We love to curl up with a good old-fashioned Diana Gabaldon-esque bodice-ripper. But this weekend we’re planning on going back in time the easy way.

Old Montreal is kicking it old school August 26 to 27, playing host to the annual Pointe-à-
Callière's 18th-Century Public Market. The square will be bustling with farmers, craftspeople, storytellers, musicians and even a sheep shearer, as well as some historical figures, including the Governor of La Jonquière. Perhaps we’ll find ourselves a nice coureur des bois to treat us to a spruce beer!

Now to decide whether to play sailor, strumpet or serving wench. —Jennifer Nachshen

Pointe-à-Callière's 18th-Century Public Market begins at 10am, Saturday and Sunday, in Place Royale and area around Pointe-à-Callière Museum, 350 Pl Royale, Montréal, 514-872-9128

Montreal may have laws preventing us from enjoying street eats, but they can’t stop the pop-up restaurants that have been opening all over town.

The Atwater Market has become the most recent location to host fun foodie stalls, fresh for the summer. We were immediately drawn to the Satay Brothers, serving up South-East Asian specialties like savoury beef satays ($2.50) and delicious steaming pork buns (2 for $7). Just a couple of steps away, an extension of the Poissonerie du Marché Atwater sells ocean-fresh lobster rolls ($11), while Roule ma Poule  proffers rotisserie chicken sandwiches with potatoes and salad ($9.95).

Just bring a boy and a blanket and you’ll have everything you need for a picnic by the canal. —JN

North end of the Atwater Market, 138 Atwater Ave., Montreal, 514-937-7754.

If you’d rather sniff out a good Christmas treat than make one, follow your nose to the Baker’s Market.

Walk away with fine chocolates by My Chocolate Tree and Wendy Boys, cute cupcakes by Le Petit Cupcakery, gingerbread cookies from the Cookie Vonster or mini bundt cakes in a multitude of flavours (like lime coconut) by Miss Mandy.

Vendors take special orders too, so we suggest letting the ladies of Yummy Baked Goods make you a holiday fruitcake worth serving.

With the baking out of the way, all that’s left is the shopping.

Baker’s Market, November 20 and 27, December 4 and 11;  11 a.m.–3 p.m. Creekside Community Recreation Centre in the Olympic Village,1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, www.bakersmarket.com