While the list of markets is virtually endless around our province, we’ve rounded out a few of our favourites worth checking out this summer.
We love a farmers’ market! Does it get any better than high vibes, fresh food, and a little bit of shipping? Summer in Alberta is synonymous with sun-filled days, long weekend fun, and the delightful buzz of farmers’ markets scattered across the province. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Alberta’s farmers’ markets is a quintessential summer activity. You’ll find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal finds, homemade treats, and awesome gifts for any occasion. Let’s dive into some of Alberta’s biggest and best farmers’ markets that you need to check out this summer.
Millarville Farmers’ Market
Tucked away in the foothills of the Rockies, the Millarville Farmers’ Market is an essential stop on any summer market tour. Located just 35 minutes southwest of Calgary, this market has been a staple for over 30 years. It runs every Saturday from mid-June to early October, offering market-goers a delightful mix of fresh produce, crafts, and delicious baked goods.
You can shop from over 185 vendors, including local farmers, bakers, and artisans. One standout aspect of the market is its beautiful location at the historic Millarville Racetrack, adding a charming rustic vibe to your market experience. Be sure to check out all the fun events happening throughout the summer at the Millarville Racetrack! You’ll want to carve out a good chunk of time to spend here. There’s so much to do you’d be silly to simply swing by.
Where: Millarville Racetrack 306097 192 St. West, Millarville, AB.
When: Every Saturday, June 15 through October 12, 2024
Time: 9 am - 2 pm
St. Albert Farmers’ Market
If you love a fabulous market, this one is for you! The St. Albert Farmers’ Market is not just the largest in Alberta but also the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Canada.
Located in the heart of St. Albert, just northwest of Edmonton, this bustling market opens every Saturday from June to October. With over 270 vendors, it offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, dairy, crafts, and food trucks. The market mission follows a “make it, bake it, or grow it,” policy, ensuring that everything you buy is locally sourced and genuinely artisanal. The bustling atmosphere, live music, and friendly vendors make it a must-visit.
One special feature is the wide array of foods available for different parts of the world, making it a fantastic spot for lunch and foodies looking to try something new.
Where: 5 St. Anne Street, Downtown St. Albert, AB.
When: Every Saturday through October 12, 2024
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Red Deer Market
Set in the heart of central Alberta, the Red Deer Farmers Market is a weekly hub of activity every Saturday from May to October. With a new location at Red Deer Polytechnic, this market features over 200 vendors and is easily accessible by bike or foot. It’s a community gathering place where you will find everything from fresh produce to local breweries.
The market strongly focuses on local products, with many vendors coming from within a 100 km radius. It also welcomes casual vendors to simply show up! The friendly atmosphere and variety of goods make it a fantastic stop on your summer adventure.
Where: Red Deer Polytechnic (formerly Red Deer College), 100 College Boulevard, Red Deer, AB.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 8 am - 12:30 pm
Banff Farmers’ Market
The Banff Farmers’ Market is a refreshing mid-week event held every Wednesday from June to October in the heart of Banff. Capturing the vibrant local culture and the natural beauty set amidst the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, this market offers a blend of shopping, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. Stroll through the market, take in the fresh alpine air, and pick up some of the best local products available in the Rockies. If you’re in Banff and need some groceries, we hardly recommend waiting until market day because this produce will blow you away.
Where: Central Park, Banff, AB.
When: Every Wednesday through October 9, 2024
Time: 10 am - 6 pm
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
For those in Edmonton, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is a beloved local treasure. Situated in the historic Old Strathcona district near Whyte Avenue, this market operates indoors, year-round, every Saturday, so it’s perfect for Alberta’s often unpredictable weather. It’s home to over 130 vendors who take pride in their locally sourced goods. The market is famous for its fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and quality handmade goods.
The lively vibe and the location in one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods make it perfect for a leisurely Saturday outing. It could also make for a very cute date idea if you’re in the mood!
Where:10310-83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB.
When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 8 am - 3 pm
Bearspaw Farmers’ Market
Nestled in the scenic countryside just west of Calgary, the Bearspaw Farmers’ Market is a delightful market destination. Open on Sundays from June to October, this market offers a relaxed and friendly setting for shopping and poking around.
With over 110 vendors, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade preserves, woodworking, pottery, jewellery, and more. This year, celebrating 30 years of the farmers’ market, a locally designed market tote bag is being sold for $5 for two in support of the Lions Club and the Cochrane Foodbank. Come support local and check out the gorgeous location, perched high above the Bow River, with rolling foothills as your backdrop.
Where: 25240 Nagway Road, Calgary, AB.
When: Every Sunday until October 6, 2024
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
There you have it! Farmers’ Market season is upon us! It truly celebrates the province’s rich agricultural history and offers something special for everyone. Grab your tote bags and get ready to explore some of the best farmers’ markets across this wonderful province. Shop local, support local!
Here’s a complete list of Alberta’s Farmers' Markets for all you folks looking to discover all the markets Alberta has to offer.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
