A love for local: Farmers market season across the Kootenays brings communities together

Warmer weather in the Kootenays means farmers market season! Check out our list of area markets

by Julie Matchett — April 26, 2023

Vendors at Revelstoke Food Initiative Market.

With the arrival of sunny spring weather, farmers markets across the Kootenays ramp up. The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Market is popular on Saturday mornings. — Photo courtesy revelstokelocalfood.com

Kootenay folk love their farmers markets. During the growing season, it’s a given that in almost every community across the region—large or small—there’s a weekly farmers market.

A stroll through any market is a true feast for the senses: the enticing aroma of freshly baked goodies, the bright, vibrant colours that greet the eye in the form of locally-grown fruit and vegetables, the sounds of laughter and excited chatter from vendors and customers alike. A vital and valued part of the local economy, these markets bring together farmers, food producers, artisans and craftspeople from across the region and help to create healthy and sustainable communities for all.

Check out our list of farmers markets across the Kootenays:

EAST KOOTENAY

Visit the Cranbrook Farmers Market

Held Saturday mornings, the Cranbrook Farmers Market brings together a variety of vendors and entertainers including farmers, growers, food concessions, artisans and local musicians. 2023 marks the 15th year that the market has been operating in the community. The dates for the 2023 season are as follows:

Indoor markets: February 11 to April 8
Where: 220 Cranbrook St. N - Ktunaxa Nation gym
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Outdoor markets: May 27 to June 10, June 24 to October 7, October 28
Where: 10th Avenue S., beside Rotary Park, downtown Cranbrook
Time:10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Special Winter market: November 25 and 26
Where: 1777 2nd St. N, Western Financial Place
Time: Saturday - 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last Minute Market: December 23
Where: 220 Cranbrook St. N - Ktunaxa Nation gym
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Vendor information: A list of participating vendors for the 2023 season can be found here. Interested in becoming a vendor at the Cranbrook Farmers Market? Apply here.

Visit the Fernie Mountain Market

Fernie’s beautiful downtown meeting space, Rotary Park, is home to the Mountain Market on Sundays during July, August and September. There is also a Wednesday night market throughout July and August, held at Station Square in downtown Fernie. Many regular vendors also sell their wares both online and in-store via the Local Store, a community-run initiative enabling local food sales throughout the year.

When: The Fernie Mountain Market runs Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting July 1 until September 24, 2023. The Wednesday night market runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., July 5 to August 30, 2023
Where: The Sunday Mountain Market is held in Rotary Park (6th A Avenue), just off Highway 3. The Wednesday night market is held at Station Square, 591 2nd Avenue.

Vendor information: Interested in becoming a vendor at the Fernie Mountain Market? This page tells you everything you need to know.

Visit the Golden Farmers Market

Golden’s Wednesday markets are a popular fixture for both tourists and locals alike. Held at the beautiful Spirit Square Plaza in downtown Golden, the markets bring a vibrant and diverse community of vendors together.

When: The Golden Farmers Market runs regularly on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting June 14 and running to September 27, 2023. There are also two Saturday markets scheduled in 2023: April 29 and May 20.
Where: Wednesday and Saturday markets are held at Spirit Square in downtown Golden, located on 8th Avenue North.

Vendor information:Visit the Golden Farmers Market website to learn more about the market or to apply to be a vendor.

Visit the Invermere Farmers and Artists Market

Discover the Invermere Farmers and Artists Market, bringing together local vendors and valley products for all. Special events for 2023 include Valley Appreciation Day on July 22 and the Oktoberfest Harvest Market on September 23.

When: The Invermere Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The first market of the 2023 season will be held on June 17, running to September 9.
Where: The market is located in the large parking area behind the BMO Bank in Invermere, 1241 7th Avenue.

Vendor information: Interested vendors can find an application form and information on the Invermere Farmers and Artists Market website.

Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmers Market set-up.

