VANCOUVER ISLAND SPRING & SUMMER MARKETS
Shopping at local farmers markets offers several benefits, both for individuals and the community as a whole. Here are some of the advantages:
1. Fresh, high-quality produce: Farmers markets offer a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products. Since the produce is often harvested just before being sold, it tends to be fresher and more flavorful compared to grocery store options, which are typically transported over long distances.
2. Support for local farmers: By shopping at farmers markets, you directly support local farmers and contribute to the sustainability of small-scale agriculture. This helps to strengthen the local economy and maintain agricultural diversity.
3. Environmental sustainability: Buying from local farmers reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Locally grown produce generally requires less packaging and refrigeration, leading to a smaller environmental impact.
4. Seasonal and diverse offerings: Farmers markets typically reflect the seasons, offering produce that is locally grown and in season. This promotes a diverse and varied diet, encouraging children and families to try new fruits, vegetables, and other products that may not be commonly found in supermarkets.
5. Community connections: Farmers markets provide an opportunity to connect with local farmers, producers, and other members of the community. It creates a sense of community and fosters relationships between consumers and those who grow their food.
6. Knowledge and transparency: At farmers markets, you can often speak directly to the farmers and producers about their products, farming practices, and any concerns you may have. This fosters transparency and allows you to make more informed choices about the food you consume.
7. Unique and artisanal products: In addition to fresh produce, farmers markets often offer unique, handmade, and artisanal products such as baked goods, cheeses, honey, jams, and crafts. This adds variety to your shopping experience and supports local artisans.
8. Health benefits: Local farmers markets promote healthier eating habits by offering fresh, unprocessed foods. Its a great way to offer your children and family organic and pesticide-free options, making it easier to find wholesome and nutritious choices for your meals.
Overall, shopping at local farmers markets contributes to a sustainable food system, supports local economies, and provides numerous benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment. My kids love shopping at the local farmers markets, they always find some tasty unique treats! See below for a comprehensive list of Vancouver Island Farmers Markets by region, happy shopping
GREATER VICTORIA
BASTION SQUARE PUBLIC MARKET
Bastion Square, 575 Yates Street
June - September. Thursday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm & Sundays, 11 am – 4 pm
ESQUIMALT
Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Road.
April 6 - September 14. Thursdays 430 - 730pm
Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Road.
June 19 - September 4. Mondays 430pm - 730pm
GOLDSTREAM
Veterans Memorial Park, Aldwynd Road
Saturdays 10am – 2pm, mid May to mid October
INNER HARBOUR SUMMER LINEUP
Lower Causeway, Inner Harbour
Daily until September 5th 11 am – 8 pm
JAMES BAY COMMUNITY MARKET
Corner of Menzies St & Superior St Victoria
Saturdays 9am – 3pm, May to late September
METCHOSIN FARMERS MARKET
4450 Happy Valley Road (Metchosin Municipal Grounds), Metchosin
Sundays 11am – 2pm, mid May to late October
MOSS STREET MARKET
Moss Street & Fairfield Road. Sir James Douglas school grounds and Porter Park
Saturdays 10am – 2pm, April through October
OAKLANDS SUNSET MARKET
Oaklands Community Centre, 1-2827 Belmont Avenue
Wednesdays 4:30pm – 8:30pm, July 5th to August 30th.
OAY BAY VILLAGE NIGHT MARKET
2100 and 2200 blocks of Oak Bay Avenue
2nd Wednesday of the month 4pm – 8pm, June through September
SHIP POINT MARKET
Ship Point, Inner Harbour
June 30 – July 3, July 21 – 22, August 4 – 7, August 18 – 19.
Check website HERE for hours
SOOKE COUNTRY MARKET
2047 Otter Point Road at Eustace, Sooke
Saturdays 10am – 2pm, May through October
VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET
The Hudson, 6-1701 Douglas Street, Victoria
Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6 pm & Sunday 11am – 5pm
SAANICH PENINSULA
NORTH SAANICH FARM MARKET
St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road
Saturdays 9:30am – 12:30pm, June to October
PENINSULA COUNTRY MARKET
Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly’s Crossroad
Saturdays 9 am – 1pm, June to early October
SIDNEY
Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney
Sundays 10am – 2pm, June 25th to August 27th.
Thursdays 530pm - 830pm June 15th to August 31st.
COWICHAN VALLEY
COBBLE HILL FARMERS MARKET
Cobble Hill Hall Grounds, 3550 Watson Avenue
Thursdays 5 – 8:30pm, June to September
DUNCAN FARMERS MARKET
Market Square, 200 Craig Street
Saturdays 9am – 2pm, April through October
HONEYMOOD BAY OUTDOOR MARKET
10052 Northshore Road, Honeymoon Bay
Saturdays 10am - 2pm, May 20th to October 7th.
NANAIMO, PARKSVILLE, QUALICUM & PORT ALBERNI
CEDAR FARMERS MARKET
1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo
Sundays 10am – 2pm, May through October
ISLAND ROOTS FARMERS MARKET
Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road
Wednesdays 3pm – 6pm, mid April to mid October
NANAIMO DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Pioneer Waterfront Plaza, 90 Front Street, Nanaimo
Saturdays 9am – 2pm, mid May to mid September
ERRINGTON FARMERS MARKET
Community Park, 1390 Errington Road, Errington
Saturdays 10am –1pm, May through September
PORT ALBERNI FARMERS MARKET
Old Cherry Creek School, 6211 Cherry Creek Road, Port Alberni
Saturdays 9am - 1pm, year round
QUALICUM BEACH FARMERS MARKET
160–172 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach
Saturdays 8:30am – 12 noon, year round
SPIRIT SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
Spirit Square at the Harbour Quay, 5440 Argyle St, Port Alberni
Saturdays 9am–12 noon, year round
COMOX VALLEY & CAMPBELLR RIVER
CAMPBELL RIVER PIER FARMERS MARKET
707 Island Highway, Campbell River
Saturdays 10am - 230pm, May to September
COMOX VALLEY SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET
Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, 4639 Headquarters Road, Comox
Saturdays 9am - 1pm, April to late October
COMOX VALLEY WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKET
England Avenue, Comox
Wednesdays 4pm - 7pm, mid-June to September
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET
Village Square Park, Dunsmuir Avenue Cumberland
Sundays 10am - 1pm, mid-June to mid-Sept
GULF ISLANDS
DENMAN ISLAND FARMERS MARKET
Old School Grounds, 1591 Denman Rd, Denman Island
Saturdays 930am - 1230pm
May to early October
GABRIOLA FARMERS MARKET
465 South Road at Agi Hall, Gabriola Island
Saturdays 10am – 2pm, May to October
SALTSPRING ISLAND SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET
Centennial Park, Ganges
Saturdays 9am - 4pm, April to October
SALTSPRING ISLAND TUESDAY FARMERS MARKET
Centennial Park, Ganges
Tuesdays 2pm - 6pm, June to October
