This is a continuation to our last article, featuring farmers’ markets on mainland BC. If you’re venturing north or over to the Islands, here are some excellent markets for you to find fresh produce, homemade goodies and so much more!
Photo by iStockNorthern BC
Chetwynd Farmers’ Market
Where:Corner of Highways 97 and 29, Chetwynd
When: Fridays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 18 to Sept. 28, 2018
Contact:chetwyndfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Why you should go: This small group of vendors is dedicated to bringing the best of the best to each market, providing local produce, honey, baked items, soaps, plants and crafts.
Prince George’s Community Farmers’ Market
Where:3055 Massey Dr., Prince George
When: Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 5 to Oct. 13, 2018
Website:www.wscommunityfarmersmarket.ca
Why you should go: This is a friendly, inclusive market, offering the finest in fresh local produce, fruit, beef, pork, lamb, goat and charcuterie and pet treats, along with beautiful artisan crafts of all sorts. You’ll find live music, a kids’ area and extra seating, as well.
Prince George’s Farmers’ Market
Where:1310 3rd Ave., Prince George
When: Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., year round
Website:www.farmersmarketpg.ca
Why you should go: You’ll find a wide variety of foods and goodies at the Prince George Farmers’ Market – everything from bannock to kombucha, tilapia, fresh produce, frozen meats, alcohol and artisans are all there! There’s live music, a kids’ area and extra seating available.
Mackenzie Community Market
Where:399 Mackenzie Blvd., Mackenzie
When: Thursdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., June 21 to Sept. 27, 2018
Website:http://lovemackenzie.com/businesses/mackenzie-community-market
Why you should go: Located in the heart of Mackenzie, this community market has all the Mackenzie-made products you are looking for. Each week, resident can enjoy the best in local produce, local vendors and hand-crafted soaps and delectables.
Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market
Where:Ferland Park, Vanderhoof
When: Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 14 to Sept. 27, 2018
Contact:vanderhooffarmersmarket@gmail.com
Why you should go: With over 25 vendors, and a playground and splash park nearby, there’s something for everyone at this market. Vendors are selling items such as local honey and local meats, fresh produce, locally roasted coffee, artisan breads and more.
Fort St. James Farmers’ Market
Where:389 Stuart Dr., Fort St. James
When: Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 11 to Sept. 28, 2018
Contact: mkkerr999@gmail.com
Why you should go: Stroll through a traditional market in one of BC’s oldest communities. Located in downtown Fort St. James and beside Stuart Lake, the scenery can’t be beat. At this market, you’ll find lots of unique items, such as homemade ice cream and bannock!
Houston Farmers’ Market
Where:Hwy. 16, Steelhead Park, Houston
When: Fridays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8 to Sept. 28, 2018
Website:https://www.facebook.com/houstonbcfarmersmarket
Why you should go: Market products include fresh produce, baked goods, meats, plants, preserves and other prepared foods, as well as crafts. There’s a kids’ area available, and additional seating.
Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market
Where:Hwy. 16 and Main Street, Smithers
When: Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 12 to Oct. 6, 2018
Website:www.bvfm.ca
Why you should go: The Bulkley Valley market has been running for 25 and you’ll find more than 50 vendors set up and offering everything you could want. Everything at this market is baked, grown or made by the vendors. There’s live music, as well as a kids’ area and extra seating.
Hazelton Farmers’ Market
Where:Hwy. 16 and Hwy. 62, New Hazelton
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 29 to Sept. 30, 2018
Website:www.hazeltonfarmers.ca
Why you should go: The Hazelton Farmers’ Market is a vendor run market operated collectively by the not-for-profit Hazelton Farmer’s Market Society, with the mandate of advocating for viable farm and craft-producer businesses in the Hazeltons. If you want to support local businesses, be sure to stop by! There’s also a kids’ area and live music available.
Skeena Valley Farmers’ Market
Where:Market Street and Park Avenue, Terrace
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 5 to Oct. 27, 2018
Website:www.skeenavalleyfarmersmarket.com
Why you should go: What began as a small market in 1982 has grown to house over 75 vendors each week. In addition to a large selection of homemade, handmade or homegrown items, there’s also a different musician entertaining crowds each week and the hot-food vendors offer a great selection of delicious meals.
Photo by iStockHaida Gwaii – Moresby Farmers’ Market
Where:ALM school gazebo, Sandspit
When: Sundays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 27 to Sept. 9, 2018
Contact: afaktor86@gmail.com
Why you should go: If it’s homemade, handmade or homegrown in the local area, it’s for sale at this market! There’s a kids’ area available, and extra seating.
Haida Gwaii – Tlell Farmers’ Market
Where:Hwy. 16, Tlell
When: Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 1 to Oct. 1, 2018
Contact: stmarysspring@gmail.com
Why you should go: If it’s made, baked or grown locally, it’s welcome to be sold at this market! New vendors are always welcome, and the market hosts buskers and entertainers, as well. There’s a kids’ area, and food trucks are on site.
