With Spring in full bloom, farmer's market season has officially begun. BentallGreenOak Residential Services has some suggestions for local markets where you can get the best produce in your city.
Burlington
If you're looking for fresh produce in Burlington, look no further. The Burlington Centre Lions Farmer's Market has everything you need. From fresh fruits and veggies to meats and eggs, make this market your one-stop shop. The market is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting May 22nd, 2019. You can also check out the Centro Farmer's Market which is located in downtown Burlington. It's a smaller market but it has a variety of vendors including Linc Farm, Saving Thyme, Vandenbroek Farms and more. It's open Sundays from 9 am to 12 pm.
Calgary
When in Calgary, get your fresh and local products at the Calgary Farmer's Market! Here you'll find produce and meat vendors as well as a large food court. There is even live music and cooking classes! The market is open year round, Thursday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can also check out Crossroads, which is part year-round market and part seasonal market (June to October). It's the perfect place to find quality meats, breads, produce and cheeses. It's open Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Edmonton
Edmonton has plenty of farmer's markets to choose from. Callingwood Farmers' Market and the South Common Farmers' Market are great options and they will both open as of May 6th, 2019. The Callingwood market is open every Sunday and has over 130 vendors selling locally-grown fruits and veggies, plants, woodwork, crafts and more. There is also a smaller mid-week market every Wednesday. At the South Common Farmer's Market, you'll find fruits, veggies, farm-fresh meats and more. It's located in a beautiful green space with 1500 stalls and has a great atmosphere. Be sure to check it out weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.
Hamilton
If you're in search of local goodies in Hamilton, don't miss the Dundas Farmer's Market. Not only is it a great place to shop and sample local food, but it's also a good place to connect with the community. It's open Thursdays from 7 am to 3 pm starting June 6th. Another place worth checking out is the Hamilton Farmer's Market, located in the heart of downtown with over 70 vendors. It's open year round and you can find local and international foods.
Kitchener
If you haven't been before, check out the Kitchener Farmer's Market this spring in Kitchener. It's the perfect place to do your grocery shopping and spend the morning with your family. It's open year round, from 7 am to 2 pm, with vendors selling anything from meat, eggs and fresh produce to flowers and plants.
Langley
If you're looking for a smaller community market in Langley, Fort Langley Village Farmer's Market is a great option. It's a great place to try food and baked goods from local farmers including fruit pies, cupcakes and cookies. You can sample craft beer and wines and shop for arts and crafts including paintings, photography, hand-made soaps, clothing and more! Don't miss the Fort Langley Village Farmer's market, which opens on May 4th and runs every Saturday.
Markham
This spring, check out the Main Street Farmer's Market in Markham. Enjoy locally-grown produce, preserves, baked goods and plants. Don't miss the live entertainment featuring musicians and performers. You can find the market on Main Street every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm starting May 13th.
Montreal
Looking for the best farmer's market in Montreal can be overwhelming since there are almost too many to choose from. The good thing is that there is almost basically a great market in every neighbourhood. One of the best and most popular markets is the Jean-Talon Market. It's an open-air market with a lively atmosphere, featuring an extensive selection of high quality produce and homemade foods. You can also find some of the best coffee here -- maybe because it's located in Little Italy. It's open year-round every day of the week. Another option is the iconic Marché Atwater Market. Here you'll find quality meats, imported cheese and fresh produce. It's also open every day and located in the Saint Henri district.
New Westminster
If you're searching for the freshest food in New Westminster, you have to stop by the New West Farmer's Market. You'll find farm-fresh produce, gourmet food, baked goods plus arts and crafts from local artisans. Some vendors include Culture Kefir, The Sharing Farm, Lilise Fruit Butter and many more. Don't forget to hang around awhile for some live entertainment.
North York
If you live in the North York area, the North York Farmer's Market is a good option for fresh and locally-produced food. You can find the market at Mel Lastman Square, every Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm starting May 31st. Expect to find things such as fresh fruits and veggies, local honey, herbs, flowers and more.
Oakville
At the Oakville Farmer's Market, you'll find some of the freshest Ontario produce, delicious baked goods, honey, flowers and wines. It's located at 115 George Street in Oakville and is open Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. Another option is the Dorval Crossing Farmers' Market, which is ideal if you want to connect with the local community and enjoy a nice afternoon with your family. It opens on May 5th and runs weekends from 8 am to 2 pm.
St.Albert
The St. Albert Farmer's Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Canada and a great attraction in St. Albert. There are over 270 vendors and special events. Overall, it's a great place to shop and socialize. It's a one-stop shop for food and arts and crafts. Just remember not to bring your pets as there is a strict no-pets policy. The market opens on Saturday, June 8th!
Toronto
Toronto is a great city for farmer's markets. There is at least one open every single day of the week, so there's plenty to choose from. Check out Sorauren Farmer's Market on Mondays from 3 pm to 7 pm, Trinity Bellwoods and Davisviile farmer's markets on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm, Nathan Phillips Square and Ryerson University markets on Wednesdays. Dufferin Grove and East Lynn markets on Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm, Sherway Farmer's Market on Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm and a bunch on the weekend including the Evergreen Brickworks Market, St.Lawrence Market and the Leslieville Farmer's Market.
Vancouver
Vancouver is full of farmer's markets, too. In fact, each neighbourhood has one. A couple worth checking out this Spring include Granville Island Farmers Market and the Kitsilano Farmers Market. The next time you're planning a trip to Granville Island, go on a Thursday since that's market day. This is one of the most established markets with plenty of vendors including farmers and bakers selling all kinds of local and fresh goods. It opens on May 4th! Also, check out Kitsilano Farmer's Market which is open on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Here you'll find ethically-raised meat, fresh eggs and dairy, fruits and veggies, wine and spirits plus great coffee and food trucks!
Waterloo
If you want to visit one of Canada's largest flea and farmer's markets, be sure to stop by St. Jacob's Farmers Market in Waterloo. You can sample ready-to-eat food, plus quality produce and meats from local Mennonite farms. It's a fantastic place to bring the kids too. Take a break from shopping and take your kids to check out the farm animals and the kiddie rides. It's open year-round on Thursday and Saturday from 7:30 am to 3 pm, plus Tuesdays from 8 am to 3 pm starting June 13th.
Happy shopping from BentallGreenOak! We hope you enjoy spring and all the farmer's markets.
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