by Steinar Cramer
Summer is officially here! And in Canada that means markets across the country are bursting with fresh seasonal produce, amazing local crafts and all around good times. Check out this list for some of Canada’s best and biggest markets. Happy shopping! [Image credit: iStock.com/Chris Hepburn]
A trip to the market on Granville Island is about so much more than just browsing the countless stalls of fresh produce, just-caught seafood and local delicacies. Local artisans have their workshops here, performing arts studios host theatre, dance and more, and it’s also the jumping-off point for a variety of activities, from whale watching and fishing to cruising False Creek in a water taxi.
While ByWard Market is the name used to refer to a bustling neighbourhood in our nation’s capital, at its heart is the actual “ByWard Market,” a huge indoor public market where you’ll find all sorts of fresh produce year-round. In summer, outdoor stalls start to pop up and the surrounding streets come to life with sidewalks and patios bursting at the seams.
Set at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Winnipeg’s premier market is housed in what used to be the stables for two different railway companies. The beautifully refurbished buildings have local produce stalls as well as vendors selling everything from fish and meat to cheese, fudge and wine. The market is part of a larger development that includes the shiny new Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Johnston Terminal Shops and much more.
One of Montreal’s most popular public markets, Marché Jean-Talon is a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Located it Little Italy, it’s an excellent place to get farm-fresh produce and discover local flavours. Summer sees the market burst into the surrounding streets to create a fun, lively atmosphere.
Arguably Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhood, Kensington Market is a paradise for shoppers of all stripes. Whether you’re looking for the ingredients for your next dinner or a vintage t-shirt or funky dress, you’ll find exactly what you need amongst the many stalls and shops here.
An hour outside of Toronto, this is Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, with hundreds of vendors hawking fresh produce from the surrounding countryside, handmade crafts and mouth-wateringly delicious prepared dishes. Located just north of Kitchener-Waterloo, on the way to the village of St. Jacobs, this market is a fun destination for a family outing and a great introduction to the bounty of southern Ontario’s fields, orchards and farms.
Fist established in 1750, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America. While its current home in the Halifax Seaport district isn’t as old as the market itself, it’s still a picturesque location along the south end of Halifax’s waterfront and perfectly sets the scene for the abundance of great produce, food, arts and crafts you’ll find insde.
Vancouver’s most popular farmers’ market is open on Saturdays from May to October in the parking lot of John Hendry Park. Visitors come to pick up artisanal breads and preserves, organic and free range meat and eggs, and the finest produce that the Fraser Valley and Okanagan have to offer. You can stock up here for the week ahead, or just grab supplies for a picnic in the park or on the beach – an option that comes highly recommended!
Located in a beautiful art deco building along the Lachine Canal in southwest Montreal, Atwater Market is a destination for foodies from across the city. Butchers, bakers and grocers hawk their wares year-round, with summer seeing stalls spilling out along the canal as people flock to get the latest and freshest from the province’s fields and farms.
This year-round maritime market boasts over 200 vendors offering a wide variety of the region’s bounty. Fresh seafood, produce and berries will tempt you as you wander amongst the stalls and chat with the friendly folks manning them. If you want something that’s ready to eat, there’s no shortage of food vendors serving up delicious local and international delights.