Haida Gwaii – Masset Farmers’ Market
Where:Main Street, Masset
When: Fridays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to September, 2018
Contact: islandwise.essentials@gmail.com
Why you should go: This market attracts hundreds of visitors – locals and tourists alike – and the items you’ll find here are always unique. The market adheres to the “make it, bake it, grow it” philosophy, and you’ll find everything from fresh produce to hand-knit hats. There is a kids’ area, live music and extra seating available.
Haida Gwaii – Queen Charlotte Farmers’ Market
Where:Beside the community hall, Haida Gwaii
When: Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., all year
Contact: stmarysspring@gmail.com
Why you should go: With live music, a kids’ area and extra seating, this is a great place to be Saturday mornings. Stock up on your local produce for the week, and don’t forget home-baked goodies, seaweed snacks, oysters, scallops, crafts and a hot lunch!
Vancouver/Gulf Islands
Pender Island Farmers’ Market
Where:4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd., Pender Island
When: Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 19 to Sept. 1, 2018
Website:www.pifi.ca/index.php/farmers-market/
Why you should go: Having been in operation for over 40 years, the Pender Island Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of locally made and locally grown items. There’s live music available, and an area for kids.
Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market
Where:100 Fulford-Ganges Rd., Salt Spring Island
When: Tuesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., June 5 to Oct. 30, 2018
Website:www.saltspringtuesdaymarket.com
Why you should go: The Salt Spring Tuesday Farmers’ Market aims to inspire the community to embrace a local food culture that stewards land, nourishes people and honours farmers with a spirit of kinship and integrity. This is a food-only market that specializes in authentic, local, fresh and seasonal products.
Cedar Farmers’ Market
Where:2313 Yellow Point Rd., Nanaimo
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 13 to Oct. 28, 2018
Website:www.cedarfarmersmarket.org
Why you should go: Now operating for 21 years, this traditional-style farmers’ market hosts local farmers, bakers, artists and craftsmen. There’s live music available, and a seating area.
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market
Where:90 Front St., Nanaimo
When: Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 1 to Sept. 14, 2018
Website:www.nanaimodowntownfarmersmarket.com
Why you should go: The Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market is located right on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, with spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia, Gabriola Island and the mainland. Every Friday the Pioneer Plaza is full of life and buzz over local products and live music, as well as several special events. Vendors range from farmers and bakers, to crafters and locally grown, made or baked in between.
Island Roots Market Co-op
Where:2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo
When: Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., May 16 to Oct. 10, 2018
Website:www.islandrootsmarket.com
Why you should go: Local musicians, community, sharing, eating and shopping. What more could you want in a market? This market offers alcohol, crafters, baked goods, fresh produce, meats, honey, plants, seafood, food trucks and so much more!
North Saanich Farm Market
Where:10990 West Saanich Rd., North Saanich
When: Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 2 to Oct. 6, 2018
Website:www.northsaanichfarmmarket.ca
Why you should go: Bring your whole family and shop for local produce, baked goods, preserves, meats, seafood and so much more! There’s live music, a kids’ area and extra seating available.
Peninsula Country Market
Where:1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd., Central Saanich
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 2 to Oct. 6, 2018
Website:www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca
Why you should go: This traditional-style market offers a wide variety of homemade, homegrown, handmade items for shoppers to browse and enjoy. Located not far from the Butchart Gardens, you can spend your morning at the market and continue your adventures nearby!
Duncan Farmers’ Market
Where:200 Craig St., Duncan
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., all year
Website:www.duncanfarmersmarket.ca
Why you should go: With over 100 vendors promoting the make it, bake it, grow it and sell it philosophy, this market is all about promoting local goods. Why, you’ll find everything from local produce to the local butcher, baker and candle-stick maker! There’s also live music in Market Square every Saturday for your shopping pleasure.
Saanich Sunday Farmers’ Market
Where:1359 McKenzie Ave., Victoria
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 8 to Aug. 26, 2018
Website:www.saanichfarmersmarket.com
Why you should go: Although this market only runs for a short time during the summer, shoppers will be delighted with the homemade, homegrown, handmade items they’ll find here. There’s live music available, and extra seating.
Errington Farmers’ Market
Where:1550 Veterans Rd., Errington
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 5 to Sept. 29, 2018
Website:www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca
Why you should go: Close to public transit and with plenty of park available, this great little market is tucked into the woods in Errington and just begging you to come and shop. There’s also a kids’ area, live music and extra seating, to make your stay even more special.
Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
Where:644 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach
When: Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to noon, all season
Website:www.qbfarmersmarket.com
Why you should go: This year-round market hosts about 75 vendors each week during the summer, offering the best in local produce, alcohol, baked goods, meats, honey and more. There’s live music available, and seating to enjoy.
