
Colours of the Market. Located near the corner of Parkdale
and Wellington in the heart of Hintonburg, the Parkdale Market
first opened its doors over 75 years ago. Photo by Glen Gower.
Ottawa Farmers' Markets Guide
The oldest food market in Ottawa -- and one of the oldest in Canada -- is the historic Byward Market, established in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By. But it's just one of about a dozen markets in urban and suburban Ottawa, including the historic Parkdale Market (established 1927) and the relatively new Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne Park. There's even a market in Kanata that started up within the last couple of years, operating in a parking lot on Hazeldean Road in front of the Shoppers Drug Mart.
Please note: This information was accurate as of July 2011. We'll be updating hours and info for 2012 soon!
Urban markets
- Byward Market
The entire area immediately east of Sussex and north of Rideau is now known as "The Byward Market", a name that dates back to the historic food market that was established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826. You'll still find fresh fruits, vegetables, crafts and other vendors in one of Ottawa's most historic neighbourhoods.
- Main Farmers' Market
At Saint Paul University (223 Main Street). Open Saturdays from 9am-2pm, May-October.
- Ottawa Farmers' Market (Brewer Park)
Formerly located at Lansdowne Park, the Ottawa Farmers' Market moves to Brewer Park. beginning May 6. "We will be located in Brewer Park along Sloan Ave. just south of Sunnyside, across from Carleton University, parallel to Bronson Ave. Hours of operation will continue to be 8:00 am to 3:00 pm every Sunday into November."
- Ottawa Organic Farmers Market
At the Canada Care Building (Bank Street at Heron Road, behind Canadian Tire). Open Saturdays 10am-2pm, all year long.
- Parkdale Market
At the corner of Parkdale and Wellington in Hintonburg. This market was established in 1927 and is run by the City of Ottawa. Features fresh fruit and vegetables and flowers. Open from early spring to late fall, and during the Christmas season. Newly renovated for 2011.
- Preston Street Farmers' Market
Little Italy's market has a new location this year at the corner of Preston and Louisa in the Il Postino parking lot. Open Saturdays from 9am-2pm starting June 16. Enjoy a farmers' breakfast, listen to live music, and meet up with friends.
- St-Laurent Farmers Market (NEW for 2012)
At the St-Laurent Shopping Centre parking lot, near the intersection of St-Laurent Blvd. and Coventry Rd. Open every Sunday from 9:30am-4:00pm beginning May 6. Vendors include producers of meat, eggs, honey, fruits and vegetables, hot sauces, baked goods, and more.
- Vanier Outdoor Market
In the Scotiabank parking lot at the corner of Montreal & Hannah. Open Saturdays from July to October.
Features daily live music & chef demos.
Suburban & rural markets
- Almonte Farmers' Market
In the parking lot of
the Almonte Public Library (beside the Beer Store) . Open Saturdays from May-October.
- Bayshore Farmers Market (NEW)
Starts August 3, 2011 for a 6-month pilot project. Open Wednesdays from 11am-6pm at Bayshore Shopping Centre, in the parking lot near the Bay/Transitway station.
- Carleton Place Farmers' Market
At 142 Franktown Road (Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers), open Saturdays from May to to November
- Carp Farmers' Market
At the Carp Fairgrounds, about 10km from the Carp Road exit on the 417.
Open Saturdays from 8am-1pm, with market season from early May until October.
- Cumberland Farmers' Market
Located
at the R.J. Kennedy Community Centre, 1115 Dunning Rdoad (Cumberland Arena), between Orleans and Rockland. Open Saturdays, 8am-1pm from mid-June until Thanksgiving weekend.
- Kanata Farmers' Market
420 Hazeldean Road, in the parking lot in front of Shoppers Drug Mart. Open 8am-3pm every Saturday from May to October.
- Kemptville Kinsmen Farmers' Market
In Riverside Park in Kemptville, south of Ottawa. Open Sunday afternoons from late May to early October.
- Manotick Farmers' Market (NEW)
Every Saturday
morning from 9am-2pm, starting June 23 at Dickinson Square.
- Metcalfe Farmers Market
At the Metcalfe Fairgrounds, southeast of the city. Open from May to October on Saturday mornings.
- Millers Farm & Market (Manotick)
Open year-round
at 6158 Rideau Valley Drive, just South of Manotick Village. Open daily with extended Summer hours. Hayrides in the fall.
- North Gower Farmers' Market
At 2397 Roger Stevens Drive, just west of North Gower. Look for the big red barn. Open Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm, late May-early October.
- Orleans Centrum
Orléans Centrum plaza between 240 Centrum Blvd. and St. Joseph’s Blvd. Open Fridays 11 a.m.-6 p.m from mid-May to early October.
Gatineau / Outaouais Markets
- Notre-Dame Market (Gatineau)
330, rue Notre-Dame. Open Fridays from 11am-6pm, June to August.
- Vieux Hull Market (Gatineau)
Laval Street, Gatineau. Open Thursdays from 10am-3pm, from June until end of October.
- Old Chelsea Market
Old Chelsea Road, Chelsea (between Highway 5 and Route 105). Open Saturdays from 9am-2pm, late May until mid-October.
- Wakefield Market
831 Riverside Road. Open Saturday 9am-1pm from end of May to early October.
- Pontiac Market (Shawville)
At the Shawville Fairgrounds. Open Saturdays 8:30am-12:30pm, early May until late October.
- Petite-Nation Market (Lac Simon)
477, Route 321, Lac Simon. Open Fridays, 4pm-7p and Saturdays, 9am-1pm. From late June until early September.
More links
- Farmers' Markets Ontario
A big listing of markets all across the province
- Savour Ottawa
This organization works to develop and promote Ottawa and area as a premier, year-round culinary destination, with robust offerings of local foods and experiences for both locals and visitors to the area.
- Feast of Fields
Annual event pairing teams of the finest organic farmers and chefs from the Ottawa Valley to create a uniquely regional culinary extravaganza. Held in September each year and organized by the Canadian Organic Growers - Ottawa Chapter.
Local farms
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