Farmers markets in Vancouver: where they are and what to buy each season

Vancouver is surrounded by farmland, orchards and fishing grounds, and its farmers markets are where the city meets the people who grow and catch its food. They are also good places to eat: most have food trucks, bakers and prepared-food vendors, and an hour of grazing at a market is one of the nicest weekend mornings in the city.

Most of the city's markets are run by Vancouver Farmers Markets, a non-profit, and several other organizations run markets in the suburbs.

Where are the farmers markets in Vancouver?

Market locations and schedules change from year to year, but long-running ones include:

• Trout Lake Farmers Market, in John Hendry Park in East Vancouver, held on Saturdays in the main season. It is one of the oldest and best-loved markets in the city.
• Kitsilano Farmers Market, at the Kitsilano Community Centre, held on Sundays in season.
• The winter market, which has run in the Riley Park area near Nat Bailey Stadium on Saturdays through the colder months.
• Other neighbourhood markets on different days of the week, including in the West End and downtown at various times.

Beyond Vancouver, cities such as Burnaby, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey run their own markets. Always check the current schedule before you go.

Is there a winter farmers market in Vancouver?

Yes. Vancouver Farmers Markets has run a winter market for many years, usually from November to April, in the Riley Park area near Nat Bailey Stadium. It moves indoors-outdoors depending on the setup, with produce, preserves, meat, fish, baking, hot drinks and food trucks. In winter you will find storage crops like apples, squash, root vegetables and greenhouse greens.

What is in season at BC farmers markets?

Season	What to look for
Spring	Asparagus, rhubarb, greens, spot prawns (May), early herbs
Early summer	Strawberries, cherries, peas, new potatoes
High summer	Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, tomatoes, corn, zucchini
Fall	Apples, pears, squash, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts
Winter	Root vegetables, apples, preserves, honey, greenhouse greens

BC's Okanagan and Fraser Valley regions supply much of the fruit, and the Fraser Valley is one of Canada's major blueberry-growing areas.

What can you eat at a Vancouver farmers market?

Most markets have a hot food section with food trucks and prepared food. Expect:

• Breakfast sandwiches, crepes and pastries in the morning.
• Wood-fired pizza, tacos and dumplings for lunch.
• Fresh juice, coffee and kombucha.
• Ice cream and popsicles in summer.
• Seasonal fruit to eat as you walk.

How do you shop a farmers market well?

1. Go early for the best choice, especially for popular bakers and berries.
2. Bring your own bags and, for berries, a sturdy container.
3. Walk the whole market first before buying.
4. Ask growers what is best that week and how to cook unfamiliar vegetables.
5. Carry a little cash, though most vendors now take cards.
6. Go late if you want deals, since some vendors discount near closing.

How do you get to Vancouver farmers markets without a car?

Most city markets are easy to reach by transit or bike. Trout Lake is a short walk from Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station, Kitsilano is on several bus routes along 4th Avenue and Broadway, and the winter market near Nat Bailey Stadium is a few minutes from the Canada Line's King Edward station or the Main Street buses. Many markets have bike parking, sometimes with a bike valet on busy days. If you are planning to buy a lot, a backpack or a folding cart makes the trip home much easier.

How do you pay at a Vancouver farmers market?

Most vendors now take cards and tap payments, but not every stall does, and card machines sometimes fail when the market is busy. Carry some cash, especially small bills, as a backup.

A few more practical points:

• Bring your own bags. Many vendors no longer offer plastic bags.
• Arrive early for the best choice. Popular items like berries, baked goods and flowers can sell out by late morning.
• Arrive late for the odd deal. Near closing time, some vendors would rather sell than pack up, though there is no guarantee.
• Ask questions. Farmers are usually happy to tell you how something was grown and how to cook it.

BC also runs a farmers' market nutrition coupon program for lower-income households, which is accepted at participating markets for fresh produce and other eligible foods.

Can you bring dogs to Vancouver farmers markets?

Many markets do not allow pets in the market area, for food safety reasons, though service animals are welcome. Check the specific market's rules before you bring a dog.

Are farmers markets more expensive than supermarkets?

Sometimes, sometimes not. Peak-season berries and vegetables can be good value, while specialty items like artisan cheese, pasture-raised meat and baking cost more. What you are buying is freshness, flavour and the chance to talk to the producer. Most fresh produce in BC is zero-rated for GST, though prepared food and hot drinks generally carry the usual 5 percent.

What other markets are worth visiting?

Granville Island Public Market and Lonsdale Quay are permanent indoor markets open most days of the year, and the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver runs on summer Fridays. In Richmond, the night market tradition has been a summer fixture.

Market stalls are among the hardest places to find reviews for. On Mosey you can rate the places and dishes you tried, including market vendors, see where people you follow ate, and keep a list of stalls to return to.

More guides to read next:

• Holiday dining in Vancouver: the Christmas Market, festive menus and booking tips
• Food trails in Vancouver: how to eat your way through a route
• Gastown food guide: where to eat and drink in Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood

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