Shop local at Ontario’s farmers’ markets

• Covent Garden Market

  130 King Street, London

  When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. February–March; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March–December

  Serving London since 1845, the Covent Garden Market features over 50 merchants and services, over a dozen restaurants, a weekly farmers’ market and hosts fun events throughout the year. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made meats and cheeses and a wide selection of prepared foods.

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• Kitchener Market

  300 King Street East, Kitchener

  When: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round

  First established in 1869, the Kitchener Market is a great place to find seasonal produce and artisanal crafted foods as well as community events like cooking classes and craft workshops. The market also hosts a Food Hall with home-style breakfast and lunch options, desserts and locally roasted coffee Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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• Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market

  Pelissier Street & Maiden Line West, Windsor

  When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 2–December 10
   
  Find all the farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, produce and unique artisan food products the Windsor area has to offer at this downtown market. In addition, enjoy Kids Corner, art exhibits, local DIY and craft booths, entertainment and cooking demos.

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• St. Catharines Farmers’ Market

  Market Square, 91 King Street, St. Catharines

  When: Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. & Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round

  For over 160 years, the St. Catharines Farmers’ Market has offered fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Shop for farm fresh produce, baked goods, pasture-raised, hormone-free meats, local honey, preserves, cured meats and cheeses.

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• Hamilton Farmers’ Market

  35 York Boulevard, Hamilton

  When: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., year-round
   
  Open year-round, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market was established in 1837 and offers visitors the chance to buy seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers and artisan-made crafts from over 50 vendors. The market is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton beside Jackson Square and the Hamilton Public Library.

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• Paris Farmers’ Market

  Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street, Paris

  When: Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m.

  Held every Thursday at the Syl Apps Community Centre, minutes from downtown Paris, the Paris Farmers’ Market carries everything from spices to organic produce, baked goods, maple syrup, handmade preserves and a whole lot more.

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• St. Jacob’s Farmers’ Market

  878 Weber Street North, Waterloo

  When: Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 14–August 30, 2022 Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., year-round

  One of the most renowned farmers’ markets in Canada, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market in Waterloo is also the nation’s largest year-round market. With over 250 vendors selling everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to meats, wine, beer and ciders, home décor, an array of foods and antiques, St. Jacob’s truly offers a full spectrum of market shopping.

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• Georgetown Farmers’ Market

  Main Street South, between James Street & Church Street, Georgetown

  When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., June 4–October 15, 2022
   
  Established in 1993, the Georgetown Farmers’ Market tempts visitors with seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey and bee products, maple products, locally made jams, cured meats and hand-made soaps. Each week, the market also features local crafters and booths from various community groups.

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• Guelph Farmers’ Market

  2 Gordon Street, Guelph

  When: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, year-round
   
  For over 190 years, the Guelph Farmers’ Market has brought farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, along with baked goods, cheeses, flowers, preserves and other local goodies to the heart of Guelph. During warmer months, the market spills out of the market building into the parking lot, while in winter, most vendors operate indoors. The Market also offers a weekly list of who’s vending to help plan your visit.

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• Erin Mills Farmers’ Market

  2520 Eglinton Avenue West at Erin Mills Parkway, Erin Mills

  When: Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m., June 9–July 14, 2022 & September 8–29, 2022

  Established as a not-for-profit organization in 2016, the Erin Mills Farmers’ Market offers locally grown vegetables and fruit, homemade baked goods, honey products and even Ontario wines with a focus on low-waste and non-GMO foods.

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• Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market

  Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto

  When: Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m., year-round
   
  Located in the heart of Toronto’s west end, the Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market features a revolving list of vendors from around southern Ontario. Each week, visitors fill their baskets with local meats and dairy products, organic produce, baked goods, craft-made kombucha, specialty preserves and much more. If you can’t make it down in person, the market also offers online shopping with home delivery.

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• Hillcrest Farmers’ Market

  Hillcrest Mall, 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

  When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 22–October 16, 2022
   
  Held in the parking lot of Richmond Hill’s Hillcrest Mall, this seasonal market is brimming with farm produce, artisan-produced honey products, fresh baking, locally cured meats and many other locally made goods. The market is located at the mall’s Carville Road Entrance—just look for the vendor booths.

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• Wiarton Farmers’ Market

  590 Berford Street, Wiarton

  When: Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Victoria Day weekend–Thanksgiving
   
  The Wiarton Farmers’ Market connects visitors with authentic local growers and producers. Vendors offer a true farm-to-table experience with seasonal fruits and vegetables, local meats, maple syrup and even plants for your own garden.

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• Barrie Farmers’ Market

  City Hall, 70 Collier Street, Barrie

  When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

  Originally established in 1846, the Barrie Farmers’ Market has brought the best local food and artisan goods to the community for over 150 years. The market is dog-friendly for pets on-leash and online orders are now available.

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• Peterborough Farmers’ Market

  R.A. Morrow Memorial Park, Peterborough

  When: May 1–October 31, rain or shine; November 1 to April 30, inside the Morrow Memorial Park Building
   
  Held for over 190 years, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in Ontario. Featuring upwards of 100 vendors, the market is a great place to find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to maple products, deli and prepared foods or artisan-made crafts, all while listening to the sounds of local musicians.

