These are Chef Ned Bell’s favourite B.C. farmers markets and how he gets there

There’s nothing quite like a farmers market! From fresh produce to locally crafted goods and getting to meet the people behind the food, each market offers its own unique vibe and sense of community.

Lucky for us here in B.C., there are so many to choose from! And some are worth making the drive to.

We caught up with B.C. Chef Ned Bell to chat about some of his favourite farmers’ markets in B.C. — and how his Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid gets him to his favourite spots with ease!

Riley Park Farmers Market

Toyota

With over 35 farms and producers, food, and coffee trucks, there’s no reason to wonder why Riley Park is one of Chef Bell’s favourite shopping spots. And thanks to the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, he gets there in style.

As Chef’s go-to market in Vancouver, he says it’s always nice to catch up with vendors and support the local harvest. “I live in East Vancouver, so getting to the markets in my Prius plug-in hybrid is efficient, affordable, and fast,” he tells Daily Hive.

With advanced interior technology like the intuitive Toyota Multimedia System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the fully redesigned 2026 model is lighter, bolder, and fiercer with an all-new lower stance and powerful head and taillights. 

Kelowna Farmers Market 

Kelowna’s Farmers and Craft Market has a rich history with over 30 years of delivering local produce, prepared foods, and other tasty items in the Landmark District. 

Taking place every Saturday and Wednesday, Chef Bell says it’s all about that fresh summer produce.

“I am fortunate to spend my summers in Kelowna, Penticton, and Naramata and having my Prius allows me to zip around the valley from Vernon to Osoyoos on 1 to 2 charges between the markets and farms, all the while buying the best of the summer season,” he shares. 

With the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Chef Bell doesn’t have to worry about how long his journey is, thanks to the car’s battery performance — up to 72 kilometres — and up to 962 km with a full charge and tank. 

Comox Valley Farmers Market 

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Fruits, veggies, honey, eggs, condiments, baked goods, music — you name it, Comox Valley Farmers Market has it! Bringing local food to local folks, Comox has a year-round Saturday market with two seasonal markets that offer products made, grown, raised or harvested in the Comox Valley and Strathcona Regional District.

Growing up in Victoria, Chef Bell fell in love with the coastal communities that dot the area (farmers’ markets, too) and often returns with the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

“The Comox Valley Farmers Market is one of my absolute faves as it has everything you could ever want: baked goods, farmers’ harvests, artisanal creations, and seafood from the wild West Coast,” he says. 

Just like his love for this farmers market, Chef Bell also loves the Prius Plug-in’s driving performance. We’re talking a 2.0L engine with stellar EV performance. “Touring around Courtney, Comox and surrounding communities is especially quick and efficient,” he says.

Penticton Farmers Market

Operating since 1991, the Penticton Farmers Market now boasts over 90 vendor stalls, with over 10,000 visitors per day to the market. Now that’s an impressive feat, just like the Prius Plug-in’s hybrid capabilities. 

That’s why it’s Chef Bell’s preferred vehicle of choice, with its efficient lithium-ion battery pack increasing the EV range by more than 50 per cent over previous generations.

With a long history of driving Toyota cars, Chef Bell says he’s fallen in love with the hybrid technology.

“They are reliable, cost-effective, stylish, fun to drive, and have taken me all over B.C. on tours of the farms, ranches, fisheries, markets, and makers whom I call friends,” he says.

Fall Harvest Contest

Toyota

We’ve teamed up with Toyota to bring you the Fall Harvest contest! Enter now, and you could win a $1,000 grocery fund to celebrate the best of B.C. by stocking the pantry at one of these great local shopping locales. 

Contest closes Sept. 21 and is open to all residents of B.C. and Yukon of the age of majority.

Ready to cruise around B.C confidently? Visit the Toyota website for more information on the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.