By admin Tuesday, August 8, 2017

10 Ontario markets to check out this summer

Ontario may feel like it is comprised of a bunch of big cities, but if you look at a map of the province, you’ll soon realize that in between all those cities and towns, there is a whole bunch of farmland! Because of that, and because there is an excellent climate for growing (in our few months of summer), Ontario homegrown produce is great, and many markets have developed to bring these goods to the public.

You can see a whole range of markets on Summer Fun Guide but here are 10 standouts (in no particular order); a bunch of them are in Southwestern Ontario where the farmland is plentiful and the climate is good, but there are excellent markets throughout the province – even in Northern Ontario.

Markets in Southwestern Ontario

1. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market is Canada’s biggst year-round farmers’ market and has a little bit of everything from food, to clothes to crafts. Thurs & Sat ALL YEAR + Tues in summer.

2. Cambridge Farmers’ Market was founded in 1830 & is now ranked as 1 of Canada’s top 10 markets. It has meats, cheeses, baking, fruits & vegetables & crafts and also has year round events.

3. Kitchener Market Farmers’ Market, Est. 1873 is a beautiful year-round market in a spectacular, light-filled venue. While the traditional farmers’ market is Saturdays from 7am–2pm year-round, it also has international cuisine vendors Tues through Sat.

4. Covent Garden Market & Outdoor Farmers’ Market is another year round market with an indoor venue plus a seasonal outdoor farmers’ Market May-December. In addition to its typical market offerings, it also has a Public Square, ice rink & entertainment.

Markets in Central Ontario

5. Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market is one of those markets that you can either drive to or boat to as it is in a field adjacent to the Gravenhurst Wharf. Operating Wed 9-2 from May-Oct, it has around 90 vendors.

Markets in Ottawa

6. ByWard Market, established in 1826, operates 7 days/week, year round and is Canada’s largest outdoor market. With shopping, arts & entertainment, it has become Ottawa’s number one attraction.

Markets in Niagara Region

7. Welland Farmers’ Market is a year round market that has been in operation since 1907 and is the largest market in the Niagara region. Not only does it have vendors, but it has outdoor space featuring live local entertainment.

Markets in Eastern Ontario

8. Kingston Public Market, Est. 1801, is Ontario’s oldest market and has played a major role in the country and community since inception. Did you know that the proclamation of Confederation and the formation of the Dominion of Canada took place in Kingston Market Square?

Markets in Northern Ontario

9. Josephines Vegetables operates all summer from 9am-8 pm, 7days/wk, rain or shine. It grows over 65 different veggies on location and has never used herbicides on property. Visit Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf on location & make a day of it!

Markets in Toronto

10. St Lawrence Market was ranked (by National Geographic) the #1 food market in the world (yup – I said the WORLD)! Operating since 1803, it has local Ontario grown products, specialty foods & international products and awesome ready to eat snacks like veal sandwiches, bacon sandwiches and lobster rolls. YUM!

So grab your shopping bag and support our local food producers and artisans. Your stomach will thank you!