Shop local at Ontario’s farmers’ markets

Lindsay | Fred Thornhill Photography
Farmers’ markets have long been the heart of rural society in Ontario, with some dating back to the early 1800s before Canada formed as a nation. The friendly, bustling experience of shopping at a farmers’ market continues to date.
From outdoor markets in the summer to indoor farmers’ markets that operate year-round, stock up on seasonal produce, artisan-crafted jams, jellies, honey, craft-cured meats, baked goods, craft beers, ciders and VQA wines. Discover hand-made crafts and enjoy local buskers or musical entertainment.
Southwestern Ontario
Covent Garden Market
Where: 130 King Street, London
When: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Serving London since 1845, the Covent Garden Market features over 50 merchants and services, over a dozen restaurants, a weekly farmers’ market and hosts fun events throughout the year. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, locally made meats and cheeses and a wide selection of prepared foods.
Kitchener Market
Where: 300 King Street East, Kitchener
When: Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year-round
First established in 1869, the Kitchener Market is a great place to find seasonal produce and artisanal crafted foods as well as community events like cooking classes and craft workshops. The market also hosts a Food Hall with home-style breakfast and lunch options, desserts and locally roasted coffee Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market
Where: Pelissier Street & Maiden Line West, Windsor
When: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from April 1 to October 28, 2023
Find all the farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, produce and unique artisan food products the Windsor area has to offer at this downtown market. In addition, enjoy Kids Corner, art exhibits, local DIY and craft booths, entertainment and cooking demos.
Niagara Region
St. Catharines Farmers’ Market
Where: Market Square, 91 King Street, St. Catharines
When: Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., year-round
For over 160 years, the St. Catharines Farmers’ Market has offered fresh foods and handmade items from the local area. Shop for farm fresh produce, baked goods, pasture-raised, hormone-free meats, local honey, preserves, cured meats and cheeses.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Hamilton Farmers’ Market
Where: 35 York Boulevard, Hamilton
When: Open year round. Wednesdays & Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open year-round, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market was established in 1837 and offers visitors the chance to buy seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers and artisan-made crafts from over 50 vendors. The market is located in the heart of downtown Hamilton beside Jackson Square and the Hamilton Public Library.
Paris Farmers’ Market
Where: Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street, Paris
When: Thursdays, noon to 6:00 p.m.
Held every Thursday at the Syl Apps Community Centre, minutes from downtown Paris, the Paris Farmers’ Market carries everything from spices to organic produce, baked goods, maple syrup, handmade preserves and a whole lot more.
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
St. Jacob’s Farmers’ Market
Where: 878 Weber Street North, Waterloo
When: Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., (June 13-August 29, 2023) Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., year-round
One of the most renowned farmers’ markets in Canada, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market in Waterloo is also the nation’s largest year-round market. With over 250 vendors selling everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to meats, wine, beer and ciders, home décor, an array of foods and antiques, St. Jacob’s truly offers a full spectrum of market shopping.
Georgetown Farmers’ Market
Where: Main Street South, between James Street & Church Street, Georgetown
When: Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (June to October)
Established in 1993, the Georgetown Farmers’ Market tempts visitors with seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey and bee products, maple products, locally made jams, cured meats and hand-made soaps. Each week, the market also features local crafters and booths from various community groups.
Guelph Farmers’ Market
Where: 2 Gordon Street, Guelph
When: Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., June through October
For over 190 years, the Guelph Farmers’ Market has brought farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, along with baked goods, cheeses, flowers, preserves and other local goodies to the heart of Guelph. During warmer months, the market spills out of the market building into the parking lot, while in winter, most vendors operate indoors. The Market also offers a weekly list of who’s vending to help plan your visit.
Greater Toronto Area
Erin Mills Farmers’ Market
Where: 2520 Eglinton Avenue West at Erin Mills Parkway, Erin Mills
When: Thursdays, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., June 15 to September 28, 2023
Established as a not-for-profit organization in 2016, the Erin Mills Farmers’ Market offers locally grown vegetables and fruit, homemade baked goods, honey products and even Ontario wines with a focus on low-waste and non-GMO foods.
Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto
When: Thursdays, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., year-round
Located in the heart of Toronto’s west end, the Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market features a revolving list of vendors from around southern Ontario. Each week, visitors fill their baskets with local meats and dairy products, organic produce, baked goods, craft-made kombucha, specialty preserves and much more. If you can’t make it down in person, the market also offers online shopping with home delivery.
York, Durham and Headwaters
Hillcrest Farmers’ Market
Where: Hillcrest Mall, 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until October 16, 2023
Held in the parking lot of Richmond Hill’s Hillcrest Mall, this seasonal market is brimming with farm produce, artisan-produced honey products, fresh baking, locally cured meats and many other locally made goods. The market is located at the mall’s Carville Road Entrance—just look for the vendor booths.
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
Wiarton Farmers’ Market
Where: 590 Berford Street, Wiarton
When: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Victoria Day weekend–Thanksgiving
The Wiarton Farmers’ Market connects visitors with authentic local growers and producers. Vendors offer a true farm-to-table experience with seasonal fruits and vegetables, local meats, maple syrup and even plants for your own garden.
Barrie Farmers’ Market
Where: City Hall, 70 Collier Street, Barrie
When: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Originally established in 1846, the Barrie Farmers’ Market has brought the best local food and artisan goods to the community for over 150 years. The market is dog-friendly for pets on-leash and online orders are now available.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Peterborough Farmers’ Market
Where: R.A. Morrow Memorial Park, Peterborough
When: May 1 to October 31, rain or shine; November 1 to April 30, inside the Morrow Memorial Park Building
Held for over 190 years, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in Ontario. Featuring upwards of 100 vendors, the market is a great place to find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to maple products, deli and prepared foods or artisan-made crafts, all while listening to the sounds of local musicians.
