Mid-Island Farmers Markets

Are you looking for fresh, organic produce? How about a wide selection of locally made goods? A Farmers Market might just be the place for you. Luckily for us, Vancouver Island has a great many of them to choose from!

Find all the locations for the Mid-Island Farmers Markets right here. They are arranged from South to North.

Cowichan Valley Area

Duncan Farmers’ Market

This market has a “you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it” philosophy. Which means you will find a wide variety of local products to fulfil your “100-mile diet” needs. With over 150 vendors, they are one of the largest markets in British Columbia. From April – October, there is live entertainment as well, including singers, bands, choirs, magicians, and other performers.

Location: 200 Craig Street

When: Saturday’s year round

Time:

• April to October: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
• November to March: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• (Closed first two Saturdays after Christmas Eve)

Chemainus Wednesday Market

You can expect a wide variety of 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

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.

New 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

Nanaimo Downtown Farmers’ Market

Vendors include farmers, bakers, makers, crafters and more. Every week they have fantastic local music talent on stage to entertain all ages.

Location: Pioneer Waterfront Plaza (90 Front Street) (Beside the Bastion)

When: Every Saturday, from May 11 – September 14, 2019

Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 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 joining in and bringing their hospitality out onto the street.

Location: Commercial Street

When: Thursdays, from June 20 – August 29, 2019

Time: 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Gabriola Farmers’ Market

Pick up some fresh-baked goods and locally grown fruits and vegetables. There are also lots of 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: Saturday’s from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving

Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Gabriola Wednesday Market

For the best picks from Gabriola’s local farmers, gardeners and seasonal offerings from the Commons Gardens.

Location: The Gabriola Commons (under the Timber Frame building)

When: Wednesday afternoon’s

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Island Roots Market Co-Op

The Island Roots Market Co-operative provides a means to gather local food and other locally made items with the accompanying farmers/producers to create a year-round farmers’ and artisans market.

Summer Location: 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Hours (mid-May  – mid-October): Wednesday’s from 4:00 – 6:30 pm

Winter Location: Pleasant Valley Hall (6100 Doumont Road)

Hours (late October – early May) Wednesday’s from 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Oceanside Area

Mid-Island Public Market

The Mid-Island Public Market is returning for it’s 2nd season, but will be located someplace new. (At the time of this update, the new location hadn’t been announced yet).

Location: TBA

When: Sunday’s from 1:00 – 4:00 pm starting May 30, 2019

Summer by the Sea Street Market

This is one of the largest markets on the island. In its 15th year, this street market has fantastic participation from local merchants, as well as both 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: Tuesday’s from mid-June – late August

Time: 6:00 – dusk

Friday Night Market

The very popular Friday night market at the Parksville Museum returns this year!

Over 45 vendors will be on site to greet you with food trucks, flowers, produce and everything you need and more importantly, the things you don’t need but want! The market is popular with locals and visitors looking for a unique experience. Plus, all the Museum’s historic buildings are open and waiting for you to visit. Even, some of the historical characters will make an appearance.

Location: Parksville Museum (1245 East Island Hwy, Parksville)

When: Friday evenings, starting at 5:00 pm

Dates: Starting June 28, and happening all summer long

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 lots of homemade goodies.

Location: 1550 Veterans Road

When: Saturdays from May – September 30

Time: 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 their local producers.

Location: 644 Memorial Avenue (at the Train Crossing)

When: Open year round on Saturday’s

Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Port Alberni

Port Alberni 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: First Baptist Church (6211 Cherry Creek Road)

When: Saturday’s, year-round

Time: 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: Harbour Quay (Argyle Street, Port Alberni)

When: Saturday’s year-round

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Comox Valley

Comox Valley Farmers’ Markets

The Comox Valley Farmers Markets offer a wide and diverse range of products, as well as several locations. At any given time you can expect to see:

• Fresh fish and seafood
• Award winning cheeses
• Gourmet sauces
• Take-home meals
• Artisans
• Home baking
• Pet treats
• Skin care products
• Fresh pasta and pesto
• Preserves and pickles
• Honey
• Ethnic foods, including Japanese delicacies, tacos, and Sri Lankan cuisine
• All kinds of fruit and vegetables
• Free Range poultry, eggs, and meats
• Shrubs and plants
• Veggie starters
• Bedding flowers (spring only)
• Local entertainment

Locations

Cumberland – 2739 Dunsmuir Avenue (Village Square – between the Wandering Moose Cafe and the bakery)

• Sunday’s, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (July – September)

Downtown Courtenay – Fifth Street between England and Fitzgerald Ave

• Wednesday’s, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds – 4839 Headquarters Rd., Courtenay

• Saturday’s, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (end of April – mid-October)

Native Sons Hall – 360 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (Winter only)

• Saturday’s, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (late October to early April)

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 Monday (starting May 7, 2018)

Time: 4:00 – 6:30 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: Maritime Heritage Centre (621 Island Hwy, Campbell River)

When: Sunday’s from May – September

Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Have I missed any Mid-Island Farmers Markets? Please let me know in the comments below.

To save this post for future use, please use this image on Pinterest: