Farmers Market by Natalie Maynor
Farmers’ markets have been springing up around Toronto at an amazing rate over the past couple years. It has become fashionable to go green and buy local, organic products instead of supporting large, multinational corporations spending enormous amounts of energy to transport their goods from one place to another. We have learned to love our morning trips to the marketplace with a little basket in our hand and getting our produce and breakfast pastry from the producers themselves. Here is my list of the top five farmers’ markets in Toronto that are definitely worth visiting to experience their unique atmosphere:
Getting over the hurdle
Nathan Phillips Square Farmers
Market by Tom Flemming
Nathan Phillips Square
Not only can you get fresh, locally grown produce and get supplied for a picnic lunch with friends in one of the city’s parks, but the market is also complemented by a free noon-hour concert of young Canadian artists. Open from June 2 until October, Wednesdays from 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. (at Bay).
Dufferin Farmers Market
by Laura Berman
Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market
All year round, a weekly market is held in the picturesque Dufferin Grove Park, and it has one of longest farmers’ markets traditions in Toronto. It showcases all kinds of goods. Alongside organic fruits and vegetables, you can also get a taste of wild foods, fair-trade chocolate, gluten-free baking, locally produced honey, and much more.
Open Thursdays from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at 875 Dufferin Street, south of Bloor.
Yo Vanderkley performed
at the Guildwood Village market
on Thursday, July 14
Guildwood Village Farmers’ Market
Guildwood markets have become more than markets: they are true community events, bringing people together and providing various activities besides selling goods. Kids can enjoy face-painting, and local musicians perform during the event. Together with the delicious food, visitors are also offered lots of artisan products.
Open from June 9 to October 6, Thursdays from 2:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at 85 Livingston Rd at Guildwood Pkwy.
Evergreen Brickworks Market
by Brian K YYZ
Evergreen Brickworks Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, Evergreen Brickworks Market features the best local products, including a wide choice of fruits, vegetables, wild fish, meat, cheese, and eggs. Almost each of the sellers has some specialty worth returning for again and again — and discovering it for yourself can be very enjoyable.
Open Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at 550 Bayview Ave. (the Bayview Extension).
Christmas Market at Distillery
District by Stephen Weppler
Distillery Sundays Market
Here you’ll find lots of gluten-free and vegan baked goods, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, together with homemade jams and jellies, and takeaway meals. The food section is supplemented by numerous artisan stalls. Taking place in the oldest part of town, the Distillery Sundays Market is well-known for its unique atmosphere and is definitely worth attending.
Open from May to September, Sundays from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at The Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill Street.
