Three of the Island’s Best…Farmers Markets

Our Farmers’ Markets on Vancouver Island are not just an opportunity for local growers and artisans to showcase their wares, they are also wonderful community events.

Families make a visit to the market a regular weekly outing, and love to welcome tourists!

Just about every community has a market, and local tourist information centres and Facebook groups provide all the information you might need. Here are three of the best (in my opinion) Farmers and Artisans Markets on the Island.

Cedar Farmers Market

The Cedar Market operates on Sundays only, from 10-2pm. It’s open from Mother’s Day in May, through to the last weekend in October. It’s held at Woobank Road in Cedar, the site of the old Woodbank School. 

Cedar Market has been operating for over two decades and recently moved its present location because it is immensely popular with locals and visitors alike. 

The market has expanded to over seventy vendors featuring; local produce, crafts, fresh and organic meat and poultry, art, and baked goods.

The greatest thing about this market is its high quality vendors – the organizers have developed a stringent application process – and businesses return year after year, meaning that vendors become friends if you regularly attend.

Every week, there is a carnival atmosphere, with live music provided by local performers, and as such this market offers something for everyone. 

Salt Spring Farmers Market

Arguably the most famous market in the area, Salt Spring Market on the “Island of the Arts” runs from April to October, on Saturdays, with an additional Tuesday market. 

Salt Spring Island is accessible by ferry from either Crofton (Vancouver Island) to Vesuvius Bay, or Victoria to Fulford Bay. Once you disembark, it’s a short drive from either ferry terminal to Ganges, on the South end of Salt Spring Island, where the weekly market is held.

Naturally, having one of the highest population of artists and craftspeople in BC, the market features some internationally acclaimed exhibits and unique pieces for sale, along with fresh produce, local cheese, baked goods, plants, woodworking, clothing and delicious locally roasted coffee and snacks.

All vendors must adhere to the “make it, bake it, grow it” mandate, so you know that anything you purchase is authentically “Salt Spring”.

It’s a great day out, including a boat ride, with many other local attractions and tours to be experienced.

(Note: No dogs allowed on market grounds during the event, so if you want to bring fido along perhaps consider a nearby hike on Salt Spring instead.) 

Errington Farmers Market

Themed market days, entertainment, competitions and so many talents on display. This smaller market makes up for fewer vendors with enthusiasm, authenticity and tons of family fun!

Like the others, the emphasis is on local produce and products; “Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Raise or Forage”

The Market has been in existence since 1973, and since the early 1990s, is held at the Community Park, next to Errington Hall. Kids are often found playing between vendors tables, and on the field near the market…a great example of Parksville, Qualicum and Errington’s growing growing population of young families. 

This Market also specializes in unique events that involve the whole community. From the “Clean Up Day” before the Market opens in May, to “Knit in Public Day”, “Medieval Day” and many others, the organizers and volunteers work hard at creating fun events with a twist.

Every week there is live entertainment on the main stage.

Errington Market makes sure that it is all-inclusive, by taking part in the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program that helps to make fresh produce more accessible to lower-income members of the community.

In my opinion, our local Farmers’ Markets are a way for residents and visitors, to support our growers and artisans as well as appreciate the diversity, quality and spirit of each unique Vancouver Island community.