Ah summer time! They say the living is easy, but it’s a busy time for farmers selling at the weekly Farmers’ Markets that abound in BC. From cherries, apricots, and peaches in the Okanagan region, to berry crops on the coast, summer time, and later fall, are great times to get out to your local Farmers’ Market to pick up the freshest of fresh products, grown or produced locally, and often organic too.
Many communities around the province have Farmers Markets. You can find out if there’s one in your area by checking out the BC Association of Farmers Markets website or keep an eye on the local papers of course. Here are a few you might want to check out if you’re in the area:
Duncan’s Farmers’ Market is one of the largest in BC
Duncan Farmers’ Market – The Duncan market on Vancouver Island is one of the largest in the BC. Located in the Cowichan Valley, one of the Island’s main agricultural areas, sometimes called Canada’s “Provence”, it features lots of local produce, honey, local cheese, crafts, local wineries and distilleries, locally roasted coffee, hand made soaps, home baked goods and much more. All accompanied by local entertainment, it’s a great meeting place for the community too, as well as visitors to the region. Open 9 am – 2 pm on Saturdays, year-round except for the Christmas holidays
Skeena Valley Farmers’ Market – This market in Terrace reflects the furthest point north in BC where fruit trees can grow, but the fertile Skeena Valley offers other local produce as well, ranging from fish and fresh veggies, to lots of ethnic products from local residents. Open 9 am – 1 pm on Saturdays, May until the end of October
Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market – Revelstoke’s market is held at Grizzly Place. Surrounded by heritage buildings and views of spectacular snow covered peaks, local produce and crafts are on display under colorful awnings. It’s the place to be on Saturday morning in Revelstoke, in BC ‘s Kootenay region. Open 8:30 am to 1 pm, May through October
Metro Vancouver’s Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market & Granville Island Farmers’ Market are two well-established markets in the Vancouver area. In fact, Granville Island’s market is the oldest of its kind in Vancouver. Both markets are located right by the water to give you some great views of Vancouver while you shop for fresh produce and everything from jams to salsas, to pickles and pastas. The Lonsdale Market is located on the East Plaza at Lonsdale Quay Market & Shops and is open May through October from 10 am – 3 pm. The Granville Island Farmers Market is across from the Public Market on Granville Island and runs June through September from 10 am – 3 pm.
Farmers’ Market fresh veggies on offer!
Armstrong Farmers’ Market – You can’t talk about BC Farmers’ Markets without mentioning the oldest continuously running market in Armstrong, in BC’s Okanagan region. This country style market has a full range of products from veggies to eggs, cheese, plants and flowers, garden furniture, fashion accessories and kids clothing, and everything in between. Open from April 30 through October on Saturdays, from 8 am – 12 pm.
If you’re traveling around British Columbia this summer, and if you’ve chosen to stay at one of our fine BC Bed & Breakfasts, the innkeepers will can tell you all about their local Farmers’ Market. In fact, you’re likely to find a lot of that fresh local product on your breakfast table!