Visiting a farmers’ market may feel like a distant summer memory as the skies over Toronto turn a dismal grey, but don’t go running for the refuge of your local grocery store produce section just yet. Locavores rejoice! Many of the city’s best farmers’ markets stay open year round. Just don’t expect to find Ontario raspberries. Seasonal eating is the name of the game.
Here’s a rundown of our favourites.
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market
Location: 550 Bayview Ave
Hours: Sat. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Details: The Evergreen Brick Works is a great Saturday outdoor getaway destination. Take the free shuttle bus into the valley from Broadview subway station. Aside from the usual market fair, warm up with Tibo Teas artisan beverages, which are handcrafted from indigenous plants. Toorshi Foods sells awesome all-natural pickles and preserves, and the handmade Belgian waffles are always a winner. There are usually activities for kids, and plenty of room to hike and explore.
The Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Market
Location: 601 Christie St.
Hours: Sat. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: This is a good one to visit if you’re adverse to cold as the whole market is housed in the large industrial barns. Get acquainted by taking the Wychwood trivia-filled tour. There’s plenty of gluten-free and sugar-free baking, pies, jams, and cured meats, plus a bevy of market-regulars to bend your ear about all things food.
Toronto Botanical Garden Organic Farmers’ Market
Location: 777 Lawrence Ave. East
Hours: Thurs. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Details: Perfect if you want to stay in bed on your Saturday, and pick up something special for a Thursday dinner. Try the breads and pastries from Marche 59 and awesome Indian curries Clay Pot Catering. Bet you didn’t know you could eat milkweed pods? Apparently you can buy some here.
Some others worth mentioning:
Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market
Location: 875 Dufferin
Hours: Thurs. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Farmers' Market at St. Lawrence Market North
Location: 92- 95 Front St East
Hours: Sat. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sorauren Farmer’ Market
Location: Wabash Ave and Sorauren Ave
Hours: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.