Are you looking for fresh, organic produce? How about a wide selection of locally made goods? Thankfully, Vancouver Island has many spring and summer markets to choose from. Find all the locations for Mid-Island Markets right here. They are arranged from South to North.
This article has been fully updated as of April 2023. As more spring and summer markets pop up, I will do my best to continue updating this post.
Cowichan Valley Spring and Summer Markets
Duncan Farmers' Market
This market has a “you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it” philosophy. This means you will find various local products to fulfil your “100-mile diet” needs. With over 100 vendors, they are one of the largest year-round markets in British Columbia.
Location: Market Square on Craig Street and down Ingram Street
When: Saturdays year-round, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market
Offering a variety of baked goods, garden produce, candles, body care products, pewter, artwork, jewelry, knitting, preserves, and so much more. It's a place to enjoy good people, food and drink, music, and more in a fun and happy atmosphere.
Location: 10063 South Shore Road, Honeymoon Bay (Lake Cowichan)
When: Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving weekend, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
The Public Market
Filled with various vendors, you can find everything at the Chemainus Public Market, from soaps and jewelry to chocolates and antiques.
Location: 9790 Willow Street, Chemainus
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chemainus Wednesday Market
You can expect various market vendors featuring farm produce, flowers, baked goods, sweets, crafts, and much more.
Location: Waterwheel Park
When: Every Wednesday, from Mid-May to Mid-September
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Nanaimo & Area
The Mom Markets
The Mom Market Collective Inc is hosting several spring and summer markets around Vancouver Island. Five of which will be held in Nanaimo. Each market is unique and offers something for everyone. Make sure to check the details on their website.
- Mother's Day Market – May 13, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at Woodgrove Centre
- Market & a Movie – Saturday, May 27th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm at Nanaimo North Town Centre
- Start of Summer Market – June 24, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at the parking lot outside of Toys R Us (Woodgrove)
- Summertime Fun Market – July 29, from 11:00 – 4:00 pm at the parking lot outside of Toys R Us (Woodgrove)
- Music Series Market – August 19, from 11:00 – 4:00 pm at the parking lot outside of Toys R Us (Woodgrove)
Wellness & Spirit Fair
Presented by Island Healing, the Nanaimo Wellness & Spirit Fair showcases a fusion of wellness and metaphysical products, services, and resources for growth that helps foster the individual quest for wholeness and self-understanding. Representing a diverse field of extraordinary individuals, businesses, and organizations that offer products and services that facilitate the quest for our community to discover the latest trends in nutrition, fitness, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
FREE ADMISSION * FREE LECTURES * FREE PARKING * DRAW PRIZES * FOOD TRUCK
When: Saturday, May 13th, 2023
Where: Cavallotti Hall, 2060 E. Wellington Rd., Nanaimo
Time: 10 am -5 pm
Cedar Farmers Market
At this market, you will find over 70 vendors selling meat, fish, honey, baked goods, crafts and handmade wares (plus so much more!). There is always live music to enjoy too.
Location: Woodbank School (1984 Woobank Road, Cedar)
When: Every Sunday, from Mother's Day until the end of October
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Island Roots Farmers' Market
Island Roots is Nanaimo's only year-round Farmers' Market. They host a wide variety of farmers, producers, and artisans local to Vancouver Island. Both the summer and winter markets operate within Beban Park.
Spring and Summer Market Location: In the field beside Frank Crane Arena
When: April 19 – October 11, every Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Nanaimo Night Market
Commercial Street will be pedestrian-only as artisan vendors, crafters, food and beverage purveyors, and downtown merchants line the streets selling everything from food to crafts to curios. Play some street games or visit the food trucks and beverage samplers on Diana Krall Plaza. Live entertainment, including bouncy castles, climbing walls and face painters, will be there, and a self-guided Arts & Culture Crawl will highlight the downtown Arts District. Downtown restaurants and cafés are bringing their hospitality out onto the street.
Location: Commercial Street
When: Thursdays, from June 22 – August 31, 2023
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Gabriola Farmer's Market
Pick up some fresh-baked goods and locally grown fruits and vegetables. There are many opportunities to purchase lovely arts and crafts and listen to buskers. Coffee and breakfast are available on-site as well.
Location: AGI Hall (465 South Road)
When: Saturdays from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Oceanside & Port Alberni Spring and Summer Markets
Parksville Community Market
Support local farmers and artisans by shopping at this market featuring locally grown, handmade or home-based businesses. There are also food trucks and live music.
They are also currently seeking more vendors of every type, including home reno, maintenance and landscaping home-based businesses, to join their weekly market. And, of course, artisans and food producers too.
Location: 223 Mills Street, Parksville.
When: Held every Sunday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
MARS Annual Rhododendron Show & Sale
Featuring the early to mid-season blooming rhododendron species, along with local vendors selling gardening goodies and a variety of plants, head to this event. Admission is free.
Whether you’re a rhododendron aficionado, a gardener, or simply a fan of flowers, you’ll find lots to enjoy at the MARS Rhododendron Show and Plant Sale.
Location: Qualicum Beach Curling Club (644 Memorial Avenue)
When: One day only! Saturday, April 22, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Springtime on the Farm Market
This one-day market at Arbutus Meadows Farm is a wonderful time to do some spring shopping or find that perfect gift for mom. Enjoy various vendors, amazing local talent, a jazz band, hay wagon rides, food trucks, and afternoon tea. The lavender shop will also be open!
