Market gardens and farms in the West Kootenay: Bringing fresh produce, meat and more to local tables

Shopping locally at market gardens and farms helps to keep money and people working in our communities.

by Julie Matchett — July 21, 2023

Row of cows standing in sunny open field, distant mountains and blue sky in background.

Cows are put out to pasture at McCormack Farm near Arrow Lakes. The farm has been run by the same family since 1903 and sells grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey. — Photo courtesy McCormack Farm/Facebook

Here in the Kootenays, our fertile valleys and mountains are home to a multitude of farms, ranches and people dedicated to local food production. Shopping locally at market gardens ensures that these hard-working folks stay in business for years to come.

Having a secure and robust food economy helps to ensure our local food supply remains dependable in times of crisis. Buying local means access to a plethora of the freshest available food—unlike grocery stores where fruit and vegetables are often shipped from far-flung locations. Supporting our local food producers also helps to maintain our ecological diversity as many farmers grow several varieties of plants as opposed to one specific species common in mass farming productions.

Check out this list of West Kootenay farms and food producers who offer sales directly to their customers on site. From freshly-grown fruit and vegetables, homemade jams and fresh-cut flowers to hand-crafted sausages and smokies, there is a rich selection of local products to be discovered. Here's our list of market gardens in the East Kootenay region.

Where to buy local food in Arrow Lakes

Burton City Cider: This family-run business specializes in all-natural dry craft ciders, using fruit such as currants, raspberries and apples from their own orchards. Open by chance or appointment throughout the year. Please call or text to inquire about availability. Phone: 250-265-7044.

Caribou Creek Market Gardens: Offering fresh and freeze-dried organic fruit, produce and herbs, plus flowers and nursery plants. Farmgate sales by appointment. Phone: 250-265-7120..

McCormack Farm: Family-run since 1903, the McCormack Farm offers grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey, fresh eggs, vegetables and fruit. Visit their Facebook page for market and gate sales information. Phone: (250) 265-8786.

Where to buy local food in Castlegar

Hawthorn Creek Farm: Run by a husband and wife team, this farm produces a wide range of pesticide-free crops, including several varieties of squash, eggplant, heirloom tomatoes and peppers. Phone: 250-305-0599.

Skattebo Acres: This organic farm has recently switched from commercial sales to offering CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes. Formerly known as Glade Valley Gardens, the farm offers weekly sustainable food boxes, full of fresh, seasonal produce. Skattebo Acres also offers poultry, pork and lamb sales as well as bulk sales to local restaurants and grocery stores. Contact [email protected].

Colourful display of fresh vegetables, carrots, cabbage, radish, turnips.

Where to buy local food in Crescent Valley/South Slocan

Kosiancic Farms: A family-run farm since 1900, the Kosiancic Farm specializes in sausages, with no less than 12 different kinds of sausage on hand at all times. Their sausage repertoire includes up to 50 different kinds, between cured and fresh. 2183 Highway 6. Phone: 250-359-6706.

Linden Lane Farms: Truly a family effort, this multi-generational farm has been in operation since 1978. The certified organic greenhouses are brimming over with produce, and the farm also offers field-grown vegetables, small fruit and berries. In the spring, Linden Lane Farms is home to one of the biggest edible plant nurseries in the region. Phone: 250-551-2012.

Where to buy local food in Fruitvale

Earthy Organic Farms: A local certified organic farm offering fresh vegetables, egg sales, flowers and growing supplies. Farm gate sales happen on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1208 Columbia Gardens Road. Phone: 250-368-1909.

Where to buy local food in Grand Forks

Boundary Hill Farm: Boundary Hill Farm offers naturally grown fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and meat. Farm is open Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Phone: 250-444-9659.

Farm stand at Fraser's Market, with nursery plants and pots standing in front of stand.

Gibbs Creek Farm: This small-scale farm offers regeneratively grown vegetables, eggs and all-natural/no-spray premium flower bouquets.

Jerseyland Organics: Speciality organic cheese, dairy products and yogurt are available at Jerseyland Organics. This family-run operation was the first certified organic farm in British Columbia. Bring the kids to check out the petting zoo! 2690 Almond Gardens Road East. Phone: 250-442-8112.

Where to buy local food in Nakusp

Fraser’s Market: If you’re in the Arrow Lakes region, a pit stop at this farm market stand is a must. The market is home to a wealth of items: gourmet coffee, freshly-grown produce, baked goods, pantry items, unique artisan wares and more. Open Thursday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 4250 Highway 6, Nakusp. Phone: (250) 857-9858.

Where to buy local food in Nelson

Bent Plow Farm: This small-scale market garden grows a range of certified organic vegetables and offers weekly CSA boxes to customers. Phone: 250-505-3553.

