There’s nothing like wandering a farmers’ market, grabbing fresh fruit and veg, checking out artisanal creations, and soaking in the vibe while tasting unique local flavours. We’re lucky in Canada because no matter where you are, farmers’ markets are an easy and enjoyable way to support small businesses and regional purveyors.
Whistler Farmers’ Market
Whistler, BC
You can take the scenic route and cross between two mountains to get to all the goodies at the Whistler Farmers’ Market, every Sunday through early October. Much easier than it sounds, simply upload the Whistler gondola, traverse to Blackcomb Mountain via the world-famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, then download the lifts straight to Whistler’s Upper Village, where the market is located. Shop for fresh flavours and seasonal harvest from the nearby Pemberton Valley or sample the array of food vendors as you stroll through the stunning mountain scenery.
Crossroads Market
Calgary, Alberta
Celebrating 35 years this summer, the lively Crossroads Market creates a shopping experience that strongly reflects community spirit. This year-round market showcases fundraisers and events to “sow seeds in the community” in support of local schools, non-profits, arts, and sports organizations. Explore worldly flavours while you shop for top-quality cheese, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and fresh Alberta meat for your dinner table.
St. Norbert’s Farmers’ Market
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The St. Norbert’s Farmers’ Market is a farmer-run market that puts an emphasis on how markets are a vital source of food staples. To support local producers full-time, they offer online ordering throughout the year, even in the winter months. A simplified yet elevated shopping experience for fresh food, pantry items, and Manitoba-made products, there is a sense of merriment amid the crowd as live music and laughter fill the canopied space.
St. Jacob’s Farmers’ Market
Waterloo, Ontario
Set in the heart of the largest Old Order Mennonite community in Canada, don’t be surprised if you roll up alongside a local farmer in their horse and buggy when you visit the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Canada’s largest market features hundreds of vendors selling the whole gamut, from hot foods to art, produce, farm-raised meats, antiques, fruits, and preserves. You won’t want to miss the additional Market Road Antiques building bursting with antique and vintage dealers, as well as the talented buskers that perform throughout this historic market.
Le Grand Marché du Vieux-Port
Quebec City, Quebec
An urban space with vibrant energy, Le Grand Marché du Vieux-Port is a gourmet food destination with hundreds of vendors selling specialty items like cider, maple syrup and maple products, preserves and fruit wines, and chocolates. Explore global spices and flavours, pick up house-made sausages, or dabble in delectable cheeses. Be sure to visit Mycélium, a creative hub that supports the development of innovative food products.
Fredericton Boyce Farmers’ Market
Fredericton, New Brunswick
FREDERICTON, CANADA РAugust 7, 2016: Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is the city̢??s traditional Saturday gathering spot downtown for fresh and healthy foods & craft
One of Canada’s top 10 community markets, this riverside market is an indoor/outdoor experience known for its distinctive blend of East Coast fare (think seafood, homemade jams, baked treats, and seasonal crops like fiddleheads and blueberries). For over 70 years
locals and visitors have gathered here for the time-honoured tradition of shopping, socializing, and tasting prepared foods from the many different ethnicities that call the region home.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Since 1750 Halifax’s waterfront has been bustling with farmers, fishmongers, and artists. At the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, shop for Atlantic Canada delicacies like mussels, clams, and lobster, plus fresh produce and fruits from the Annapolis Valley. When you’re done exploring the longest continuously running market in North America, be sure to wander the wonderful assortment of cafés and galleries or visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which boasts an impressive collection of marine artefacts and art.
Farm & Market Clarenville
Clarenville, Newfoundland
Not just farm to table, get straight to the source at Farm & Market. This market has its own growing beds and greenhouse with starter plants and seasonal crops, as well as an operating Elliston-style root cellar—a cellar built into the ground on a hillside. You’ll want to snag some of those tasty preserves as you shop for handmade treasures, fresh local produce, flowers, and prepared foods. Their new community kitchen offers a space to learn about preparing healthy and delicious meals as well as providing access to a licensed kitchen for aspiring chefs.
Yellowknife Farmers’ Market
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
A non-profit society formed to grow the local food system and support food-base economic development, the Yellowknife Farmers’ Market builds programs that support the regions farmers and their community. Shop the Harvesters Table, where Yellowknife locals with green thumbs can donate or sell their extra bounty to the public. This market offers classes to help local growers make the most of their limited growing seasons, and they also promote emerging artists by giving them the opportunity to perform at the market.