Cool as a Cucumber: 6 Summer Farmers Markets in Vancouver

Image courtesy of Sharat Ganapati | Flickr.com

There’s always something fun about wandering through farmers markets in Vancouver. The sun is usually shining, people are handing out free samples of apples, and there’s a neighbourly vibe that makes you smile at everyone you pass.

For fresh food lovers, Vancouver is a mecca for farmers markets. In the summer, there are 6 excellent farmers markets in a wide array of neighbourhoods around the city to make sure that you can get access to locally grown goodies almost every day of the week. Whether you’re looking for veggies, freshly baked bread, or hand-made souveniers, definitely take some time to check out one of these excellent markets:

Image courtesy of Ruth Hartnup | Flickr.com

Trout Lake Farmers Market (Saturdays)

When: Every Saturday from 9am – 2pm
Dates: Open from May 7 to October 22, 2016
Where: Located at Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, right next to Trout Lake near Commercial Drive.
What to expect: The original! Trout Lake is where you’ll find the vendors who have been doing it since the beginning; what started as 14 farmers ‘squatting’ at the Croatian Cultural Centre back in 1995 has grown into Vancouver’s most well-known and beloved market. Visitors come from near and far to sample artisan breads and preserves, stock up on free-range and organic eggs and meats, get the freshest, hard-to-find heirloom vegetables and taste the first Okanagan cherries and peaches of the season.
Examples of vendors: A Bread Affair, Aussie Pie Guy, Jane’s Honey Bees, Odd Society Spirits, Urban Digs Farm
More Details: Available on the Eatlocal.org website

Image courtesy of Abi Porter | Flickr.com

West End Farmers Market (Saturdays)

When: Every Saturday from 9am – 2pm
Dates: Open from May 28 to October 22, 2016
Where: Nelson Park at Comox Street
What to expect: Located in the heart of Vancouver’s busy West End, this laid-back Saturday market looks onto beautiful Nelson Park and adjacent community gardens. Weekly, West Enders can enjoy the best in local produce, prepared foods and crafts. Hot food and coffee on-site as well. Take the dog for a walk and enjoy a market in your urban backyard.
Examples of vendors: Cookies by John, Ildiko Jewelry, Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, Maples Sugar Shack
More Details: Available on the Eatlocal.org website

Image courtesy of Geoffery Kehrig | Inside Vancouver Flickr pool

Kitsilano Farmers Market (Sundays)

When: Every Sunday from 10am – 2pm
Dates: Open from May 8 to October 23, 2016
Where: Located at the Kitsilano Community Centre, Larch Street
What to expect: Each week the parking lot of Kits Community Centre fills with organic and conventional product, meat, cheese, seafood and plants as well as tasty baked goods, beautiful crafts and musical entertainment by local musicians. Kids can enjoy the playground and waterpark nearby and parents will find the best selection of organic produce around. Hot coffee and hot food available on site each week.
Examples of vendors: BobAli Hummus, Pestos and Tapenades, ChiliTank, Crisp Organics, Estevan Tuna Co
More Details: Available on the Eatlocal.org website

The bounty! Photo Credit – Vancouver Farmers Markets

Main Street Station (Wednesdays)

When: Every Wednesday from 2pm – 6pm
Dates: Open from June 1 to October 5, 2016
Where: 1100 Station Street, Vancouver, BC
What to expect: Located at the bustling commuter intersection at Main and Terminal, Main Street Station market returns for it’s 6th season this year. You can expect to find a great selection of vendors at this market – everything from produce to meat and cheese, baking and more! Have dinner at the market as they offer hot food on-site too. Stick around for a chef demonstration or relax in the park on a warm summer evening.
Examples of vendors: Eli’s Serious Sausage, Golden Ears Cheesecrafters Ltd, The Pie Company, Vancouver Master Gardeners
More Details: Available on the Eatlocal.org website

Image courtesy of Roland Tanglao | Flickr.com

Yaletown Farmers Market (Thursdays)

When: Every Thursday from 2pm – 6pm
Dates: Open from May 5 – October 27, 2016
Where: Located at 1200 Mainland Street until May 26, then it will be moving to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza.
What to expect: After-work business people browsing for dinner ingredients, young families enjoying the atmosphere… the Yaletown Farmers Market has all the bustle and appearance of a European-style marketplace nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Yaletown district. This market is lined on both sides by brick buildings, open air restaurants and cafes, and beautiful, mature trees. With the amazing array of great eateries near-by, you could stay for dinner and check out some of the neighbourhood shops and boutiques.
Examples of vendors: Sweet Fig’s Farm Collective, 33 Acres Brewing Co, forage & BLOOM, Roasters Hot Sauce
More Details: Available on the Eatlocal.org website

Shipyards Night Market | Photo: Vancouver’s North Shore

North Vancouver Shipyards Night Market (Fridays)

When: Every Friday from 5pm – 10pm
Dates: Open from May 6 to September 30, 2016
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square, Lonsdale, North Vancouver
What to expect: More of a party than a farmers market, the North Vancouver Shipyards Market offers food, art, music, and entertainment along with their shopping. There are organic meats, honey, plants, chocolate, and produce available for sale, along with a hopping Beer Garden with locally brewed craft beer.
Examples of vendors: Craft beer, BC artisans, Crepe makers, and at least 35 food trucks in “hot food alley”
More Details: Available on the North Shore Green Markets website

Which one is your favourite farmers market? Let us know in the comment section below!