They are the freshest, the biggest and some even among the best in the world; these are Canadian farmers’ markets that take shopping to an entirely different level. We’re talking about fresh markets at which you’ll find a humongous variety of locally produced foods and fruits and veggies that you can smell just how fresh they are.
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We’re talking foods grown organic, cooked organic, and cheeses and meats hormone-free and all-natural.
We’re talking homemade pies that look and smell just like mémé’s, and wines as fine as sunny weather. We’re talking premium cuisine served early Saturday mornings and coffee stands with artisan baked goods.
All in all, farmers’ markets are places that you go to for year-round comfort foods to nurture the body and the heart. So here are Canada’s top farmers’ markets that (will) never disappoint.
St. Lawrence Market in Toronto
Toronto hides a few gems, but you can’t miss St. Lawrence Market because this place is huge and there’s not a single citizen of Toronto not to know of it. It dates back to 1803, so very much a Toronto landmark.
You’ll spend hours at this historic marketplace talking to vendors about food and marveling at everything that’s available, and there’s a lot, anything from fresh produce to meats, fresh pasta, freshly roasted coffee, artisan cheeses, you name it – they’ve got it.
Lester’s Farm Market in Newfoundland
Another historical market, Lester’s is more than 160 years old – a family tradition, today at the sixth generation and still as popular as in the beginning. The farm provides locals and surrounding areas with fresh dairy products, also fruits, vegetables, poultry, and eggs.
Starting this month through the rest of 2017 season the farm is open full time, 10 am to 6 pm, making it so much easier for visitors passing through to stop by for a visit. And it’s worth it. There is a nursery on spot with more than 400 varieties of plants and flowers available to buy, also custom flower arrangements.
Boyce Farmers’ Market in New Brunswick
Not as old as St. Lawrence or Lester’s but still old enough to make it to top eight farmer’s market in Canada as voted by Harrowsmith Magazine, Boyce’s dates back to 1951 – over 65 years of providing visitors with the freshest produce and delicacies ranging from Chinese buns to homemade jams and organic, freshly squeezed juices.
But the market is also home to vendors exhibiting works of art like lawn sculptures, paintings, and jewelry, everything available to purchase.
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market in Nova Scotia
Established in 1750, Halifax Farmers Market lists tens and tens of vendors from different areas including pet, leatherwork, soap, beverages, artistry, and photography. This is North America’s oldest market and has been a popular destination for people across Canada for a long time.
The site provides additional benefits, and there are spaces available to rent for different types of events. The Boardroom can host workshops, theater shows, and presentations. The Galley is suited for ceremonies, banquets, and standing receptions, and a bigger space on The Main Floor can accommodate the same type of events, only much larger.
Pineridge Hollow in Winnipeg
Since 1992 the farmer’s market Pineridge Hollow just outside Winnipeg has been a warming shelter for travelers visiting Manitoba. This isn’t the only farmer’s market in the province of Manitoba, but it’s a lot more visited than the other two because it also hosts a tea room and a gift shop with impressive offerings.
The site is configured to accommodate guests and provides home cooked meals as well as shopping opportunities.