Summer has officially arrived and that means there’s an abundance of delicious produce in season! What better time to find some awesome new markets in your neighborhood, connect with vendors, and get your hands on some tasty local food?
My name is Cicely and I’m the Communications and Engagement Assistant for CRFAIR this summer. I’m really passionate about local food and eating seasonally, so for my first blog post, I’m excited to bring you a round-up of all the farmer’s markets our region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a day out full of live music and street food, or a place to do your weekly shop with as many local options as possible, we’re lucky to have a range of great options here in Victoria. Here are a few of my favourites:
Esquimalt Farmer’s Market (EFM)
When? Mondays and Thursdays, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where?
Mondays: Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Rd.
Thursdays: Memorial Park, 1200 Esquimalt Road
Dubbed the BC Farmer’s Market of the year in 2017, the Esquimalt Farmers Market is a vibrant marketplace and gathering point for the community where vendors and community members come together to build relationships, share their passion for local food and sustainable food systems, and access delicious, local, and healthy food in a sustainable way.
The market is food-focused, with vendors having to abide by the ‘make, bake or grow’ policy, meaning you can find a range of locally created, sourced, or grow items like produce, baked goods and other food items, locally roasted coffee, art, and more!
Tip: EFM is a pet-free market, so you’ll need to leave your furry friends at home!
James Bay Community Market
When? Every Saturday until 24th September, 9am – 3pm
Where? 547 Michigan St, Victoria, BC V8V 1S5
This community market showcases ‘handmade, homemade, and homegrown’ goods from local vendors from the region. A great day out for the whole family, you’ll find unique crafts and local produce, enjoy delicious food, and get to listen to the very best local music!
Moss Street Market
When? Every Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Where? Sir James Douglas school grounds, 1330 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC V8S 5J1
Moss street market is a local favourite and is consistently one of the most-attended markets in the region! With over 100 vendors setting up each week, from organic farmers to local craftsmen, bakers, creators, and artists, there’s something for everyone!
Oaklands Sunset Market
When? Every Wednesday, 4:30pm – 8:30pm (Until August 31st)
Where? 1-2827 Belmont Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada V8R 4B2
What once started as a small community project has expanded into a well-loved community market, which celebrates local arts and culture. The Oakland Sunset Market has something for everyone in the family, including a diverse range of producers, farmers, and makers, local food trucks and a beer garden, kids activities, and workshops!
South Island Farmhub (Online Market)
Okay - this next one isn’t really an in-person market, but an accessibility is an essential part of an equitable and sustainable food system, and online farmer’s markets such as the South Island Farmhub store mean those who can’t make it out to in-person markets can still connect with and support local vendors, and enjoy seasonal produce from shopping online!
South Island FarmHub is a partner organization of ours and has an online ‘a-la-carte’ store, just like an online grocery store, except all items are from local farmers and producers! They also do weekly produce boxes you can sign up for, if you like to be surprised with different seasonal fruits, veggies, and foodstuff each week!
A little further out…
Most of these markets are within the Victoria region, but there are also some great options if you live a little further out! You can also check out: