Visiting any of BC Farmers’ markets is a great way to get to know a community, to explore the local, fresh, in-season food, and discover local artisans and unique festivities such as chef demos or live music. Each market offers a unique experience.
The BC growing season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to experience summer than with a trip to one of 145+ BC farmers’ markets. Here are some tips for you when you plan a farmers’ market visit.
How to Find BC Farmers’ Markets
Use this helpful BC Farmers’ Market Finder tool to discover over 145 BC farmers’ markets across the province, stock up on the freshest summer ingredients, and get great advice from the farmers. Extend your knowledge on produce varieties, preparation, storage, preserving, and recipes.
BC Farmers’ Market Finder tool
Where to Find the Specialties
Nectarines, plums and peaches are all must-buys at farmers’ markets in the Thompson-Okanagan.
Cherry fans can sample their fill in the Kootenay/Rockies.
97 % of the Blueberries in the province are picked in the Fraser Valley , especially farms from Richmond to Agassiz .
Seaweed and Blackberries are in for a great harvest on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands
Further north…
Taste Prince George’s award-winning year-round farmers’ market features outstanding baked goods and locally roasted coffee.
Cariboo/Chilcotin area offer locally sourced pasture-raised meat…including interesting products like llama!
Support the BC Farmers for Great Causes
While you are buying tasty local produce, you are also helping the BC Farmers stay vital in your local economy.
For the first time in 20 years, the number of farmers aged 35 and younger in BC is on the rise!
But expensive land, and high start-up costs are challenges for new farmers – shopping at BC farmers’ markets is one great way to help these new farmers grow and keep the farms productive.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets runs the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, which helps increase access to fresh, local food for lower income families and seniors in BC. And by shortening the distance from farm to table, farmers’ markets are a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint – and build the kind of community you want to bloom.
Enjoy the Festivities
You might find live music, chef demos, family activities, new trends like wild harvested food and products, and artisanal food producers. With more evening farmers’ markets popping up across the province like Oaklands Sunset Market, you can enjoy exploring new foods under the stars.
Enter the #BCFarmersMarketRoadtrip Contest
- SHARE a new photo on your public Instagram account, tag #BCFarmersMarketRoadtrip and let us know which BC farmers’ market you are at!Here is a list of 145+ eligible BC farmers’ markets: http://markets.bcfarmersmarket.org/
OR
- UPLOAD your photo on our contest page and fill out the form to enter.
You could WIN one of five BC farmers’ markets shopping trips worth $50! Winners will be selected at random and prizes will be awarded weekly.
Contest closes August 18, 2017.
For more information, visit BC Farmer’s Markets’ website here:
