Nor did any of the quaint shops inside Bonsecours Market – a former custom house and farmers’ market – spark any interest. Architect William Footner was inspired by the Palladian style of the Custom House in Dublin when he designed Bonsecours Market. Beneath the silver dome was Old Montreal’s main farmers’ market from 1847 until 1963. The National Historic Site of Canada is now a charming mall with cafes, restaurants and specialty shops.
