Love walking outside and meandering without a schedule during the warmer spring and summer months?  How about trying out new products and supporting local artisans and small business owners?  Taking a trip to any farmers’ market is a great way to get outdoors, be active and support local. Farmers’ markets are filled with local vendors who pride themselves on their products whether they sell produce, home baked goods, teas, ciders, honey or jewellery. They are perfect for families looking to connect and have a mini adventure going somewhere new or trying a new flavour or two.  As always, we bring you updated details on the local markets we love most in and around the GTA.

1. Brampton Farmers’ Market
Brampton Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, beginning on June 10 and runs until October 7. Many incredible farmers and local artisans will be there offering freshly-picked seasonal produce, prepared foods and unique, handcrafted goods. Head over to their website for an up-to-date list of participating vendors. If you’re new to Brampton Farmers’ Market, it’s located in Gage Park, Ken Whillans Square and on Wellington Street West, with free underground parking at City Hall just around the corner.

2. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is an indoor farmers’ market located in Toronto’s downtown core. Vendors offer everything from freshly baked bread to guacamole, homemade perogies, baked goods, fresh seafood and so much more. The Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 5 am to 3 pm, and the South Market is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays from 7 am to 5 pm, and Sundays between 10 am and 5 pm. Saturdays only, there is a special parking rate of $1.00 per hour for the first two hours at the Green P lot. In the hustle and bustle of Toronto, the St. Lawrence Market offers a taste of simplicity.  

3. St. Jacobs Market 
St. Jacobs Market is Canada’s largest year round farmers’ market. Open every Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm, and come summer (June-August), you can visit on Tuesdays between 8 am to 3 pm. In the Waterloo Region, about 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, between the Farmers’ Market, Market Road Antiques and St. Jacobs Outlets, you’ll find hundreds of vendors selling treats, farm-to-table ingredients and local offerings from flowers to homemade goods. It’s a beautiful road trip where you’ll find everything you need here. 

4. Newmarket Farmers’ Market
You can enjoy the Newmarket Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning between May and the end of October from 8 am to 1 pm. It’s the perfect place to buy farm fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and herbs, cheese, and a great spot to grab some food and drink with friends.  Walk around with your pets and enjoy vendors with furry friendly goods or artisans showcasing  their creations.  Explore this family friendly farmers’ market at The Riverwalk Commons this spring and summer, we know you won’t be disappointed.

5. Afro-Carribean Farmers’ Market
We anticipate up-to-date information coming soon about the Afro-Caribbean Farmers’ Market in the Little Jamaica-Afro Caribbean Cultural District.  As of this posting, it is scheduled to run at the same intersection of Eglinton Avenue West and Oakwood on Sundays, July 2nd, 16th, 30th, August 13th and 27th, and September 10th and 24th.  The focus is on selected fruits, vegetables and foods from the Caribbean and Africa, complimentary food vendors, and a curated group of lifestyle items. “This market elevates racialized farmers alongside food-producers in densely urbanized neighbourhoods.”  Follow them on Facebook @afrocaribbeanfarmersmarket for up-to-date details as they’re released.