Farmers' Markets in Greater Vancouver

by Mom

Activity

I grew up on a farm in Saanich (area outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island). We hardly ever bought fruit or vegetables from a store, because most of it grew in our own backyard. If Mom wanted to cook carrots for lunch, we went outside and pulled a bunch of carrots from the ground. Dad used to say, "These are the best carrots I've ever tasted." We'd all nod our heads in approval. At that time I could care less, but the truth of the matter was, just-pulled-out-of-the-ground carrots are incredibly sweet. In comparison to carrots I've bought at a grocery store where, if I had a blind fold on, I wouldn't be able to tell what I was eating. This is why I like to take our gang to Farmers' Markets -- to show them what produce looks like before it goes to the grocery store. I remember how surprised Jen was to see how long carrot tops grew and the variety of peppers you could buy (not just red and green). In the summer there are hundreds of roadside stands in the lower Fraser Valley and Richmond where you can buy farm fresh produce. As well, here is a listing of several organized markets where you can find a bigger selection of produce, plus some food and crafts.

Details

Most farmers' markets run from June to October. July to early October West End Farmer's Market: Fresh fruits and vegetables, hand made crafts every Saturday from 9:30 am - 2 pm. Nelson Park (Comox Street between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver; 604-879-3276. May to early October East Vancouver Farmer's Market: Sale of produce from local farms, food, and crafts. Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Trout Lake Community Centre, 3350 Victoria Dr., Vancouver; 604-879-3276. Coquitlam Farmer's Market & Agricultural Festival Open every Sunday, 9:00 - 1:00 pm, May to October Coquitlam Recreational Centre (at Winslow and Poirier Streets) 604-464-3276. White Rock Farmer's Market Sunday 9 am - 1 pm From Father's Day to Thanksgiving Fresh Local produce at the Upper Town Centre at 152nd. (Johnston Rd.) and Russell Ave. 604-531-5241 Langley City Market In The Park! Vendor's wares vary from locally grown produce to homemade fudge, natural remedies, handmade artifacts and jewelry, art photography and garden accents and plants. The Market is located in beautiful Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Crescent (corner of Douglas and Park Lane). Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, June to October 604-514-2865. Surrey Farmers' Market 10275 - 135th St., Surrey, B.C. June to October 604-591-4388 Mission City Farmers' Market Second Ave. and James St. Mission, B.C. Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm, May to September 604-864-1261 Ladner Village Market 48th Ave. in Ladner Village Ladner, B.C. Sundays, June to August 604-946-8590 Mt. Lehman Country Market Community Hall, 6418 Mt. Lehman Rd. Mt. Lehman, B.C. April to November 604-856-9627 Cloverdale Farmer's Market 17600 56A Avenue, Surrey Saturdays, May to October 604-576-6569 Granville Island sells a mix of local and imported produce. During the late spring, summer, and fall several farmers have tables loaded with fresh produce. As well a small farmers' market operates in front of Carousel Theatre during the summer months (Every Thursday 9 am - 6 pm, May to October). 604-666-6477 Lonsdale Quay Farmer's Market (east side) 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm, May to late October 604-739-9002 Yaletown Farmers' Market Corner of Mainland and Davie St., Vancouver Every Saturday from 12 to 4 pm, Summer 604-683-7473 Farmers' Market at Nat Bailey Stadium 30th and Ontario Streets, Vancouver 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm. every Wednesday from June to October 604-879-FARM Website: www.eatlocal.org

Area

Multiple locations

Season

Summer, Fall

East Vancouver Farmers' Market