As we get closer to the warmer months, we’re all eager to dust off our reusable bags, enjoy a coffee with friends, and explore the local farmers’ markets in search of our next incredible find. As proud residents of Victoria, we cherish homemade creations, crave fresh, delicious food, and prioritise supporting our local businesses. Here’s your guide to 15 must-visit artisan and farmers’ markets around Victoria.
Greater Victoria
Oak Bay Village Night Market
In the summer, Oak Bay Village transforms into a European style street market, with an assortment of artists, artisans, produce and delicious food. The market is held every second Wednesday from June to September and is held rain or shine.
James Bay Market
The James Bay Market’s motto is ‘Handmade, Homemade, Homegrown’. As it enters its 29th year, the market is celebrating its incredible growth since 1995. Operating Saturdays from May 4th to October 5th, the market continues to see over 50 tents and vendors participate, with popularity increasing.
Esquimalt Farmers Market
The Esquimalt Market is a local favourite and is sure to be packed with everything you’re looking for! The market can be found at Memorial Park (Thursdays from April 4th to September 12th, September 19th and 26th), Gorge Park (Mondays from June 17th to September 16th), and Esquimalt Recreation (Thursdays from October 3rd to December 19th) as well as the Annual Holiday Market on November 24th.
Moss Street Farmers Market
This year, the beloved Moss Street Farmer’s Market is celebrating its 33rd season! The market draws locals in with organic farm-fresh produce, delicious foods, handmade crafts, artisan clothing and more. The market runs year-round, with regular season and winter market hours and also provides online shopping options!
Goldstream Farmers Market
The Goldstream Farmers Market is located in the heart of Langford at Veterans Memorial Park, and can be enjoyed annually, every Saturday from May to November. The market prides itself on its homemade and hand grown offerings, including produce, baked goods, crafts and more.
Oaklands Sunset Market
The Oaklands Sunset Market runs throughout the summer, each week on Wednesdays. What began as a community celebration, has evolved in size, capacity and scope over time. The market offers a space for neighbours and local businesses to come together and share what they have created. The market’s goal is to create and sustain a safe space to share local food, arts, culture and more.
North Saanich Farm Market
Every year, the North Saanich Farm Market draws in large crowds, eager to spend their Saturdays browsing through the delicious produce and treats from their neighbours. Starting June 1st, the market runs every Saturday throughout the summer and all the way into October. For those looking for entertainment, be sure to stick around for local performers!
Peninsula Country Market
Another popular Saturday market stop is the Peninsula Country Market! Starting June 1st, stop by to indulge in delicious food, enjoy live entertainment and visit with a wide variety of vendors. The Market starts every Saturday at 9 am and also includes a new Peninsula Co-op kid zone with a storyteller and weekly interactive activity.
Sidney Street Market
The Sidney Street Market is described by locals as ‘iconic’, which explains why, every year, thousands of people flock to the streets of Downtown Sidney to explore every season. The market is operated by Kaemac and takes place every Thursday evening from June to September along Sidney’s Beacon Avenue.
Downtown Victoria
The Bastion Square Public Market
If there’s anywhere in Victoria that’s perfect for a market, it’s Bastion Square, with its central location, historical charm, and proximity to amenities. The popular craft and artisan market runs Thursdays to Sundays every summer. Enjoy shopping before or after getting a bite to eat at one of downtown Victoria’s delicious restaurants!
Ship Point Market
Have you heard of Victoria’s Ship Point Market? You can find it along the city’s Inner Harbour overlooking the Causeway Marina, the Empress Hotel and the B.C. Legislature. Every year, 40+ vendors set up shop to showcase their high-quality goods, food trucks serve delicious food and Victoria’s local musicians appear to entertain the crowds. 2024 dates are coming soon!
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
If you’re looking for an indoor, year-round market, visit the Victoria Public Market, located in the historic Hudson Building! Here, you can find local artisans, farmers, butchers, bakers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurateurs. The space also offers live entertainment and plenty of seating, making it a great spot to visit.
Sooke & Metchosin
Sooke Night Market
Over the past few years, night markets have been growing in popularity, and Sooke is listening! If you’re a night owl, the Sooke Night Market runs Thursday evenings from June to September, so you can shop to your heart’s content, without the sun burn!
Sooke Country Market
For those in Sooke who are morning people, you can also attend the Sooke Country Market! Grab your coffee and some friends, and visit the market to purchase your fresh veggies, crafts, baked goods and more. You can visit the market every Saturday from April 20th to October 12th.
Metchosin Farmers Market
Take a scenic drive into Metchosin to enjoy a ‘true country market’, where everything is homemade. Vendors’ booths sell local produce and meat, freshly baked breads and pastries and more. The market operates Sundays from May to October with an extra market the first Sunday in December for Christmas!
