Over the last couple years, it seems like every time I turn around a new farmers’ market pops up in a different section of the city, and I could not be happier about it. I think that supporting small, local businesses and getting unique, superior products is a trend I can really get behind.
Regardless of what area of Edmonton you live in, chances are there is a market set up nearby at least one night per week throughout the summer and I suggest you head out and check as many out as you can.
Here’s a highlight some of some of my favourites:
104 street from Jasper ave to 102 avenue
Saturdays: 9am – 3pm
The City Market is the cream of the crop, so to speak. Strolling through the outdoor market downtown has been a Saturday morning tradition in Edmonton since 1903, and it is still a gathering place to meet friends, pick up your produce for the week, maybe a treat or two, and bask in the wonderful Edmonton summers. And if you don’t believe me, it was named as the Best Farmers’ Market in a National Geographic article in 2013.
10310 83 ave, in the Bus Barns
Saturdays: 8am – 3pm
While the City Market has the longevity, I think OSFM has led in the popular vote for many years. It’s a lively, year-round Saturday morning market where you wander through and enjoy the goods just as much in February as you do in June. And if you don’t fill up on samples, make sure to hit up Toast kitchen at the back of the market for a tasty breakfast.
Salisbury Greenhouse, 52337 RR 232
Thursdays: 4pm-7:30
Salisbury is a bit of drive, but its never a waste of time. This year-round market is outside in the summer months and moves inside the greenhouse during the winter so, in addition to your market finds, you can wander through the greenhouse to see what catches your eye.
Grande Marche (Formerly the French Quarter Farmer’s Market)
La Cite Francophone, 8627 91 st
Sundays: Noon – 4pm
La Cite is one of my favourite places in the city, and I was so excited to see their market up and running on Sundays so I can pick up whatever I forgot to grab for the week on Saturday. And this year, they are being taken over by the great minds behind the 124 Grand Market which can only mean this market will get better and better.
108 ave and 124 st
Thursdays: 4pm – 8pm
Since its inception, Thursday nights at the 124 Grand Market has become the perfect date night for my wife and I. We walk or bike down, grab a bite to eat at one of the 4 food truck in attendance, listen to some live music, chat with vendors, run into friends, grab a sweet snack and make our way home. Its always a good time and has us looking forward to Thursdays throughout the summer.
Those are a few of my favourite markets but there are so many more to visit, all with interesting vendors waiting to to show you what they have. I’ve listed a number of them below, but feel free to let me know in the comments if I’ve missed one of your favourites in the city.
66 ave, 178 st
Sundays: 10am – 3pm and Wednesdays: 2pm – 6pm
10251 109 st
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10am – 5pm
151 Karl Clark rd
Saturdays and Sundays: 10am – 4pm
2051 Leger rd
Wednesdays: 4pm – 7:30pm
Perron District
Saturdays: 10am – 3pm
Baconhound is an Edmonton food blog, focusing on the best restaurants and dishes in Edmonton and beyond. Phil Wilson is also host of the Edmonton, Alberta based food podcast, Off Menu.
The northeast is finally getting a Farmers’ Market. Miller Crossing Farmers’ Market opens Tuesday June 2nd and runs Tuesdays 4-8 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm. It will be located at the Kingsway Legion on 50th street just south of 144 ave. I hope it turns out to be a good market as it is walking distance from my house.
http://www.mcfarmersmarket.ca/