Market season is back and we could not be more excited! There’s truly nothing better than browsing and shopping at a farmers’ market. Whether you’re buying your fresh, local produce, shopping for handmade gifts, or just grabbing lunch and enjoying the experience itself, everyone loves a good market.
In Alberta, we are blessed with an endless array of farmers’s markets on all sides of our province. If you’re a farmers’ market fiend, why not take a tour of the province’s best? While it’s almost impossible to pick the best because they’re all so different and amazing in their own rights, we’ve rounded up some that we know you’ll love. Get ready for the farmers’ market tour of 2022!
Airdrie Farmers’ Market
When: Every Wednesday from June to Thanksgiving, 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Jensen Park, 320 Centre Ave. East, Airdrie
What: The Airdrie Farmers’ Market has been going strong for over a decade and is beloved to locals and visitors alike. This market is known for bringing in a huge roster of amazing local vendors including tons of food trucks, fresh produce, accessories and apparel, and so much more. There are tons of samples to try and fun to be had. You need to experience it for yourself! Also, it’s perfect timing for anyone who can’t cut out during work hours, because it goes on into the evening.
Canmore Mountain Market
When: Every Thursday from May to October, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Where: the Elevation Place parking lot, 700 Railway Ave. #100, Canmore
What: The Canmore Mountain Market has been a summer staple in the Bow Valley for over 20 years. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, this is truly an experience everyone needs to have at least once. You’ll find endless food including fresh produce, meat, jams, coffee, baked goods, and more. There are also some on-sight food vendors so you can grab a meal then and there. In addition, you’ll find some incredible crafts, clothing, jewelry, and other artisanal vendors for your shopping pleasure. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit the mountains (not that you need one), you’ve officially found it.
Millarville Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from June 18 to October 8, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society 306097 192 St. W, Millarville
What: If you love a farmers’ market, you will be in heaven here. This market is truly massive with so many vendors, you could (and probably will) spend the whole day here. Not only is there endless shopping to be done, but the food offerings are out of this world. You can get dumplings, soups, baked goods, kettle corn, pirogies, and so much more. There is an incredible array of farm-fresh produce, flowers, and so much more. This place is bursting with colour and freshness, it’s absolutely magical. You’ll also find a ton of makers including decor, knitting, woodworking, pottery, jewellery, clothing, and more.
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Where: 10310 83 Ave. NW, Edmonton
What: This market is worth remembering because not only is it open year-round, every single Saturday, but it’s also located indoors. We all know that Alberta weather isn’t exactly predictable, so an indoor market can be a real treat. This beautiful, classic brick warehouse is filled to the brim with over 130 vendors. You’ll find produce, crafts, and more. The perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Edmonton, rain or shine.
St. Albert Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from June 11 to October, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Where: 5 St Anne St, St. Albert
What: Here we have the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Western Canada! This phenomenal market attracts between 15,000 to 20,000 people every Saturday of the season. Naturally, they have a stacked roster of vendors, featuring 270 amazing makers and artisans. You can get ready to shop for everything from veggies to home decor. Everything is hand-made or home-grown so you get the pleasure of supporting local while enjoying an amazing Saturday at the market.
Medicine Hat Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday from May 21 to the end of September, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Cypress Centre on the Stampede Grounds, 2055 21 Ave. SE Medicine Hat
What: The Medicine Hat Farmers’ Market is all about creating a unique, warm, and neighbourly shopping experience. You will find fresh produce, quality products, amazing prices, a social atmosphere, and some serious community spirit. From freshly-roasted coffee and homemade baked goods to outstanding wines and meat, you’ll want to fill your fridge and pantry with your market finds.
As you can see, there is no shortage of amazing farmers’ markets in our beautiful province. There’s no better way to get to know a new community than to visit their local market. If you want to learn more about the province’s markets, this directory should help!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2022 Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
