The summer season isn’t over yet, and a trip to the market is calling
Photo by Gabby Bullock.
Summer: the season of sunburns, fresh fruit, cold swims, and last but not least, farmers markets.
While farmers markets can be an introvert’s worst nightmare, they’re an instant mood boost for those of us who take pleasure in meandering, chit-chatting, perusing, and all-around dilly-dallying.
Not to mention, farmers markets are fantastic places to hear some live music, reunite with friendly faces, and stock up on produce for the coming week.
Here in Victoria, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to colourful, aromatic, and lively farmers markets. But the fun doesn’t have to end when the season does — here is everything you need to know about four markets in the area that you haven’t missed out on yet!
Esquimalt Farmers Market
The Esquimalt Farmers Market, located in — you guessed it — Esquimalt, is held on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Regardless of whether it’s at Gorge Park on Monday or Memorial Park on Thursday, this market is just a ten minute drive (or 20 minute bus ride) from the core of Victoria’s downtown.
The market boasts over 60 vendors, who sell everything from jerky to candles to cider to handbags. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Esquimalt Farmers Market also invites local musicians to play for their patrons.
Monday Sept. 4 and Thursday Sept. 14 will be the last days of the season to catch this market in its outdoor locations before it moves inside for the winter, so visit while you still can!
Pets are welcome on-leash Thursdays at Gorge Park, but prohibited at Memorial Park. Both locations have public parking and are accessible by bus. For more information about the Market be sure to visit their website.
Moss Street Market
Moss Street Market is not afraid of an autumn chill — it will only move inside come November! Until then, it will continue to be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. outdoors at 401 Moss St. for all of September and October. So be sure to bundle up, grab an apple cider, and enjoy the crisp fall air while you stroll through the market all season long.
The market lists vendors across various categories, including craft and artisan, farm, and food. Ceramics, linen clothing, jewellery, soap, dolls, hot and prepared foods, fresh produce, flowers, spices, and cheeses are just a few examples of what Moss Street Market has to offer.
Moss Street Market also invites local musicians to set the tone for their patrons, but only promises to do so until the end of September, so make sure to catch the market in all its jubilant, soundtracked glory while you can!
James Bay Market
Rain or shine, the James Bay Market will be waiting for you every Saturday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. — until Oct. 7, that is.
This market is rich with history, having been around for nearly 30 years. Home to food trucks, live music, and, according to the market’s organizers, “community spirit,” the James Bay Market is a must-visit Victoria attraction.
Whether you’re looking for this week’s produce supply, a warm cup of coffee, a Saturday chat, or to say hello to a furry friend (pets are welcome!), the James Bay Market has what you’re looking for. Like the other markets, this one proudly hosts a generous number of artisans, selling jewellery, textiles, soaps, and specialty baking, among other goods.
Find the James Bay Market on the corner of Menzies and Superior St., stay to hear at least one of three sets of live music at each Saturday market, and leave feeling the spirit of community that the market is so proud to foster.
Bastion Square Market
Bastion Square Market is the final feature of four. Another open-air public market, it is located in the heart of Victoria’s downtown, and runs from Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Like the aforementioned markets, Bastion Square Market is home to countless local artisanal craft vendors, live entertainment from 12–1 p.m., as well as coffee and baked goods.
In addition, they boast vintage and art vendors, and host “Foodie Friday” every week, which features fresh produce, farm vendors, hot dogs, and foodie products galore for market goers.
This market is set to run all through September, so get to beautiful Bastion Square Market while you can!