Visit the Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmers Market

Enjoy a beautiful countryside location while you browse the vendor stalls at the Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmers Market. Come hungry as there’s also a pancake breakfast on offer on market days! This market is one of the largest and longest-running markets in the Kootenays.

When: The 2023 Summer market season runs every Saturday starting June 17 to September 2. The hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Baynes Lake Community Hall, 468 Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road

Don’t miss the annual Christmas in the Country Market, held on November 4 and 5, 2023.

Vendor information: Interested vendors can visit the Jaffray-Baynes Lake Farmers Market website.

Visit the Kimberley Farmers Market

On Thursday evenings, Howard Street in downtown Kimberley comes alive with the colourful sights and sounds offered by local farmers, food producers, wildcrafters and musicians.

When: The Kimberley Farmers Market runs Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The market starts on June 15 and runs until September 14, 2023.
Where: The market is located on Howard Street in downtown Kimberley, between Deer Park and Boundary.

Vendor information: If you want to become a vendor, guidelines and application forms can be found on the market's website.

Visit the Sparwood Farmers Market

The Sparwood Farmers Market brings together local artisans, crafters, farmers, butchers and bakers from across the region.

When: The Sparwood Farmers Market takes place Friday evenings from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and runs from June 23 to September 1, 2023.
Where: The market is held at Titan Park, next to the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce. Look for the iconic big green Titan mining truck—you can’t miss it!

Vendor information: Here is a list of regular vendors that attend the Sparwood Farmers Market. To become a vendor, apply on the market’s website.

Visit the Windermere Agri Park Market

In their seventh season, the Windermere Agri Park Market provides visitors with locally-grown produce, jams, jellies, delicious baked goods and so much more.

When: The Agri Park Market takes place on Wednesday evenings from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The 2023 market season starts on May 24 and runs until September.
Where: The Agri Park is located at the crossroads of Highway 95 and Cooper Road.
Vendor information: For more information about the market or how to become a vendor, visit the market's Facebook page.

WEST KOOTENAY

Visit the Castlegar Craft and Farmers Market

Castlegar’s Craft and Farmers Market highlights the talents and hard work of local food producers and artisans.

When: The Castlegar Craft and Farmers Market officially kicked off its 2023 season on April 8. The market runs Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m through the summer and autumn months.
Where: The market is located at the Castlegar Station Museum, 400 - 13th Avenue in downtown Castlegar.

Vendor information: To become a vendor, message the Castlegar Craft and Farmers Market team on their Facebook page.

Visit the Creston Valley Farmers Market

The Creston Valley Farmers' Market offers a unique community made up of local growers, artisans, craftspeople and entertainers.

When: The Creston Valley Farmers Market 2023 outdoor season starts April 22. It's held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: The market is located in a temporary location beside the Millennium Park on 16th Avenue South.

Vendor information: If you are a vendor and interested in becoming involved with the Creston Valley Farmers Market, please apply via our application form.

Visit the Fruitvale Farmers Market

This small-town market brings together vendors from across the region, offering high-quality produce, baking, artisan breads, gifts and hand-crafted goods.

When: Markets are held bi-weekly on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The dates for the 2023 season start on May 16 and run to October 17th.

Where: The Fruitvale Farmers Market is located on Pole Yard Lane in downtown Fruitvale.

Vendor information: If you are a vendor and interested in becoming involved with the Fruitvale Farmers Market, please apply via our application form.

Visit the Grand Forks Farmers Market

On Tuesday and Friday afternoons, the Grand Forks Farmers Market sets up in beautiful Gyro Park. Home to a wide range of farm and food vendors, artisans and craftspeople, the market is a popular fixture in the downtown area.

When: The Grand Forks Farmers Market runs Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The first market of the 2023 season starts on May 2 and runs through October.
Where: The market is located at Gyro Park in downtown Grand Forks, 7370 - 5th Street.

Vendor information: If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please visit our vendor information page.

Visit the Kaslo Saturday Market

Kaslo’s fun and vibrant Saturday Markets, held at the Front Street Park in the downtown core, are filled with products from local farmers and vendors.

