Vancouver farmers' markets 2016 guide

Popular amongst chefs, home cooks, and local gastronomes, farmers’ markets have become an integral part of Vancouver’s food landscape.

Not only do these community-minded events grant local farmers, growers, and bakers the opportunity to connect with urban folk but they also provide them with a space to show off their seasonal favourites.

The spring, summer, and fall months are a bustling time for crops, and there are many terrific farmers’ markets running in the city of Vancouver itself. So whether you want to refuel with a quick bite to eat or stock up on groceries, here is our 2016 guide to the farmers’ markets in Vancouver.

Granville Island Public Market

Open all year long, the Public Market at Granville Island is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. There are several produce vendors, along with local food and craft artisans, prepared foods, and much more to see and do.

Day/Time: 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dates: Year-round
Location: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island

Granville Island Farmers’ Market

In supplement to the ongoing Public Market there is a seasonal farmers’ market at Granville Island. This cash-only market is steps from all the great food and vendors, and has been around for 30 years.

Day/Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dates: June 2 to late September 2016
Location: Triangle Square, Granville Island

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

This farmers’ market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers’ Market collective of markets. One of the most popular of the markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on site and a variety of vendors selling all manner of food stuffs.

Day/Time: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: May 7 to October 22, 2016
Location: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, East Vancouver

West End Farmers’ Market

The West End’s charming, community-minded farmers’ market is open Saturdays. Grab a coffee, peek at the adjacent community garden, and stock up on a vast array of locally grown foods.

Day/Time: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: May 28 to October 22, 2016
Location: Comox Street (between Bute and Thurlow)

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

You’ll find fresh groceries, locally-sourced produce, as well as artisanal food offerings at the The Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market, one of the newer kids on the Vancouver Farmers’ Market’s block.

Day/Time: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: June 12 to October 9, 2016
Location: 2300 Guelph Street, Mount Pleasant

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

See, taste, and indulge at this bustling weekday market. With vendors lined up on the east side of Thornton Park on the sidewalk along Station Street, the Main Street Station Farmers’ Market is within ideal reach on foot for bus and SkyTrain users.

Day/Time: Wednesday 2 to 6 p.m.
Dates: June 1 to October 5, 2016
Location: 1100 Station Street, Vancouver

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

This friendly get-together, also known as the Kitsilano Farmers’ Market, takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on for the week.

Day/Time: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: May 8 to October 23, 2016
Location: Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street

Yaletown Farmers’ Market

A very urban market indeed, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Yaletown welcome vendors and farmers Thursday afternoons and evenings for a terrific food and shopping experience, right at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station.

Day/Time: Thursdays 2 to 6 p.m.
Dates: May 5 to October 27, 2016
Location: 1200 Mainland Street, Yaletown

UPDATE 05/05/2016: The Vancouver Farmers’ Market has announced plans to move the Yaletown Farmers’ Market. The open air market will continue to run at 1200 Mainland through the month of May, and open at Queen Elizabeth Plaza on June 2.

Il Mercato Italian Market

This market brings together the tastes of Italy with fresh produce grown locally, in addition to delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef and handmade products from local artisans.

Day/Time: Every third Friday of the month, 4 to 8 p.m.
Dates: June 17 to November 25, 2016
Location: 3075 Slocan Street, East Vancouver

River District Farmers’ Market

This market offers a unique riverfront gathering place in a burgeoning local community. Shop from vendors and artisans, and soak up some local colour.

Day/Time: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dates: May 14 to October 15, 2016
Location: Kerr Street Plaza, 8683 Kerr Street

UBC Farm markets

The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm, and three weekly farm markets (June through October/Novmeber) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming. This is a cash-only, BYO bags market.

Day/Time: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dates: June 4 to October 29, 2016
Location: UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dates: June 14 to October/November 2016
Location: UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive

Date/Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Dates: June 1 to October/November 2016
Location: UBC Bookstore, 6200 University Boulevard