Categories: Things To Do

Vancouver’s largest farmers market has over 65 local vendors every weekend

Photo via Trout Lake Farmers Market & Jasmine Noble & Jasmine Noble

Vancouver is coming alive with spring blooms, night markets, and exciting pop-ups, and your weekend itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a farmers market. The largest in Vancouver is Trout Lake Market, which takes place every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025. However, there are tons of local markets to choose from, offering an array of fresh B.C. produce, wild-harvested foods, and craft beverages.

One of Canada’s largest farmers market organizations

Established in 1995 as a non-profit society in B.C., Vancouver Farmers Markets has blossomed into one of the largest and most vibrant farmers market organizations in Canada. According to a representative of the organization, the first farmers market was on July 29, 1995, then considered a “gala event” in the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood that would come to mark the beginning of a beloved new tradition.

With approximately 500 attendees, eight farmers, and 14 craft vendors, the market kicked off successfully, though not without hesitation.

“At first, farmers were skeptical of the Market. They didn’t think it would be a success, but word travelled quickly after that opening day. Twice as many farmers arrived the next week,” explains Monika Chowdhry, Communications & Development Manager of Vancouver Farmers Markets. “The Market ran for 11 weeks that year, with 800 to 1,200 people soon attending on a weekly basis.”

A year later, the organization expanded dramatically with more vendors, shoppers, and a larger variety of community activities. Volunteers blended their support on Market day, helping to ensure it ran smoothly.

In 1997, Vancouver Farmers Markets found its permanent home in East Vancouver at the Trout Lake Community Centre parking lot. For the first time, a Winter Market was held at Heritage Hall with “dozens of crafters,” according to the Vancouver Farmers Market.

With each passing year, a new neighbourhood in Vancouver voiced its interest in creating its own market. In 1998, it was the West End, which ended up hosting a successful one-time trial event in August of that year, that would later become the Saturday West End Market.

Year-round markets

Today, Vancouver Farmers Markets hosts seven weekly summer markets and two weekly winter markets in neighbourhoods across Vancouver. At each, market-goers can pick up locally grown fruits and veggies, B.C. meat, dairy, poultry, and sustainable seafood, and a mix of artisanal products — from craft beer and fresh pierogies to hot coffee.

Vancouver’s largest market

Photo via Trout Lake Farmers Market & Jasmine Noble

It only seems fitting that the largest Vancouver Farmers Market takes place at Trout Lake at John Hendry Park. Every Saturday, the market draws in visitors from across the city and the Lower Mainland to the Commercial Drive neighbourhood for their pick of fresh, seasonal produce and local bites. Grab a coffee, a bouquet of flowers, and a quick breakfast or lunch, and lounge at one of Vancouver’s most beloved parks.

Destination Vancouver adds that market-goers should keep an eye out for “chef-types,” as “you’re likely to see some of Vancouver’s best chefs picking up ingredients at this market.”