Summer is the time for activities: hiking at your local conservation, spending a day at the beach, road trips around the country, and of course, attending a local Farmers’ Market! Considering Canada is farmland abundant, it’s no secret that summer Farmers’ Markets are the ideal way to gather some top-tier, freshly grown fruits and vegetables.
Why attend a Farmers’ Market? First off, the produce at the superstore simply can’t compare, they’re an opportunity to meet with local farmers and community members, and in general, they make for a fantastic summertime outing. After a quite a dreary winter, there’s nothing like a Farmers’ Market to help cure those blues away. And in Canada, it’s a good thing we’re nothing short of markets to choose from.
To help you select your pick of the Canadian crop (literally), we’ve listed out ten Farmers’ Markets across the country that are sure to give you the best bang for your buck:
1. Riley Park Farmers’ Market – Vancouver, BC
Riley Park Farmers’ Market is just one out of seven Vancouver Farmers’ Markets held in the summer. Every Saturday, you can find a boatload of vendors selling products ranging from locally grown produce, baked goods, sweet treats, craft beer, and very importantly, coffee! If you’re attending this market with your family, take advantage of the other fun activities right next door to the market such as ziplining, a kid-friendly park, a bouldering wall, and their flourishing gardens.
2. Ottawa Byward Market – Ottawa, ON
The Byward Market in Ottawa is one of Canada’s oldest markets, dating back to 1826. Not only is it a major Farmers’ Market in the area, but also a booming tourist attraction that features four blocks of unique shops, art, entertainment, and more run by local farmers, artisans, and over 600 small businesses! With that said, you’ll likely need a few hours to take advantage of all this market has to offer.
Photo credits: @ottawamarkets on Instagram
3. Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market – Niagara Falls, ON
Every Saturday from May to October this summer, you can find Niagara Falls’ top farmers, bakers and makers at the Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market. This market has become such a staple in the community that the City of Niagara is working on an expansion! Not to mention, they were awarded Farmers’ Market of the Year by Farmers’ Markets Ontario in 2021; check out all they have to offer this summer to find out why.
4. Calgary Farmers’ Market – Calgary, AB
Experience an array of fantastic products, food, events, and activities at the Calgary Farmers’ Market this summer! This market celebrates all that Calgarians have to offer through features like local farmers and musicians, a food hall of over 20 family-owned restaurants, and a ‘Barnyard’ play area for the little ones. Their second location, which is said to give off an ‘Old New York meets the Rocky Mountains’ feel, will be opening this summer; check out their website to learn more!
5. Callingwood Farmers’ Market – Edmonton, AB
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the Callingwood Farmers’ Market has proudly represented its community for over 33 years! Aside from the endless availability of local goods, this market is very family-oriented with events ranging from seniors day to fitness classes to kid zone activities. Their grand market will be held every Sunday this summer, but if you enjoy a more low-key market atmosphere, check out their mini-market held every Wednesday!
Photo credits: @callingwoodmarketyeg on Instagram
6. East St. Paul Farmers’ Market – East St. Paul, MB
Established in 2016, the East St. Paul Farmers’ Market has become a central hub for the Manitoban community over the last few years. Every Sunday from June to September this summer, you can find vendors selling handmade crafts, local produce, preserves, bath products and more. Fun fact, every Sunday, a draw is held at the market where attendees can enter to win ‘Market Money’ and spend it on a vendor of their choosing!
7. Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market – Halifax, NS
Proudly known as the longest-running market in all of North America, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market was established in 1750 by royal decree, and never fails to gather Halifax’s top artisans, farmers, and influential taste-makers every summer. The market is located in the arts and cultural district of the Halifax waterfront where art, cafes, hand-made items, entertainment, and fresh food are readily available. They’ll be moving to Pavillion 23 in July of this year, keep an eye out for the exact dates on their website!
Photo credits: Sarah Rector, @hfxseaportmrkt on Instagram
8. Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market – Edmonton, AB
The year-round Edmonton Farmers’ Market has been a hit in the downtown area for over a century! The rich history of the community behind this market is truly what makes it so special, and is just one reason to visit them this summer. This market radiates a hip, urban atmosphere that features live entertainment, eclectic small businesses, and the ultimate shopping experience through their wide selection of local produce, fruit wine, sweet treats, jewellery, home decor, and more.
9. Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market – Toronto, ON
If you’re from Toronto, you likely know about Trinity Bellwoods Park, but did you know they hosted a Farmers’ Market every summer? The Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market is the place to grab the freshest produce in the city. Their mission centres around educating the local community about the benefits of nourishing food, and the importance of learning more about where it comes from. Not to mention, they feature a handful of vendors that sell eclectic wines and ciders to bring home with your fresh finds!
Photo credits: @trinitybellwoodsfm on Instagram
10. Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market – Kelowna, BC
Not only are they known as Kelowna’s Original Farmers’ Market, but they also happen to be the largest market in BC! With over 120 vendors selling ethnic foods, organic meats and produce, woodwork, pottery, and jewellery, you’re guaranteed to take something home. As it says in the name, the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market has a special appreciation for the artisans of the area; so, whether it’s delicious veggies or some new home decor, this market has something for everyone.
These are just a few of the many fantastic Canadian Farmers’ Markets you can check out this summer. It may be daunting to stare at the many different options we’ve given you, but as they say, the more the merrier!
We’re thrilled to be partnered with each of these markets to provide better protection for their vendors as they continue to grow their businesses this summer. Duuo believes in the importance of supporting local, and we hope this list has given you even more of a reason to visit a farmers’ market near you this summer; whether they’re on this list or not.