Where the Wild Things Are…

You can live in a city all your life, thinking you know each and every one of its secret corners and hidden treasures. Then, once in a while, you discover something new, a place you have never seen before. And, all of the sudden, the city you believed you knew like the back of your hand, is full of wonderful adventures again. In Montreal, this place, where dreams come true and where forgotten riches lie buried, is the Marché aux Puces St-Michel.

The ceiling-high shelves, bending under the weight of overladen boxes, antique lampshades and shimmering trinkets will make you forget the long long metro ride you had to take to get here. Once you’re inside, you’ll want to roam this place forever. So, arm yourself with a coffee, bring a wallet full of cash, and wander the long winding aisles of this endless maze. And, make sure to clear the rest of your day because, seriously, this will take a while.

The dusty displays of Pokemon cards, lava lamps, and other childhood paraphernalia, will get you reminiscing about easier times. But, while you journey back into your past, keep your eyes sharp and your gaze wandering, so as not to miss the hidden gems buried between the kitsch and clutter. I guarantee, wherever you look, you’ll find something you never knew you needed: Whether it’s the Easy Bake Oven you didn’t get for Christmas, the Game Boy you had to hand down to your cousin, or even that creepy Furby toy everyone used to run around with.

If the childhood nostalgia doesn’t do it for you, rummage through the stacks of old records, the boxes of vintage jewellery and the stalls crammed with antique furniture. Once you found something incredible, brace yourself for a tough haggle. The vendors here are friendly, but firm on their prices. Still, endurance and some select words of persuasion might just land you an amazing deal!

And even if you don’t find anything to take home with you, this is still a fabulous way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. Where else would you find a stuffed mini crocodile, R2D2 cookie jars, and a talking toy telephone all in one place? If you love to treasure hunt, and don’t mind a bit of chaos, St-Michel will deliver nothing short of a flea market wonderland! Just make sure you come early in the day; the narrow aisles get crowded on weekends.

Location: Marché aux Puces St-Michel, 3250 Boulevard Cremazie Est, Montreal, QC, H2A 3N9

Timetable: Fri-Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.