomi S.
When you see this building you'd think it was anything but a little shopping mall. But if you go inside on a hot summer day it's a great place to cool down, do a little shopping, and grab a bite to eat or drink and just relax a little. We stopped in for a little rest between checking out a few local museums and taking a walk along the waterway. There is a nice mix of locally made wares, food, drink, and art exhibits. Oh, and public restrooms are always a plus when exploring a city.
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August 2018 by Joyce M.
Wait a second!!! This place is a rats nest. Not one boutique, not one gallery. I walked a long while to be so disgusted and disappointed. Maple syrup is the best thing you will find here and you can find that anywhere. I am shocked that Fodors has this place as a destination. It's huge silver dome makes you think you are in for a treat, but wow you will be wowed by the desolation. If you like junk, you must go to this market. BEWARE.
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June 2018 by Amanda H.
Very disappointing as it is almost all empty and consists of shops with cheaply made items that you can purchase on the internet for cheaper and a few restaurants. Based on the info for this place, we were expecting more. The port just a little walk away offers so much more.
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June 2018 by Mike F.
Great looking building. There's not much inside, though. Basically it's some okay souvenirs. Nothing too exciting. There are actually some pretty nice art galleries on the walk here from the train stop, though.