11 Vancouver Farmers’ Markets

It's not just flowers that grow in May. There is a new bounty of beautiful local produce to find at farmers' markets that will be open this weekend and into the season. Here are 11 of our favourites.

The granddaddy of all things fresh in Vancouver is Granville Island , but aside from their everyday awesome selection of produce, they offer a local market every Thursday from 10-3. Don't miss Coconama Chocolaterie for a bite-sized piece of heaven.

Trout Lake isn't just for minnows, their farmers' market has over 50 vendors, offering everything from organic nuts to handmade crafts. Parking can be tricky, so ride your bikes for a better experience. Good to know: August 23-24 is the Tomato Festival, which will feature tomato and basil gelato from Bella Gelateria.

Fittingly, the Kerrisdale Farmers' Market is located on Vancouver's original urban farmland. Your kids will love the face painting and carnival atmosphere, and lots of street parking is available. This Saturday (August 16) is the popular Corn Festival, go grab an ear and get a cob-full of new recipes for this childhood favourite.

The Kitsilano Farmers' Market serves a full plate of community spirit every Sunday. While their huge array of organic produce might catch your eye, the nearby water park and playground will catch your child's. Conveniently located on the bike route, we recommend you make it into a day trip, and the fresh meal you create together at the end will be the piece de resistance.

Offering local produce as it becomes available throughout the season is just one of the things you'll find at the Dundarave village market. They also support local crafters, so there are lots of great gifts, like jewellery and handbags, as well. Go to West Vancouver to experience the market, located along Marine Drive between 24th and 25th streets.

This market has been around for over a decade, so you know it's a good one. A great view of Vancouver is one of the features, but it won't distract from the fresh produce and friendly vendors selling their wares. Take a drive up to the North Shore to visit Lonsdale Quay, located at 123 Carrie Cates Court.

Located by the water and at the entrance to Ambleside Park (in West Vancouver on 14th Street between Marine Drive and Bellevue), this is the place to do your weekend shopping. They have everything, ranging from local produce to fresh fish. Not only do they want you to eat healthy, they're looking out for your physical well-being, too. Massages are available in one area, along with a games section and live music.

This market is an urban backyard for local West Enders who can stock up on fresh produce at the laid-back location adjacent to community gardens. Find the market at 1100 Block of Comox Street, across from Nelson Park, at Mole Hill.

Stop by Main Street Station after work mid-week and pick up some local wares before heading home. Everything from produce to local meats and cheeses is available at this market, located at the 1100 Block of Station Street, at the eastern edge of Thornton Park, in front of the Pacific Central Station.

Grocery shopping doesn't normally excite the kids, but this market, located in the Upper Village Market Stroll at the base of Blackcomb, is an entirely different ballgame. Face painting, live entertainment, fresh lemonade and the Summer Adventure Zone (bungee, luge, mini-golf, go-carts, spider web and more) are all just extras to keep them interested while you peruse the freshest foods.

Located in the north parking lot of Burnaby City Hall, this market is the place to find locally grown produce, prepared foods and crafts. Some features of this market include a children's play tent, games table, book exchange and live music.