Kootenay Corner Gardens: This small vegetable farm is run by two environmentally-minded chefs. Located near Nelson, Kootenay Corner Gardens offers weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box subscriptions, as well as pickled vegetables, preserves and more. Phone: 250-509-3777.

Thimble Hill Farm and Nursery: This small working farm and nursery produces grafted and bare-root trees, berries, native plants, vegetables and herbs. A self-serve farm stand offers duck eggs, seasonal fruit, squash and garlic. Phone: 250-509-4217.

Where to buy local food in Revelstoke

First Light Farm: A new market garden to Revelstoke, First Light Farm specializes in organically-grown baby greens, arugula, basil, carrots, beets and more. They are dedicated to producing food locally for Revelstoke residents. Delivery can be arranged and their products can also be found at the Revelstoke Farmers Market. 2009 Big Eddy Road, Revelstoke. Phone: 250-661-7149.

Where to buy local food in Rossland

Happy Hills Farm: Using regenerative farming practices, Happy Hills Farm is family-run and offers high quality, nutrient dense, and flavourful vegetables, fruit, herbs and microgreens year-round. Their farm store, the Rooted Table Collective, is located in downtown Rossland at 2140 Columbia Avenue. Phone: 250-231-1828. Read our Q&A article about Happy Hills Farm by writer Virginia Rasch.

Where to buy local food in Salmo

Salix and Sedge: A small market farm offering lots of tasty, fresh veggies from their farm stand. Located at 204 Curwen Road, the stand is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and takes debit, cash and credit cards. Phone: 250-551-6499.

Forrest Farms: Offering pasture-raised livestock, goat milk soap, eggs, wool, meat, CSA Farm & Field boxes and more. Farm gate and online sales available. 1244 Airport Road. Email: [email protected].

Rainbow over scenic country scene at Against the Wind Farm.

Where to buy local food in Ymir

Hunter & Crowe Gardens: This small-scale micro garden is located in Ymir. They offer fresh vegetables, fruit, fresh-cut flowers and honey. Weekly produce boxes and flower subscriptions are also available. Phone 250-357-2837.

Where to buy local food in Winlaw

Against the Wind Farm & Gardens: Organically-grown U-pick blueberries and cut flower sales. Come and visit our farm at 6376 Slocan River Road. Phone: 250-354-3168.

Cripple Crow Ranch: Ethically-raised and certified organic meat chickens. Direct sales to the public in the summer and autumn. Email [email protected] for availability.

Crooked Horn Farm: A small-scale, certified organic farm selling a variety of market vegetables as well as oyster and shiitake mushrooms. A self-serve farm stand is open daily. 5361 Filipoff Road. Phone: 250-226-7062.

A woman preparing a tincture of St. John's Wort oil.

Dancing Baba Food Company: Lovingly hand-crafted perogies, Vareniki, Pyrahi and Doukhobor fruit tarts are made by this husband-and-wife team. Products are sold at various retailers across the East and West Kootenays. Email: [email protected]

Fairway 4 Farm: Offering a variety of greens, herbs and vegetables including bok choi, radishes, turnips, tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, squash, peas, onion, kale, spinach, asparagus, peppers, eggs and much more! Farm gate pick-up, farm stand and weekly deliveries to Slocan City and Winlaw. 7055 Bentley Road. Phone: 250-226-7767

Four Seasons Greenhouse & Nursery: Flowering bedding plants, fruit trees and shrubs. 5531 Slocan River Road. Phone: 250-226-7254.

Little Piece of Paradise Farm: Sustainably-grown culinary and medicinal herbs are grown on this small family-run farm. A series of herbal remedy workshops are also offered at the farm, where customers can learn all about the medicinal and health benefits of herbs that are grown and found locally. Phone: 250-226-7803

Ravine Creek Garden Farm: Nutritious, delicious, ecologically-grown, organic vegetables are available at this 10-acre farm. Weekly CSA boxes are available. 6868 Fern Road. Phone: 250-226-7333.

Where to buy local food in Wyndell

Kootenay Natural Meats: Quality meat raised naturally, offering grass-fed Angus beef, lamb, heritage pork, rabbit, chicken and turkey. We also sell unpasteurized honey and farm fresh eggs. Please call ahead for orders. Phone: 250-428-4034.

Webbers Mountainside Cherries: A small, family-run cherry orchard offering fresh cherries, chocolate-covered cherries and freshly-pressed cherry juice. 5293 Bossio Road. Phone: 250-866-5573.

If we missed adding your farm or food producer to this list and you would like to be included, please send us a message: [email protected].