Farmers' Markets in Greater Vancouver

notes from Mom

Activity:

I grew up on a farm in Saanich (area outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island).  We hardly ever bought fruit or vegetables from a store, because most of it grew in our own backyard.  If Mom wanted to cook carrots for lunch, we went outside and pulled a bunch of carrots from the ground.  Dad used to say, "These are the best carrots I've ever tasted."  We'd all nod our heads in approval.  At that time I could care less, but the truth of the matter was, just-pulled-out-of-the-ground carrots are incredibly sweet.  In comparison to carrots I've bought at a grocery  store where, if I had a blind fold on, I wouldn't be able to tell what I was eating.  This is why I like to take our gang to Farmers' Markets -- to show them what produce looks like before it goes to the grocery store.  I remember how surprised Jen was to see how long carrot tops grew and the variety of peppers you could buy (not just red and green).

In the summer there are hundreds of roadside stands in the lower Fraser Valley and Richmond where you can buy farm fresh produce.  As well, here is a listing of several organized markets where you can find a bigger selection of produce, plus some food and crafts.

Details:

Most farmers' markets run from June to October.

July to early October
West End Farmer's Market: Fresh fruits and vegetables, hand made crafts every Saturday from 9:30 am - 2 pm. Nelson Park (Comox Street between Bute and Thurlow), Vancouver; 604-879-3276.

May to early October
East Vancouver Farmer's Market: Sale of produce from local farms, food, and crafts. Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Trout Lake Community Centre, 3350 Victoria Dr., Vancouver; 604-879-3276.

Coquitlam Farmer's Market & Agricultural Festival
Open every Sunday, 9:00 - 1:00 pm, May to October
Coquitlam Recreational Centre (at Winslow and Poirier Streets)
604-464-3276.

White Rock Farmer's Market
Sunday 9 am - 1 pm
From Father's Day to Thanksgiving
Fresh Local produce at the Upper Town Centre at 152nd. (Johnston Rd.) and Russell Ave.
604-531-5241

Langley City Market In The Park!
Vendor's wares vary from locally grown produce to homemade fudge, natural remedies, handmade artifacts and jewelry, art photography and garden accents and plants. The Market is located in beautiful Douglas Park, 20550 Douglas Crescent (corner of Douglas and Park Lane).
Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, June to October
604-514-2865.

Surrey Farmers' Market
10275 - 135th St., Surrey, B.C.
June to October
604-591-4388

Mission City Farmers' Market
Second Ave. and James St. 
Mission, B.C.
Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm, May to September
604-864-1261

Ladner Village Market
48th Ave. in Ladner Village
Ladner, B.C.
Sundays, June to August
604-946-8590

Mt. Lehman Country Market
Community Hall, 6418 Mt. Lehman Rd.
Mt. Lehman, B.C.
April to November
604-856-9627

Cloverdale Farmer's Market
17600 56A Avenue, Surrey
Saturdays, May to October
604-576-6569

Granville Island sells a mix of local and imported produce.  During the late spring, summer, and fall several farmers have tables loaded with fresh produce.  As well a small farmers' market operates in front of Carousel Theatre during the summer months (Every Thursday 9 am - 6 pm, May to October). 
604-666-6477

Lonsdale Quay Farmer's Market (east side)
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm, May to late October
604-739-9002

Yaletown Farmers' Market
Corner of Mainland and Davie St., Vancouver
Every Saturday from 12 to 4 pm, Summer
604-683-7473

Farmers' Market at Nat Bailey Stadium
30th and Ontario Streets, Vancouver
1:00 pm to 6:30 pm. every Wednesday from June to October
604-879-FARM

Website: www.eatlocal.org

Area:

Greater Vancouver area

Season:

Summer, Fall