Location: Arbutus Meadows Farm (1515 Island Hwy), Nanoose Bay
When: Saturday, May 13, from 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Metaphysical Psychic & Wellness Fair
This one-day fair created by Shift in Action connects patrons with psychics, readers, and intuitive healers. You'll also find plenty of crystals and metaphysical gifts to purchase. Admission is free, and there will be door prizes.
Location: Knox United Church (345 Pym Street, Parksville)
When: Saturday, May 27, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer by the Sea Street Market
With over 130 vendors each night, this is one of the largest markets on the island. Now in its 20th year, this street market has fantastic participation from local merchants for full-season and drop-in vendors from all over Vancouver Island. With live music and entertainment adding to the ambience, it transforms Craig Street into an exciting place for a Tuesday evening stroll.
Location: Craig Street, Parksville
When: Tuesdays from June 13 to August 29th, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Errington Farmers' Market
Here you will find in-season spray-free produce, eggs, plants, cut flowers, baked goods, jams, homemade soap, seasoning rubs, wool and locally made crafts. There is also live music, and the coffee shop serves fresh organic coffee and many homemade goodies.
Location: 1550 Veterans Road
When: Saturdays from May to the end of September, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Qualicum Beach Farmers' Market
Located in the heart of the beautiful village of Qualicum Beach, this farmers' market specializes in fresh produce, meat, seafood, and value-added products. It is a focal point for residents and visitors to meet and socialize, enjoy the town atmosphere, and buy directly from local producers.
Location: 644 Memorial Avenue (at the Train Crossing)
When: Open year-round on Saturdays, from 8:30 am-noon.
Port Alberni Farmers' Market
The Port Alberni Market is the longest-running year-round outdoor Market on Vancouver Island. Community farmers and artisans are there to welcome locals and visitors alike.
Location: 6211 Cherry Creek Road
When: Saturdays, year-round, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Spirit Square Farmers' Market
The Spirit Square Farmers' Market is the newest and oldest farmer's market in Port Alberni. Recently renamed but maintaining many of the original founders and long-time members who proudly began a market at the Quay some twenty years ago.
Location: 5440 Argyle Street
When: Saturdays year-round, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Comox Valley & Campbell River
The Mom Market will also be in Comox and Campbell River this spring and summer.
Spring Into Comox
Head to the 2nd annual spring market hosted by the Mom Market Collective Inc. This market is for everyone (not just moms) and includes many local vendors. Free admission and a grand prize draw.
Location: Comox Community Centre (1855 Noel Avenue)
When: One-day event! April 15, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Springtime Finds in Campbell River
Location: Campbell River Sportsplex
When: One-day event! April 29 from noon – 4:00 pm.
Local Finds at Filberg
Location: Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park
When: Sunday, August 27, from noon – 4:00 pm
Comox Valley Farmers' Markets
The Comox Valley Farmers Markets offer a wide and diverse range of products at various locations and days of the week.
Locations
Cumberland – 2739 Dunsmuir Avenue (Village Square – between the Wandering Moose Cafe and the bakery)
- Sunday's, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (June 4th – September 24th)
Courtenay – Duncan Avenue
- Wednesday's, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (June 7th – September 6th)
Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds – 4839 Headquarters Rd., Courtenay
- Saturday's, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (April 8th – October 9th)
The Merville Hall Gumboot Market
The Merville Hall Gumboot market is a vibrant, diverse market in the heart of the village of Merville. The market is located outside on the field of the Merville Hall (off the Old Island Hwy – Hwy 19A).
Location: 1245 Fenwick Road, Merville
When: Every Sunday (May 28th – September 3rd), from 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Pier Street Market & Arts Fair in Campbell River
This market hosts vendors from the community and surrounding area. You will find a variety of homemade wares, arts and crafts, and fresh produce.
Location: Now held on Shoppers Row in downtown Campbell River
When: Each Sunday from the beginning of May – until the end of September, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Have I missed any Mid-Island Spring and Summer Markets? If so, please let me know in the comments below.
For even more locally made items, make sure to check out these subsequent articles:
The Pier Street Market is now held on Shoppers Row downtown Campbell River and not at the Pier
Thank you so much for the info! I will update the article.
Hey, did you know about the Community Market on Mills St held every Sunday from 11AM until 2PM? Check it out! We’re seeking more venders of every type, including home reno/maintenance/landscaping home based business to join us weekly to promote their services, as well as artisans and food producers. Look us up here: https://www.parksvillecentre.ca/events/parksville-community-market-on-mills-st-a-program-of-the-parksville-community-centre-society/
Thank you, Albert! I will update this article to include your market.
The Merville Hall Gumboot Market is another wonderful market on Mondays from 4 to 7pm. Check them out on Facebook. It’s outside at the Merville Hall located at Fenwick and Hwy 19A.
Update: The times for market are 4 to 6;30pm
Great! Thank you, Sue. I will look it up.
I’ve added it to the list 🙂
I think the Gumboot market is on Sundays now 🙂
Ok, great! I will look into it.
Perfect timing as I had just arrived back in the Comox Valley a less than a week ago and I was wondering where the market was. Looking forward to some local lamb, honey, bread and meeting the producers again.
Great to hear! Thanks, Lorraine.
Thank u! Sooooo helpful….
Glad you find the article useful!