Farmers market season is underway in the Tri-Cities — or soon will be in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
These markets are the places to be for shoppers looking to make every dollar count while supporting locally owned businesses.
There’s always entertainment, as well as learning opportunities, and you can meet and talk to the person who makes or grows your food.
Inflation impacting shoppers
Rising inflation is impacting how and where consumers and tourists spend their money across the world.
And many British Columbians are changing their spending behaviour to reflect reduced travel and shopping budgets, choosing to visit local destinations such as farmers markets, which are free to attend.
Not only is this a more sustainable, independent alternative to large-scale grocery stores, but by shopping at your local farmers market this season, consumers are directly supporting B.C. farmers and encouraging small business growth in communities.
The BC Farmers’ Market Trail, an initiative of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), makes supporting local farmers, growers and makers easier than ever.
It offers a free, easy-to-use mobile site to help shoppers quickly find the nearest market to them or search for markets by region, community, season, days open, market name and other features such as whether they’re dog-friendly or wheelchair accessible.
The Tri-Cities is home to three summer farmers markets — all in neighbourhoods accessible by car, transit, walking or cycling.
Coquitlam Market now open
The grandfather of them all is the iconic Coquitlam Farmers Market.
It’s a tradition for many who visit each week to buy fresh produce and locally made goods.
In 2023, Coquitlam’s farmers market runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to Oct. 29 in the Dogwood Pavilion parking lot, (1655 Winslow Ave.).
Meanwhile, two more markets will be opening up in early June, ensuring that there is a market close to home in every community.
Port Coquitlam Market opens June 1
Beginning Thursday, June 1, the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market will return to the Terry Fox Plaza on Kelly Avenue.
There you’ll find all your favourite vendors, each offering locally made and grown produce and goods, from food and drinks to handmade products and tasty fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market runs Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. during the summer season to Sept. 28.
Port Moody Market opens June 7
The Port Moody Farmers Market is tucked away at the Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd.).
It’s the perfect place to stock up on fresh veggies and food products for mid-week meals that don't stress the budget.
It runs from 3 to 7 p.m., every Wednesday from June to October, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, prepared food, crafts and more.