When: The Kalso Saturday Market takes place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The 2023 market runs from June 10th to October 7.
Where: The market takes place at Front Street Park, next to the Kaslo Hotel in downtown Kaslo.

Vendor information: Interested in becoming a vendor at the Kaslo Saturday Market? Our application form and information can be found here.

Visit the Nakusp Farmers Market

Located a block away from Nakusp’s beautiful waterfront walkway, the Nakusp Farmers Market brightens up Saturdays morning with a colourful display of local produce and wares.

When: The Nakusp Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The 2023 market season runs from mid-May to mid-October.
Where: The market is located next to Save-on-Foods at Broadway Street and 6th Avenue.

Vendor information: Please visit our website and fill out an application.

Visit the Nelson Farmers Market

Come explore the heart of the community at the Nelson Farmers Market. With two weekly markets held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, visitors will find a dynamic selection of vendors to choose from. From fresh-out-of-the-ground farm produce to eclectic wares created by talented local artisans, there’s something for everyone. Back for the 2023 season is the very popular MarketNight, held on two evenings this year—July 28th and August 25th.

When: The Nelson Farmers Market operates Saturdays, starting May 13, 2023 with the Garden Starter and Mother’s Day Market. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Market also runs on Wednesdays, starting June 7 through September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Wednesday market is held on the 600 block Baker Street in downtown Nelson. The Saturday market is located at Cottonwood Falls Park, 199 Carbonate Street.

Vendor information: A sampling of some of the 2023 vendors, plus information and application to become a vendor, can be found here.

Vendor at New Denver Market, displaying fresh produce on table.

Visit the New Denver Friday Market

Colourful, locally grown fruits and veggies, the enticing aroma of freshly baked artisan breads, the lively sound of excited chatter from vendors and customers alike—the New Denver Friday Market is a feast for the senses and not to be missed.

When: The New Denver Friday Market runs Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The 2023 market season begins mid-June and runs until mid-September.
Where: The market is located on the corner of 6th Avenue and Kildare Street in downtown New Denver.

Vendor information: To become a vendor, email [email protected].

Visit the Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market

Saturday mornings come alive in Revelstoke. Enjoy the lively buzz and commotion of a busy grassroots market where vendors 100 per cent make, bake or grow their products.

When: Revelstoke Farm and Craft Market takes place on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and runs from May through mid-October.
Where: The market is located at the Grizzly Plaza in downtown Revelstoke—100 Mackenzie Avenue.

Vendor information: For more information about the market or to apply to become a vendor, visit this page.

Visit the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Market

The mandate of the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative is to celebrate local food. Outdoor markets are held Saturdays in beautiful downtown Revelstoke.

When: The 2023 season runs from May to October. Markets are held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Markets are held in downtown Revelstoke—1st Street East, between MacKenzie and Orton Avenue.

Vendor information: Interested farmers, food producers and artisans are welcome to fill out a vendor application online for the 2023 season.

Visit the Salmo Valley Farmers Market

The Salmo Valley Farmers Market Society offers a fun and family-friendly market atmosphere for both visitors and locals. A special Mother’s Day market will be held on Sunday, May 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

When: The Salmo Valley Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The 2023 season starts on June 15 and runs to September 21. Please note there will be no market on June 29.
Where: The market is located at KP Park, 215 Sayward Avenue.

Vendor information: The Market manager can be contacted via email with questions regarding vendors. See their Facebook page for vendors.

Visit the Trail IncEDIBLE Farmers Market

Trail’s volunteer-run community market offers everything from fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables to craft liqueurs, eclectic jewelry and handmade clothing.

When: The Trail IncrEDIBLE Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., starting May 20 until October 21.
Where: The market is located on the 1300 & 1400 blocks of Esplanade Avenue in downtown Trail.

Vendor information: Potential vendors are welcome to fill out an application form. Find a list of current vendors here.