The best farmers markets in Canada
In Canada, the trend toward locally produced food is gaining ground. Fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers are naturally ripened. They taste different than products that have been transported long distances and undergone an artificially interrupted ripening period. Furthermore, the enormous transportation costs are saved. This protects the environment because long transport routes are eliminated. More and more Canadians appreciate this. Farmers' markets are popping up all over Canada. These offer apples, pears, grapes, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes from nearby fields. There are also homemade products such as honey, butter, cheese, jam, cider, and the like.
There are countless farmers markets in Canada
A trip to the farmers' market is a given for many Canadians these days. And the local specialties offered there are impressive. Many have already won international awards and are often used by top Canadian chefs as ingredients in their dishes. Therefore, a visit to a farmers' market is a must on any trip to Canada, as nowhere else can you sample the regional specialties better.
The best farmers markets in Canada
You do not necessarily have to be in a big city to visit a Canadian farmers market. They are everywhere in the country and they are universally popular. The best and best known are presented here:
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The Public Market on Granville Island in Vancouver
The Public Market on Vancouver's Granville Island is nestled between art galleries, restaurants, breweries, and craft shops. Visitors are treated to a feast for the senses. The fruit stands offer fresh strawberries and raspberries from the Fraser Valley, while juicy grapes and apples from the orchards in the Okanagan Valley beckon. Orange-red salmon gleams at the fish counters. Crab and oysters from the coast of Vancouver Island are also available. The homemade sausages from Vancouver Island butchers come from cattle in the Cowichan Valley, and the cheese is made from their milk. Locally produced wines from the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island are also available. Fresh cider is also available from specialty producers, such as those on the Saanich Peninsula north of Victoria. Those who want to explore the Public Market in more detail can take a guided tour with a chef.
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The Byward Market in Ottawa, Ontario
Below Parliament Hill in Ottawa lies the Old Town, located on the other side of the Rideau Canal. At its center is the Byward Market With cobblestone streets and market buildings, it's surrounded by countless small specialty shops. There, you'll find an incredible selection and variety of different cheeses, spices, tea blends, breads, and other delicacies. For a stroll through the Byward Market, you should definitely bring one thing: hunger! The products on offer will make visitors' mouths water. What could be better than surrendering to such a culinary abundance without guilt and sampling as much as you like? C'est bon cooking offers exceptionally informative tours through the culinary mecca of the Canadian capital.
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The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario
This market is an institution in downtown Toronto. It is one of the most famous farmers' markets in Canada and is located in the heart of Toronto's Old Town. It is reminiscent of European market buildings with fish, meat, fruit, and bread stalls. These are located in front of the brick facade of Toronto's first City Hall. The building is now part of the St. Lawrence Market. As early as 1803, the North Market offered the produce of local farmers. This tradition continues with the farmers' market, which is held there every Saturday. There is an antiques market on Sundays. The South Market is open every day except Mondays and features 120 market stalls selling fruit, meat, fish, baked goods, dairy, and grain products. Here, too, you can enjoy an expert tour of the market from Bruce Bell. He knows the market—and Toronto—like no other.
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Le Grand Marché de Quebec
Just outside of Quebec City, for example, you'll find the excellent and diverse products available at the Grand Marché de Quebec. The best way to taste them is, of course, to visit the producers directly and have a chat with them. However, if you don't have the time for an extended Tour of the Ile d'Orleans can sample the products of this region in the market halls of Quebec. Among them is the delicious cassis, which immediately inspires a variety of recipes as soon as you take a sip. Delicious apple butter is also available there, which makes the freshly baked bread you bought at the neighboring bread stand taste even better. There is also a glass of wine from the only winery on the Ile d'Orleans. This makes every fish dish taste even better. This market can also be visited by one of the city guides of Quebec * (Display) show.
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The Halifax Farmers Market in Nova Scotia
This market has been around since 1750, making it the oldest farmers market in North America. In 2010, it moved from Keith's Brewery Building on Lower Water Street in Halifax. It is now located in a brand new, light-filled building on the waterfront at Pier 20. This is located right next to the cruise ship dock in the port of HalifaxDuring its construction, special emphasis was placed on keeping the market's environmental impact as low as possible.
The market itself has essentially gone "green." Not only does the building consume 85% less energy and 50% less water than the country's typically energy-efficient buildings, but part of its walls are even planted vertically, providing a prime example of "urban farming," a new trend. The market stalls—which are particularly packed on Saturdays—offer the best Nova Scotia has to offer. These include fresh mussels delivered directly from the farmer. Juicy fruit from the Annapolis Valley, as well as delicious jams and juices from the farmer, are also on offer. Wines can also be purchased directly from the producers.
Want to know what to do in Halifax? Travel Lemming gives tips.
Travel Arrangements:
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Getting to the farmers markets in Canada:
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More things to know
- Farmers markets in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Vancouver, Canada: Public Market
- Halifax, Nova Scotia: The Public Gardens
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Three sights in Ljubljana
Source: Farmers' Markets in Canada: our own on-site research. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous support of Tourism BC, Tourism Ontario, Bonjour Quebec, and Tourism Nova Scotia. However, our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text farmers markets in Canada: © Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
