Before being held indoors, public markets took place out in the open air. This watercolour by Cockburn clearly shows how popular these places were. They were crucial to the colony’s economy and social life. Locals went there to purchase provisions or to sell their products. Vegetables, oats, firewood and other goods could be found there.

1801 - 1832

Québec City’s marketplace in the early 19th century

The first market in Québec City opened in Place Royale in 1649. As the city’s population grew and the economy expanded, at least a dozen markets sprung up in the 19th century. These included the Place du Marché in Québec City’s Upper Town. This market became a strategic meeting place for town and country folk alike, to conduct business, stock up on goods and exchange the latest news. At first held out of doors, it eventually moved into an indoor market building. Ready to go shopping?

Place du Marché in Québec City

James Pattison Cockburn Before being held indoors, public markets took place out in the open air. This watercolour by Cockburn clearly shows how popular these places were. They were crucial to the colony’s economy and social life. Locals went there to purchase provisions or to sell their products. Vegetables, oats, firewood and other goods could be found there.

Chronoscope What do you notice in this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1830

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1830

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