Farmers’ markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce—they’re vibrant community hubs that embody the very best of BC’s buy local philosophy.
While the connection might not seem obvious at first glance, there is a natural relationship between farmers’ markets and the craft beer community – one that we’ve talked about before. Both farmers’ markets and craft breweries share a commitment to supporting local producers, celebrating regional flavours, and fostering genuine connections between makers and consumers. And both represent a shift toward more intentional consumption, where knowing the source of what you’re buying matters as much as the quality itself. Movements like the Canada-wide Glorious and Free collaboration beer (and the growing list of other all-Canadian-ingredient brews) show that craft beer lovers care about supporting local and strengthening communities while showcasing the incredible resources our province has to offer. And farmers’ markets share those same values.
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is an organization that is “passionate about local food and helping markets, farmers and small businesses grow so local food continues to thrive.” Their member markets take place across BC on the BC Farmers’ Market Trail, some seasonally and some year-round, but all with a “grow it, make it, bake it” philosophy: everything you’ll find at these markets has been grown or crafted by a locally-owned small business.
On the BC Farmers’ Market Trail, you’ll find over 145 market destinations around the province, each with something unique to offer. Not sure where to start? Download the free BC Farmers’ Market Trail app to find the markets nearest you. Just like the BC Ale Trail app*, you’ll find a guide to the markets closest to you and be able to browse regional destinations. You can earn points by checking in when you visit a market, join ‘Taste & Do’ challenges, complete Tasting Passports, all as you discover your new favourite ingredients and products to truly savour the flavours of BC.
*The BC Ale Trail is making it even easier to find farmers’ markets near you that host local craft breweries! On the BC Ale Trail mobile app and on the website, you’ll find local farmers’ markets listed on the Events pages. Your weekend grocery shopping just got tastier!
There are plenty of reasons to make farmers’ markets your go-to shopping destination and become part of this thriving local economy; here are just a few:
Support Local and Strengthen Your Community
When you buy directly from a local farmer, baker, maker, or artisan at a farmers’ market, your money goes straight back to the source and stays in your local economy. This direct-to-consumer model means more of your hard-earned dollars support local families and businesses rather than distant corporations.
But the impact goes beyond economics. Shopping at farmers’ markets strengthens community ties in meaningful ways. The BCAFM collaborates with community organizations and member farmers’ markets to provide farmers’ market coupons to lower-income families, pregnant people, and seniors. This coupon program, supported by the Province of British Columbia and generous community donors, ensures that fresh, local food is accessible to everyone in the community.
By shopping at your local farmers’ market, you’re not just buying food—you’re investing in a more equitable and connected community.
Discover So Much More Than Fruits and Vegetables
While fresh produce might draw you in, BC farmers’ markets offer an incredible diversity of local goods that will surprise and delight you. You’ll find everything from farm-fresh eggs to artisanal dairy products, locally raised meat, golden honey, homemade preserves, and freshly baked bread that puts grocery store options to shame.
The variety doesn’t stop at food. Local markets showcase an impressive array of BC-made products, including things like handcrafted soaps and natural skin care, artisan jewelry, leather or knitted goods, clothing, and beautiful woodworking or pottery pieces. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, farmers’ markets offer one-of-a-kind items you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Every visit becomes a treasure hunt where you might discover your new favourite local jam maker, the hottest hot sauce to spice things up, or that perfect handcrafted piece for your home.
Sample and Shop Local Craft Beer
Yes, you read that right! Many BC farmers’ markets feature local craft breweries where you can sample the latest releases and pick up a 4-pack or 6-pack to pair with the fresh ingredients you’re gathering. There’s something magical about selecting fresh vegetables, artisan cheese, and locally baked bread, then completing your meal with a craft beer from the same community.
This unique shopping experience lets you create completely local meals while supporting multiple small businesses in one trip. Imagine pairing that farm-fresh tomato and basil with locally made mozzarella and a crisp wheat beer—all sourced within miles of your home.
Dramatically Lower Your Environmental Impact
Here’s a staggering fact: the average North American meal travels between 2,400 to 4,000 kilometres from farm to table, according to one Ontario newspaper. 92% of imported fruit travels more than 1500km, with 22% travelling beyond 7000 km to reach your table, according to a paper by York University.
When you shop at farmers’ markets, you’re buying food that may have traveled just a few dozen kilometers—or sometimes just a few blocks—to reach you. This dramatic reduction in food miles means significantly lower carbon emissions, less packaging waste, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels for transportation. By choosing local, you’re making a powerful environmental statement with every purchase while reducing your personal carbon footprint in a meaningful way.
Experience Seasonal, Fresh Food That Simply Tastes Better
There’s no comparison between a tomato picked yesterday from a local farm and one that’s been shipped thousands of miles and stored for weeks. Farmers’ market produce is harvested at peak ripeness and sold within days, or even hours, of being picked. This means you’re getting maximum nutritional value, incredible flavour, and the freshest possible ingredients. You’ll taste the difference immediately: strawberries that burst with sweetness, greens that are crisp and vibrant, and herbs so aromatic they perfume your kitchen.
Shopping seasonally also connects you to the natural rhythms of your region. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation for what grows when, discover new varieties of familiar vegetables, and learn to create meals that celebrate the best of each season. Not sure how to cook a purple cauliflower? Ask the vendor! Another benefit to shopping directly from the grower is the opportunity to learn the best ways to prepare new foods straight from the pros.
Here are some of the markets around BC where you’ll find your local craft brewery each week, organized by region:
Kootenay Rockies:
Northern BC:
Thompson Okaganan:
- Celista Hall Farmers’ Market – Celista, North Shuswap
- Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market
- Penticton Farmers’ Market
- Sorrento Village Farmers’ Market
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains:
- Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
- Haney Farmers’ Market
- Market at the Quay Farmers’ Market – North Vancouver
- New West Farmers’ Market
- Squamish Farmers’ Market
Vancouver Island:
- Duncan Farmers’ Market
- Esquimalt Farmers’ Market
- James Bay Community Market – Victoria
- Qualicum Beach Farmers’ Market
Every Pint Tells a Story
