Vancouver Farmers Markets 2026 Schedule & Guide

Farmers markets in Vancouver are one of the best ways to buy fresh, local produce — and sometimes at prices that beat the grocery store, especially for seasonal fruits and vegetables. The season runs roughly from May through October, with a few year-round markets. Here's the full guide for 2026.

Major Farmers Markets in Vancouver

Trout Lake Farmers Market — 3350 Victoria Dr

The biggest farmers market in East Van. Open Saturdays, 9AM-2PM, mid-May through October. Over 60 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese, honey, flowers, and prepared foods. Great vibe — live music, food trucks, and a playground nearby for kids. Prices are reasonable for a farmers market; seasonal produce (berries, tomatoes, corn) can actually be cheaper than Superstore when it's peak season.

Get there: Bus #20 from Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain, or bike along the Ontario Street bikeway.

Kitsilano Farmers Market — 2690 Larch St (Kitsilano Community Centre)

Sundays, 10AM-2PM, mid-May to October. Smaller than Trout Lake but in a beautiful location. Good for organic and specialty items. Prices tend to be slightly higher — it's Kits, after all. Worth visiting for the baked goods and artisan cheese.

Main Street Station Farmers Market — 100 Station St

Wednesdays, 2PM-6PM, June to October. Perfect for after-work shopping. Right at Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station. Smaller market but convenient. Good selection of ready-to-eat prepared foods for a quick dinner.

Riley Park Farmers Market — 30th Ave & Ontario St

Saturdays, 10AM-2PM, mid-June to October. A neighborhood market with a loyal following. Less crowded than Trout Lake, which means shorter lines and a more relaxed feel. Good for berries and stone fruits in summer.

West End Farmers Market — 1100 Comox St (Nelson Park)

Saturdays, 9AM-2PM, June to October. Great if you live downtown. Compact market with quality vendors. The bread from Terra Breads and A Bread Affair here is incredible.

Year-Round Markets

Nat Bailey Winter Market — 4601 Ontario St

Saturdays, 10AM-2PM, November to April. Greenhouse-grown produce, root vegetables, preserved goods, and meats. Smaller than summer markets but great for supporting local farmers year-round. Heated market area.

Lonsdale Quay Market — 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van

Open daily. Not a traditional farmers market, but the lower level has local produce vendors, a butcher, and artisan food shops. Take the SeaBus from Waterfront — the market is right at the terminal.

Budget Tips for Farmers Market Shopping

• Go at 1:30PM (30 min before close) — vendors discount produce they don't want to haul back
• Buy in bulk when something is in peak season — 10 lbs of tomatoes for $15 in August
• Bring your own bags (some vendors charge for bags)
• Cash is king — some vendors are cash-only, and some give discounts for cash payment
• Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box for weekly farm-fresh deliveries at a fixed price

Tracking your food spending? Our grocery budget calculator can help you balance farmers market splurges with everyday grocery costs.

What to Buy at the Market vs. the Store

Buy at the market: berries, tomatoes, corn, stone fruits, eggs, bread, honey — these are fresher and often cheaper in season

Buy at the store: pantry staples (rice, pasta, canned goods), dairy, meat (usually cheaper at the store)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are farmers markets cheaper than grocery stores?

For seasonal produce at peak time, yes — especially berries, tomatoes, and corn. For out-of-season items, no. The real advantage is freshness: farmers market produce was picked 1-2 days ago vs. 1-2 weeks for grocery store produce.

Can I use a credit card at farmers markets?

Many vendors now accept tap and credit cards, but not all. Bring at least $20-30 in cash as a backup. The larger markets have ATMs nearby but the fees are steep ($3-5).

Are farmers markets good for newcomers on a tight budget?

They can be, if you shop smart. Go near closing time for deals, focus on seasonal produce, and buy what's abundant (and therefore cheap). Skip the $12 artisan granola and stock up on $2/lb tomatoes instead.

References

[1] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile, Vancouver CMA, 2021." https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[2] City of Vancouver, "Open Data Portal." https://opendata.vancouver.ca/

[3] TransLink, "Metro Vancouver Transit Information." https://www.translink.ca/

[4] BC Housing, "Rental Market Reports." https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre/housing-data

New to Vancouver? Check out our guide to cheap Asian groceries in Richmond for your everyday shopping needs.