It's Halloween month in Montreal even though it might not feel like it with the city in 'red alert' and questions looming over what we'll actually be able to do on October 31.
But it doesn't mean we can't get into the festive spirit while still adhering to provincial health guidelines. And one of the ways to get your spooky season fix is to go wild with pumpkins.
Whether you're carving them and decorating at home or turning them into pumpkin pie, pumpkins are one of the last tethers of normalcy we can safely cling to when it comes to Halloween fun and fall holidays.
The time is now to (pumpkin) spice up your autumn — and you don't need Starbucks or a pumpkin patch outside the city to do so.
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Atwater Market
When: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends until 5 p.m.
Address: 138, avenue Atwater
Why You Need To Go: Great selection — and you can admire the fall leaves by taking your new pumpkin on a socially distant walk along the canal.
Lachine Market
When: Monday - Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1875, rue Notre-Dame, Lachine, QC
Why You Need To Go: Adorable mini-pumpkins and gourds are ideal for decorating, or try using them for a spin on a 'pet rock' — we could all use some company right now.
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Metro
MetroWhen: Check your local location
Address: Locations across Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Convenient. There are so many Metro locations there's bound to be one close to you and you can get groceries at the same time. They have regular pumpkins but the artistically-challenged among us might prefer pre-painted.
Maisonneuve Market
When: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 4445, rue Ontario E.
Why You Need To Go: Beautiful scenery for taking photos with your newly purchased pumpkin.
Jean Talon Market
When: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 7070, avenue Henri-Julien
Why You Need To Go: Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes — plus head down the street to eat a gourd (from the market) stuffed with sausage from Pascale le Boucher.