Lindsay Farmers’ Market
Where: Victoria Avenue, Lindsay
When: Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
Established in 1859, the Lindsay Farmers’ Market is long-standing tradition of connecting communities with the people who grow, produce, bake and make locally.
Southeastern Ontario
Memorial Centre Kingston Farmers’ Market
Where: 303 York Street, Kingston
When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., May–October; Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., November–April
Everything sold at the 100% producer-run Kingston’s Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market is grown or produced in the Kingston foodshed, within roughly 100 kilometres of the market. With vendors selling baked goods, prepared foods, produce, local meats and cheeses and an international food court, the market offers much to discover.
Gananoque Farmers’ Market
Where: Town Hall Park, 30 King Street East, Gananoque
When: Thursdays, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., June 5 to October 9, 2023
From fresh berries to juicy tomatoes and artisan meats, the Gananoque Farmers’ Market offers only locally produced produce, crafts, foods and other goods—sold by the same people who grew or made them. Pick up everything you need, including prepared foods and have a picnic in the park while listening to live music at the bandstand.
Ottawa and Countryside
Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Where: Westboro Market, 579 Byron Avenue, Ottawa
When: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., May 20–October 28, 2023
Where: Lansdowne Park, Marché Way, Ottawa
When: Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., May 7–October 29, 2023
Where: Orléans Market, Ray Friel Recreation Complex 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans
When: Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., May 25–October 26, 2023
Where: Barrhaven Market, Nepean Woods Park and Ride, Ottawa
When: Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 3:00 p.m., May 28–October 29, 2023
Interact with farmers, hear local musicians and buskers, sample local wines and have lunch at one of the four market locations of Ottawa’s producer-run farmers’ market, which boasts over 150 local vendors.
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Almonte Farmers’ Market
Where: 155 High Street, Almonte
When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, from May long weekend until Thanksgiving
In operation since 1989, the Almonte Farmers’ Market offers a wide array of fresh Ottawa Valley produce, locally raised meats, maple and honey products, preserves and the like, along with various food vendors and baked goods for a quick bite to eat.
Haliburton Country Farmers’ Market
Where: Abbey Gardens, West Guilford, 1012 Garden Gate Drive Abbey Lane, across from Haliburton Highlands Brewing
When: Fridays, noon to 4:00 p.m., May 19 to October 06, 2023.
Where: Haliburton, 2 Park St. Rotary Beach/Head Lake-Rotary Park
When: Tuesdays, noon to 4:00 p.m., May 16 to October 3, 2023
Where: Minden Downtown, Prince and Milne Street
When: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., May 20 to October 7, 2023
Meet passionate growers, bakers and makers at three locations in the Haliburton area and shop, eat and engage in the local community. Throughout the market season you’ll find farm fresh fruit and veggies, as well as cheese, baked goodies, farm direct products like honey or jam and unique crafts.
Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park
Rosseau Farmers’ Market
Where: 2-98 Short Street, Rosseau
When:Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., last Friday in June until third Friday in September
One of the rare farmers’ markets where you can arrive by boat or plane, the Rosseau Farmers’ Market brings fresh produce, locally produced meats, arts and crafts right to the Seguin waterfront. The summer market is at the end of Short Street off Highway 141 on the Lake Rosseau waterfront, the Thanksgiving Market is held at the Community Town Hall in the village of Rosseau.
Northeastern Ontario
Sudbury Farmers’ Market
Where: 233 Elgin Street, Sudbury
When: Every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., June 3 to October 14, 2023
Where: South parking lot on the corner of Paris & York
When: Every Thursday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., June 1 to October 12, 2023
The Sudbury Farmers’ Market is home to locally grown produce and handmade crafts, baked goods and more at two locations. The market aims to provide opportunities for local farms and makers to sell their goods, with a focus on sustainable goods. The display signage at the market makes it easy for consumers to identify the types of vendors. The “Grower” sign means the vendors sell products from within 150 kilometres, a “Provider” sells third-party grown produce and an “Artisan” sells locally crafted products.
Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma
SOO Market (formerly the Mill Market)
Where: 35 Canal Drive, Sault Ste. Marie
When: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year-round
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., last week of June to Labour Day
Conveniently located right off the Hub Trail, Sault Ste. Marie’s Mill Market offers fresh food and various products from the region’s many farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artists and artisans. Open year-round, the market promotes farm-to-table living, while strengthening the region’s local food economy.
Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay Country Market
Where: CLE Grounds in the Dove Building, 425 Northern Avenue, Thunder Bay
When: Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A Thunder Bay staple for over 25 years, the market is the local spot to shop for groceries and baked goods and so much more. Meet makers, crafters and entertainers and get a flavour of the Northern Ontario community spirit.
Matiowski Farmers’ Market
Where: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion, Bernier Drive, Kenora
When: Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., June–October
One of the largest markets in Northwestern Ontario, the motto of the Matiowski Farmers’ Market is “Make It, Bake It, Grow It”. With that in mind, the market is home to over 100 vendors selling handmade crafts along with farm-fresh meats, locally grown fresh produce, delicious baked goods, breads, dips and spreads.
Find what’s in season
From apples to zucchini, check out the Foodland Ontario availability guide to see what fruits and vegetables are in season at farmers’ markets in Ontario. Get info on more of Ontario’s famous markets, like the St. Lawrence Market, St. Jacobs Market and Ottawa’s ByWard Market.
Last updated: August 24, 2023