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 27, 2022

Vendors at Revelstoke Food Initiative Market.

With warmer weather comes farmers market season. A common sight across the Kootenays, a vendor at Kaslo's Saturday Market is ready for business. — Photo courtesy Kaslo Saturday Market Facebook page

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 on 10th Avenue in downtown Cranbrook, the Cranbrook Farmers Market brings together a variety of vendors and entertainers including farmers, growers, food concessions, artisans and local musicians. 2022 marks the 14th year that the market has been operating in the community.

When: Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spring Market — May 7 to June 11
Summer Market — June 25 to September 3
Fall Market — September 10 to October 29
Winter Market — November 26 to 27 at Western Financial Place

Where: The markets are held on Saturday mornings, 10th Avenue South by Rotary Park.
Vendor information: A list of participating vendors for the 2022 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. 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 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting July 3 until September 25, 2022.
Where: The Sunday Mountain Market is held in Rotary Park, just off Highway 3.
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 and Saturday 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 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting June 15 and running to September 28. There are also three Saturday markets scheduled in 2022: April 30, May 21 and October 8.
Where: Wednesday and Saturday markets are located 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 2022 include Valley Appreciation Day on July 23 and the Oktoberfest Market on October 1.

When: The Invermere Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first market of the 2022 season will be held on June 18, running to September 10. There is also a virtual marketplace where customers can buy directly from many of the vendors.
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!

When: The 2022 Summer market season runs every Saturday starting June 18 to September 3. The hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Baynes Lake Community Hall, 468 Jaffray-Baynes Lake Road
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 16 and runs until September 15, 2022.
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 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs from June 24 to September 9, 2022.
Where: The market is held at Titan Park, next to the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce. It’s usually right beside the iconic green mining truck.
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 sixth 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 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The 2022 market season starts on May 18 and runs until September 28.
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 2022 season on April 9. The market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m through August 28.
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 2022 outdoor season starts April 23. It's held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 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 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 a.m. until 1 p.m. The first market of the 2022 season starts on May 3 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.

Close-up of microgreens with handwritten sign.

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 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2022 market runs from June 11 until October 8.
Where: The market takes place at 450 Front Street 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 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2022 market dates are May 21 to October 8.
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 2022 season is the very popular MarketNight, held on July 29th.

When: The Nelson Farmers Market operates Saturdays, starting May 8, 2022, with the Garden Starter Market—hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market also runs on Wednesdays, starting June 1 through September 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Wednesday market is held on 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 2022 vendors, plus information and application to become a vendor, can be found here.

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: New Denver Friday Market runs Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2022 market season begins June 17 and runs until September 30.
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 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.

Market vendor handing items to customer.

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 2022 season officially kicked off on April 30. Markets are held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mid-October.
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 2022 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.

When: The Salmo Valley Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The 2022 season starts on June 23 and runs to September 15. Please note a special Friday, July 1st market will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., so the usual Thursday market will not be held that week.
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 every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting May 7 until October 22.
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.