Farmers markets in Toronto: where to go and what to buy each season

Toronto sits close to some of Canada's richest farmland, from the Holland Marsh to the Niagara fruit belt, and its farmers markets bring that harvest into the city every week. Some markets run year-round indoors; many more pop up in parks and parking lots from spring to fall. They are also great places to eat, with bakers, coffee roasters and food stalls serving breakfast and lunch.

Where are the best farmers markets in Toronto?

• Evergreen Brick Works, in a former brickworks in the Don Valley, runs a large Saturday market year-round: outdoors from about May to October and indoors from November to April. It is one of the biggest farmers markets in the city.
• St. Lawrence Market's Saturday farmers market, in Old Town, has run for generations alongside the main market building.
• Neighbourhood markets in parks and community spaces across the city, many weekly from spring to fall, including markets in the west end, midtown and the east end.

Market days, hours and locations change, so check each market's current schedule.

How do you get to Evergreen Brick Works?

Evergreen Brick Works is in the Don Valley, below the Rosedale and Leaside neighbourhoods. A free shuttle has run from Broadview subway station on market days, and TTC buses serve the area. You can also walk or cycle in on the valley trails. Parking is limited on Saturdays.

What is in season at Ontario farmers markets?

Season	What to look for
Spring	Asparagus, rhubarb, wild leeks (ramps), fiddleheads, maple syrup
Early summer	Strawberries, peas, new potatoes, greens
High summer	Peaches, cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, corn, zucchini
Fall	Apples, pears, squash, pumpkins, grapes
Winter	Root vegetables, preserves, cheese, meat, baking

Ontario peaches from the Niagara region in August and Ontario sweet corn in late summer are seasonal highlights.

What can you eat at a Toronto farmers market?

• Breakfast sandwiches, crepes and pastries.
• Coffee from local roasters.
• Fresh bread from artisan bakeries.
• Prepared foods from international vendors.
• Ontario cheese and charcuterie.
• Butter tarts and pies.
• Seasonal fruit to eat as you walk.

How do you shop a farmers market well?

1. Go early for the best selection, especially of berries and bread.
2. Walk the whole market first, then buy.
3. Talk to farmers about what is best and how to cook it.
4. Bring bags and a cooler for meat and dairy.
5. Bring a card and a little cash.
6. Eat breakfast there, so you shop with a full stomach.

Are farmers markets more expensive than supermarkets?

Sometimes. Specialty products cost more, while peak-season produce can be good value. You are paying for freshness, local sourcing and a direct relationship with the grower. Basic groceries are generally zero-rated for HST in Ontario, while prepared food and hot drinks usually carry the 13 percent HST.

What should you buy to take home from a Toronto market?

If you are visiting, a farmers market is a good place to pick up edible souvenirs: Ontario maple syrup, local honey, ice wine jelly, artisan cheese from Ontario dairies, a loaf of good sourdough, a box of butter tarts or a bag of seasonal fruit. Ask vendors how well things travel, keep cheese cold, and check airline rules on liquids before buying syrup or preserves for a flight.

Is St. Lawrence Market a farmers market?

Partly. The main St. Lawrence Market building is a permanent market with butchers, bakers, fishmongers and food counters, open most days. On Saturdays, a farmers market has run alongside it, where farmers sell produce directly. Together they make Old Town one of the best Saturday morning food trips in the city.

Can you bring dogs to Toronto farmers markets?

It depends on the market; some allow leashed dogs outdoors, others do not, especially indoors. Service animals are welcome. Check the market's rules before you bring a dog.

Are farmers markets good for kids?

Very. Many markets have space to explore, snacks kids love and sometimes activities. Evergreen Brick Works is surrounded by trails and ponds that make a market visit a full outing.

How do you get the best from a market visit?

A few habits make any Toronto market better:

• Arrive early for the best choice, especially for berries, baked goods and flowers.
• Do a lap first before buying, to compare prices and quality.
• Talk to the growers, who are usually happy to say how something was grown and how to cook it.
• Bring cash, bags and a cooler bag in summer.
• Buy what is in season, which is usually the best value and the best flavour.

Saturday mornings are the busiest. If you want space to browse, aim for opening time.

What about winter markets in Toronto?

Year-round markets move indoors in winter, with storage crops, meat, cheese, baking, preserves and hot food. A winter market morning is a cozy way to spend a cold Saturday.

On Mosey, you can rate the market stalls and food you tried, with photos, and keep a list of vendors to visit again. Following friends lets you see which bakers and stalls they actually loved.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Restaurant lists, food trails and rewards: getting more from eating out in Toronto
• Where to eat before a game in Toronto: Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre and BMO Field

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.