Oaklands Sunset Market
Where:2827 Belmont Ave., Victoria
When: Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., June 27 to Aug. 29, 2018
Website:www.oaklandscommunitycentre.com/markets
Why you should go: Featuring more than 50 local food growers and producers, artisans, crafters and more, this is a great stop on Wednesdays after work. Shoppers will also find a kids’ area, live music and extra seating available.
Moss Street Market
Where:1330 Fairfield Rd., Victoria
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 5 to Oct. 27, 2018
Website:www.mossstreetmarket.com
Why you should go: Now in its 27thseason, the Moss Street Market provides everything local to community shoppers. The market features more than 30 organic, local farmers, and 100 stalls overall. You’ll also find a kids’ area, live music and extra seating.
James Bay Community Market
Where:494 Superior St., Victoria
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 5 to Sept. 29, 2018
Website:www.jamesbaymarket.com
Why you should go: Coming to the James Bay Market makes shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The market is a community hub – a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, and listen to great local musicians while enjoying the day. With plenty of free parking you will enjoy a great day full of artisan food, food trucks, one-of-a-kind crafts and live local music.
Esquimalt Farmers’ Market
Where:1230 Esquimalt Rd., Esquimalt
When: Thursdays 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., May 24 to Sept. 13, 2018
Website:www.esquimaltmarket.com
Why you should go: A need existed in the area for a market that offered local, fresh foods, and so the Esquimalt Farmers’ Market was born in 2014. With a truly local mindset, this market is a great stop every Thursday evening after work. There’s a kids’ area, live music and a seating area available.
Pier Street Farmers’ Market & Arts Fair
Where:621 Island Hwy., Campbell River
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., May 6 to Sept. 20, 2018
Website:www.pierstreet.ca
Why you should go: Now in its 16thyear, this market has become a go-to destination for thousands of shoppers. This is a traditional market, where everything sold is made, baked or grown by the local vendors. In addition to the farm and craft items, the Pier Street market has a stage and food area, with extra seating, so shoppers can enjoy live music.
Goldstream Farmers’ Market
Where:Veteran’s Memorial Park, Langford
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 12 to Oct. 6, 2018
Contact:manager.goldstreammarket@gmail.com
Why you should go: This market has been in operation for 11 years now, and two years ago the market obtained approval to allow liquor vendors. With a local mindset, and even offering local musicians for shoppers to enjoy, this market gets bigger and better every year.
Comox Valley Farmers’ Markets
Where:4839 Headquarters Rd., Courtenay
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 29 to Oct. 14, 2018
Where: 576 England Ave., Courtenay
When: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 5 to Aug. 30, 2018
Where: 2739 Dunsmuir Ave., Cumberland
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 2 to Sept. 24, 2018
Website:www.cvfm.ca
Why you should go: The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Association was founded in 1992 when a group of area farmers saw a need for a place where farmers could sell directly to consumers. And all these years later, the market is still going strong and the original philosophy still stands. This traditional-style market provides items such as fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, handcrafted soaps and body products, alcohol and much more. There is live music available, as well.
Photo by iStockMetchosin Farmers’ Market
Where:4450 Happy Valley Rd., Metchosin
When: Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 13 to Oct. 28, 2018
Contact:metchosinfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Why you should go: Situated in a beautiful country setting, this market offers a wide variety of locally made, baked or grown items. Shoppers will also find musicians for their listening enjoyment, and afterwards you can tour the local museum or visit the bookstore.
Sooke Country Market
Where:2051 Otter Point Rd., Sooke
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 5 to Oct. 6, 2018
Website:www.sookecountrymarket.com
Why you should go: This is a small market with heart! Not only will you find live, local entertainment, but also a wide variety of locally made and locally grown products. Stop by and catch up with your neighbours.
Spirit Square Farmers’ Market
Where:5440 Argyle St., Port Alberni
When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, all season
Why you should go: Although the year-round market has only been running since 2013, many of the contributing vendors have been selling their wares at this location for more than 20 years. With a mandate to provide a location for local farmers to sell their goods and crops, this market is a hub in the community.
North Island Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Where:1594 Beach Dr., Port McNeill
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 19 to Sept. 22, 2018, alternating Saturdays
Contact:pmfarmersmarket@gmail.com
Why you should go: This small market got its start in 2012 and has been growing ever since. Here you’ll find the best the North Island has to offer. There’s also a kids’ area available, and seating.
Cobble Hill Farmers’ Market
Where:3550 Watson Ave., Cobble Hill
When: Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 3 to Oct. 28, 2018
Website:www.cobblehillfarmersmarket.ca
Why you should go: Founded just last year to serve the Cowichan Valley and surrounding area, this market has become a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. There’s a kids’ area and live music, as well as a seating area.
Denman Island Farmers Market
Where:1591 Denman Rd., Denman Island
When: Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 5 to Oct. 6, 2018
Website: www.digpa.ca
Why you should go: With about 40 vendors on hand, this market showcases the best of the best this island has to offer. With so many items to choose from, places to sit, eat and chat, and also live music available, this is a great spot to spend your summer Saturday mornings.
