The Top Farmers’ Markets In Toronto

The Fairmount Park Farmers’ Market is held from June to October each year. This community-run market focuses on providing fresh local produce, dairy products, meat and fish as well as prepared artisanal foods. Start by picking up a few Ontario wines from Stanners Vineyard or Tawse Winery. Head to Abokichi for Japanese onigiri, or take it to Mnandi Pies for handmade butter crust pies filled with Zimbabwean meat. The Backyard Urban Farm Company (or BUFCO) offers consultations for visitors interested in installing their own sustainable vegetable gardens at home. The market also hosts regular special events, such as live music and children’s entertainment.

Operated by the West End Food Co-op, the Sorauren Farmers’ Market has been held every Monday afternoon since 2008. This year-round market takes place in Sorauren Park from May to October, moving into Wabash Field House over the winter months. The market offers a mix of fresh fish, artisan cheeses, as well as sustainably raised meats and eggs. Vendors like Earth + City offer prepared foods, such as grain bowls, salads, and wraps. The market also hosts a range of community events, including outdoor film screenings, talks, music performances, and children’s activities, many of which are aimed at promoting healthy, sustainable living.

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market is held Tuesday afternoons from May to October. Set towards the northwest corner of Trinity Bellwoods Park, the market features around 30 vendors selling farm-fresh produce, meat, fish, cheeses, as well as prepared foods and baked goods. Highlights include veggie rotis and other Caribbean dishes from Ali’s Fish Shack and fresh corn from Erin Wood Farms. Bona Fide Bean Coffee Co. offers fair trade, organic coffee beans; get an iced espresso, perfect for sipping while wandering around the market stalls.

MyMarket has three locations across Toronto, with markets held at Bloor and Borden, East Lynn Park and Liberty Village on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Granted by Farmers’ Market Ontario, the MyMarket certification is given only to vendors that sell goods produced themselves. This contrasts with conventional farmers’ markets, where vendors can resell goods from the food terminal. Expect a fantastic selection of fresh local fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products. The Bloor and Borden and East Lynn Park markets run from June to October, while the Liberty Village market continues into early November.

The Montgomery’s Inn Farmers’ Market is held in the parking lot beside Montgomery’s Inn. Constructed in the early 19th century, the inn was originally part of a 400-acre farm and today the farmers’ market draws on the site’s agricultural heritage. The market’s vendors sell a variety of organic produce, honey, preserves, baked goods, meats and prepared foods. One of the stand-outs is the Montgomery’s INNovators, who prepare fresh bread in a wood-fired outdoor bake oven. The market is held on Wednesdays year-round from 2 pm to 6 pm, although it moves indoors during the colder months.

Started in 2007, Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market has grown to become the largest farmers’ market in the city. The Saturday market features more than 70 local farmers, producers, and chefs, while the more low-key Sunday market offers a smaller selection of around 30 vendors. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, ethically-farmed meat and fish, fresh flowers and local wines, the market offers regular entertainment including buskers, live music, talks and workshops. The Sunday market also includes locally-crafted cask beer from a rotating line-up of brewers.