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• Lindsay Farmers’ Market

  Victoria Street, Lindsay

  When: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May – October, 2022

  Established in 1859, the Lindsay Farmers’ Market is long-standing tradition of connecting communities with the people who grow, produce, bake and make locally.

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• Memorial Centre Kingston Farmers’ Market

  303 York Street, Kingston

  When: Summer market operates daily, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May–October; Winter market operates 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., November–April
   
  Everything sold at the 100% producer-run Kingston’s Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market is grown or produced in the Kingston foodshed, within roughly 100 kilometres of the market. With vendors selling baked goods, prepared foods, produce, local meats and cheeses and an international food court, the market offers much to discover.

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• Gananoque Farmers’ Market

  Town Hall Park, 30 King Street East, Gananoque

  When: Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m.
   
  From fresh berries to juicy tomatoes and artisan meats, the Gananoque Farmers’ Market offers only locally produced produce, crafts, foods and other goods—sold by the same people who grew or made them. Pick up everything you need, including prepared foods and have a picnic in the park while listening to live music at the bandstand.

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• Ottawa Farmers’ Market

  Where: Westboro Market, 579 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
  When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 21–October 29, 2022
   
  Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa
  When: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., year-round
   
  Where: Orléans Market, Ray Friel Recreation Complex 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans
  When: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 19–October 27, 2022
   
  Where: Barrhaven Market, Nepean Woods Park and Ride, Ottawa
  When: When: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 29–October 30, 2022
   
  Interact with farmers, hear local musicians and buskers, sample local wines and have lunch at one of the four market locations of Ottawa’s producer-run farmers’ market, which boasts over 150 local vendors.

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• Almonte Farmers’ Market

  155 High Street, Almonte

  When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, from May long weekend until Thanksgiving

  In operation since 1989, the Almonte Farmers’ Market offers a wide array of fresh Ottawa Valley produce, locally raised meats, maple and honey products, preserves and the like, along with various food vendors and baked goods for a quick bite to eat.

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• Haliburton Country Farmers’ Market

  Where: Stanhope Community Centre, 1095 North Shore Road, Algonquin Highlands
  When: Fridays, noon to 4 p.m., June 17 – September 2, 2022

  Where: Haliburton Lake Rotary Park, 13 York Street, Haliburton
  When: Tuesdays, noon to 4 p.m., May 17 – October 4, 2022

  Where: Minden Downtown, Prince and Milne Street
  When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 21 – October 8, 2022

  Meet passionate growers, bakers and makers at three locations in the Haliburton area and shop, eat and engage in the local community. Throughout the market season you’ll find farm fresh fruit and veggies, as well as cheese, baked goodies, farm direct products like honey or jam and unique crafts.

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• Rosseau Farmers’ Market

  2-98 Short Street, Rosseau

  When: Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., last Friday in June until third Friday in September
   
  One of the rare farmers’ markets where you can arrive by boat or plane, the Rosseau Farmers’ Market brings fresh produce, locally produced meats, arts and crafts right to the Seguin waterfront. The summer market is at the end of Short Street off Highway 141 on the Lake Rosseau waterfront, the Thanksgiving Market is held at the Community Town Hall in the village of Rosseau.

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• Sudbury Farmers’ Market

  Where: 233 Elgin Street, Sudbury
  When: Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 4–October 15, 2022
  
  Where: Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
  When: Every Thursday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., June 2–October 13, 2022

  The Sudbury Farmers’ Market is home to locally grown produce and handmade crafts, baked goods and more at two locations. The market aims to provide opportunities for local farms and makers to sell their goods, with a focus on sustainable goods. The display signage at the market makes it easy for consumers to identify the types of vendors. The “Grower” sign means the vendors sell products from within 150 kilometres, a “Provider” sells third-party grown produce and an “Artisan” sells locally crafted products.

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• Mill Market Sault Ste. Marie

  35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie

  When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round

  Conveniently located right off the Hub Trail, Sault Ste. Marie’s Mill Market offers fresh food and various products from the region’s many farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artists and artisans. Open year-round, the market promotes farm-to-table living, while strengthening the region’s local food economy.  

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• Thunder Bay Country Market

  CLE Grounds in the Dove Building, 425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay

  When: Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  A Thunder Bay staple for over 25 years, the market is the local spot to shop for groceries and baked goods and so much more. Meet makers, crafters and entertainers and get a flavour of the Northern Ontario community spirit.

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• Matiowski Farmers’ Market

  Whitecap Pavilion, Bernier Drive, Kenora

  When: Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., June–October
   
  One of the largest markets in Northwestern Ontario, the motto of the Matiowski Farmers’ Market is “Make It, Bake It, Grow It”. With that in mind, the market is home to over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts along with farm-fresh meats, locally grown fresh produce, delicious baked goods, breads, dips and spreads. 

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This story has been adapted from an original article available at: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/shop-local-ontarios-farmers-markets.