Posted On 28.12.07
Canada’s Farmer’s Markets are as much a part of the Canadian experience as maple syrup, the Rocky Mountains and Newfoundland Screech. The markets tend to hit their peak in the summer and fall. By October many close for the season. In major centres, though, where markets are indoors they’re open all year. St, John, New Brunswick’s City Market, Halifax Historic Market, Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, The Forks in Winnipeg, Edmonton’s Strathcona Market and the world famous Granville Island Market in Vancouver are all different, reflecting regional culture, crafts and cuisine. Here’s a summary of some of Canada’s most well known markets and their locations:

Halifax Farmers’ Market
Open year round in the old Keith’s Brewery Building, Halifax claims to have North America’s oldest market, circa 1750. At 1496 Lower Water Street. www.nsfarmersmarkets.ca/halifax

Saint John, New Brunswick
The familiar City Clerk’s bell signals the opening of the market every morning at 7:30am, Monday to Saturday. Built in the mid 1800’s, it’s an official Canadian Heritage Site. Located in the heart of the city, 47 Charlotte Street, at the head of the Bay of Fundy.

Atwater Market, Montreal, Quebec
One of Montreal's oldest markets (1933), the Atwater Market is in the Montreal suburb of St. Henri, near the La Chine Canal bike path. Open everyday at 138 Atwater Ave. (Near Notre-Dame). Other Montreal markets include Marché Jean Talon and Marché de l’Ouest.

St. Lawrence Market - Toronto, Ontario
In the centre of Toronto, St. Lawrence Public Market is well known for its incredible selection of meats, seafood, cheeses and ethnic delights. Vendors have mastered the art of irresistible food displays. Front Street and Jarvis. www.stlawrencemarket.com

The Forks - Winnpeg, Manitoba
The Forks was once the CN rail yards and a fading industrial site. Its name comes from the fork formed by the meeting of the Red and the Assiniboine Rivers where it is located. Open every day behind the CN railway station just off Main and Broad St. www.theforks.com

Saskatoon Farmers Market - Saskatchewan
In the summer its an outdoor market in front of city hall. In the winter, the market moves nearby indoors. This is Saskatoon Berry country so expect to enjoy them fresh, in preserves and in wonderfully baked goods. http://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com

Old Strathcona Market, Edmonton, Alberta
The former bus barns have been home to the Strathcona Market for over 20 years. It’s a Saturday-only market with 130 vendors in over 33,000 square feet. Also home to Edmonton’s famous Fringe Festival and the Edmonton Radial Railway Society. 10310 – 83rd Ave.

Granville Island Market - Vancouver, BC
Open daily, the Granville Market is one of the most successful in North America. Built on an industrial site in the late 1970s, Granville Island Market has evolved into an experience. Situated on False Creek Inlet, there’s a fantastic view of the Vancouver skyline and a seaside atmosphere with a flotilla of boats moored in several marinas. Located under the Granville Street Bridge. www.granvilleisland.com