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Farmers markets to visit this summer
Summer has arrived bringing sunshine and summer markets. Venture outdoors and be inspired by a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables, tasty breads and baking, local meats and cheese, gorgeous flowers, beautiful homemade crafts, and so much more.
There is an abundance of summer markets in Victoria and each year the list grows. Take your time and explore these great markets around Greater Victoria, and remember when at all possible—support local.
I am convinced that some of our very best memories are made in flip flops!
James Bay Market
When: 9am to 3pm every Saturday from May 7 to September 24Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street
The James Bay Market Society was founded in 1995 and is now in its 28th year. During the first two years the market was located at South Park School, however, now resides at the corner of Menzies and Superior Streets. Since its creation, the market has changed immensely. What was once a handful of vendors back in 1995, Saturday mornings now see over fifty tents gathered together selling food, produce, art, crafts, and services. Locals and visitors like to grab a coffee, pick up fresh vegetables for supper and listen to live music.
Moss Street Market
When: 10am to 2pm every Saturday, May through OctoberWhere: 401 Moss Street and Sir James Douglas school grounds
This summer marks the 31st season for the Moss Street Market. This family favourite market offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing, as well as community education. Rain or shine, the vendors will be in attendance. For maximum convenience, there is now an online market with delivery or a pick-up option. A Winter Market runs from November through April.
Oak Bay Summer Night Market
When: 4pm to 8 pm second Wednesday of the month from June to SeptemberWhere: Oak Bay Avenue
From June through to September, Oak Bay Village closes down its street once a month and is transformed into a European-style street market. You’ll find a wide range of fresh and local produce and hot-n-ready street food available. There is live music (watch out for people dancing in the street!), a magician, a pop-up theatre, face painting and balloon animals.
Artists and artisans showcase a variety of unique treasures, including wood-turned bowls, handmade greeting cards, glass art, fabric arts, jewelry, toys, fresh-made soaps and cosmetics and preserves.
Photo Tourism Victoria
Esquimalt Farmers Market – Monday and Thursday evenings
When: 4:30pm to 7:30pm every Monday from April to SeptemberWhere: Gorge Park – 1070 Tillicum Road
When: 4:30pm to 7:30pm every Thursday from April to SeptemberWhere: Memorial Park
The Esquimalt Farmers’ Market leads by example when it comes to healthy living, local food, and community interaction. For more than 5 years this market has remained committed to healthy and local living through relationship building and environmental sustainability within their community. Their slogan reflects their ethics—Make, Bake, or Grow. From fresh-baked breads to farm fresh produce, kid’s activities to food trucks, this remains one of Vancouver Island’s most vibrant farmers’ markets.
Sooke Country Market
When: 10am to 2pm every Saturday from April 23 to October 8Where: Memorial Park
The Sooke Country Market is a reflection of the power of community spirit. Since its opening day in 1996, this small market has welcomed local food producers across various locations throughout this small community located just a short drive from Victoria. From April to October this farm-focused market offers visitors a variety of fresh food, Enjoy farm-direct produce, gourmet ice cream bars, freshly baked breads and other fun foods all while live musicians entertain everyone under the warmth of the sun.
Photo Sooke Market
Goldstream Farmers Market
When: 10am to 2pm every Saturday from May to OctoberWhere: Veterans’ Memorial Park
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or homegrown. Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, as well as unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Photo City of Langford
North Saanich Farm Market
When: 9:30am to 12pm every Saturday from June 5 to OctoberWhere: 10990 West Saanich Road
The North Saanich Farm Market is celebrating its fifteenth year. The market is made possible by the love and work of many local growers, crafters, bakers, vintners and brewers, working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers. Come and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, local lamb, beef, and seafood, as well as some of the most coveted fresh baked breads in the region.
Peninsula Country Market
When: 9am to 1pm every Saturday from June 4 to October 8Where: 1528 Stellys Cross Road in the Saanich Fairgrounds
The Peninsula Country Market showcases more than fifty vendors weekly offering farm-fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a lovely selection of arts and crafts. Enjoy an authentic country morning among friends with great music, coffee, treats, and children’s activities. There are also Winter Markets in the Barn during November and December from 9am to 2pm.
Sidney Farmers Market
When: 10am to 2pm every Sunday from May 8 to September 25Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre
The Farmers Market features growers, producers and creators who “make, bake and grow” their products.
Photo Tourism Victoria
Sidney Thursday Night Market
When: 5:30pm to 8:30pm every Thursday from June 2 to September 1Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre
Sidney also operates a Thursday Night Market, bringing the fun of the market into the weekday for everyone to enjoy! With over 150 vendors offering everything from locally grown produce, handmade jewellery by local artisans, one-of-a-kind clothing, toys, flowers, handmade soaps, home-made breads, jams, fudge and so much more; there is something for everyone in the family!
You can follow summer markets all the way up Island! Don’t forget your flip flops!