- Tasting Victoria
- Posts
- 7 farmers markets in Victoria we can't wait to visit this summer
7 farmers markets in Victoria we can't wait to visit this summer
Locally grown produce, baked goods and preserves are only the tip of the iceberg with the city's vendors this year
Eva Rasciauskas
April 03, 2024
@mossstmarket / Instagram
Summer is right around the corner, and with that, we’re already thinking about farmers market season.
They say that April showers bring May flowers—the hopeful start of spring is also the unveiling of locally grown produce, artisan goods and lazy weekend afternoons strolling through a market full of enticing smells that make for the perfect spring and summer meals.
Here are a few farmers markets in and around Victoria that we can’t wait to visit this summer, offering some of the best treats the city has to offer.
Diving into its 33rd season in Victoria this May, Moss Street Farmers Market is arguably one of the city’s finest for organic local produce and artisan goods. The options here are truly dizzying in variety, as you can find everything from farm-to-bar chocolate and kombucha to specialty skincare products and upcycled jewelry. The market officially moved outdoors as of April 6.
Address: 1330 Fairfield Rd., Victoria
Open from Mother’s Day to October this year (with an additional Christmas market in December), Metchosin Farmers Market is a true homestyle country market specializing in everything homemade, handmade and homegrown. Enjoy all the local goodies they have to offer while strolling through Metchosin’s calm rolling hills—picnic, anyone?
Address: 4450 Happy Valley Rd., Metchosin
Running Thursday to Sunday all summer long starting April 25, Bastion Square Market is located in the heart of downtown Victoria which allows visitors to engage with local artisans while enjoying the city’s picturesque heritage buildings and stunning waterfront. Be sure to visit on the weekend—though it’s the market’s busiest time period, you’ll also catch the most vendors.
Address: 26 Bastion Square, Victoria
There’s arguably no better market to go to on a sunny Saturday morning in the summer than the James Bay Community Market. Open only one day a week starting May 4, it’s comprised of over 50 tents with vendors selling local fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods, preserves, prepared foods and locally brewed beverages. Bonus: they’ve also got live music for the best market vibes.
Address: 494 Superior St., Victoria
About a half hour drive from downtown Victoria, the North Saanich Farm Market is well worth a visit this summer for their wide selection of unique local goods (hello Saanich microgreens and “secret garden” glowers) as well as their lineup of live music performances, making for perfect Saturday mornings all summer long. The market officially opens June 1.
Address: 10990 W Saanich Rd., North Saanich
Uniquely located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour overlooking the Causeway Marina, Ship Point Market is a one-of-a-kind market experience in the city. For one, it runs late (up until 10:30pm on weekends) allowing visitors to admire the sunset and explore Victoria’s nightlife and the harbour’s dazzling lights. The opening date is yet to be announced.
Address: 812 Wharf St., Victoria
With over 60 unique vendors, food trucks, live music and a fully equipped beer garden, Oaklands Sunset Market is a gem to visit every Wednesday during the summer, offering its visitors a varied selection of local goods as well as a chance to meaningfully engage with vendors (all are required to grow, make or bake their own products to participate).
Address: 2827 Belmont Ave. #1, Victoria