Our Favourite Vancouver Island Farmers Markets

wire basket filled with vegetables - farmers market produce

If there is one thing that most locals look forward to in the summer, it’s visiting their favourite Vancouver Island farmers market. Sure the beaches all over Vancouver Island are stunning and yes, there are endless cycling and hiking adventures to be had, but market season is special. It’s the time of year where all the local growers and makers come together to show and sell their wares. It’s where you can find incredible, fresh, high-quality foods and beautiful, unique gifts and support a local while doing it! And if that wasn’t enough, market days have a celebratory vibe to them and they’re a great way to spend a sunny afternoon getting to know the area and the locals a little better. So no matter if you’re just browsing, looking to try some locally grown foods or hoping to grab a special gift, markets are the place to go! 

Victoria

Moss Street Market

May to October 10am – 2pm, November – April 10am – 1pm every Saturday

Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park

For over three decades, the Moss Street Market has hosted vendors from all over the city and surrounding areas in the heart of Fairfield – and this year is no different. With over fifty vendor tents to peruse you can find an eclectic and delightful gathering of local artists, growers, and producers at this beloved market. With live music and great food, anyone staying in Victoria can wander down, enjoy the music, stock up on the most incredible food and produce, support a local artisan and soak up life in this lively community! For a complete list of the markets around Victoria, check out our blog post about them here!

Saanich Peninsula

The Sidney Street Market

May 8th to September 25th every Sunday 11am – 3pm

Mary Winspear Theater grounds

Sidney by the Sea is one of the best kept secrets on Vancouver Island. With its beautiful, walkable downtown core, picturesque seaside trail and marina, and incredible dining scene, it’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking for seaside tranquility and urban amenities. Every Sunday during the summer and early fall, the grounds of the Mary Winspear Theater is transformed into an outdoor pedestrian mall with vendors, music, and delicious smells floating on the fresh ocean breezes. Here, you’ll find row upon row of local farmers, food producers and artisans offering fresh produce, ethically raised meat, gorgeous art, and incredible crafts. Whether you’re a walk, drive or cycle away at one of the beautiful properties in North Saanich you’ll want to visit this incredible market – it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday!

Cowichan Valley

Duncan Farmers Market

April 2nd to TBA 9am – 2pm every Saturday and 10am – 2pm fall and winter season

In the square near Duncan City Hall 

When you’re staying in the stunning Cowichan Valley, a great way to spend a weekend is to explore the little town centers throughout the valley – especially when it’s market season! One of the best and most long-standing markets is the Duncan Farmers Market. Located in the historic downtown area, the Duncan Farmers Market is an incredible community market. Since its conception, it has grown each year and now, it has over 100 vendors selling an enormous array of produce, prepared foods, handmade goods. Plus, when you’re finished at the market, you still have the quaint downtown center to explore! 

Nanaimo

Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market

May 7th to September 10th every Saturday 10am – 2pm

Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street Downtown Nanaimo beside the Bastion

If you’re in Nanaimo and looking for a great market, the Nanaimo Farmers Market is a must! From early May to September, right next to the historic Bastion on Front Street you can find a collection of incredible growers and craftspeople offering some of the most incredible fruit, veggies, flowers, handmade homewares, beauty and wellness products, preserves, meat, seafood and so much more. Plus, for the entire season, there are so many events and activities for the entire family! This market really is the make bake or grow center of Nanaimo! 

Parksville & Qualicum Beach

While you’re in the Parksville and Qualicum Beach area, exploring the beaches, enjoying the incredible nature and relaxing, you must visit these two incredible markets!

Errington Farmers Market

May to September 10am – 1pm every Saturday

1550 Veterans Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0

This is the place for anything made, baked, grown, raised or foraged in the Parksville area! Since the early 1970s, this community market has been serving the Errington, Parksville, Coombs, Hilliers and Whiskey Creek connecting local farmers and producers with local customers. At this incredible little market you can meet friendly locals, ask the vendors questions and get help finding your perfect ingredients for a wonderful dinner, get unique gifts, fresh seafood and meat, eggs and so much more! 

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Year round 8:30am – 12pm every Saturday

172 Veterans Way #160, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8

Central Vancouver Island has a wealth of farms, both large and small and attracts artisans from all over the world who seek out the tranquility of Vancouver Island. Every weekend, all year ‘round, the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market gives you access to a small portion of the incredible wealth of the island. From beautiful, handcrafted goods, top quality produce, flowers, and other food items, there is so much to see – and buy – at this lovely local market!

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Wine Not? Cowichan Valley Wine Tours

two bottles of wine on top of a barrel in front of grapevines at a vineyard

The Cowichan Valley is a magical little pocket of Vancouver Island. The name “Cowichan” comes from the Hul’q’umi’num word “shquw’utsun” which means “to warm one’s back in the sun” and “Quw’utsun”, the name given to the valley by the Quw’utsun people. Uniquely located in the only maritime Mediterranean climatic zone in Canada, Cowichan has the warmest, year-round temperatures in the entire country, so it’s no wonder that this valley is home to some incredible vineyards. In August of 2020, the British Columbia Government announced the creation of the Cowichan Valley sub-region, the first time a region outside of the Okanagan has been given such distinction. This incredible valley is not only a wine destination but also one of the epicenters on Vancouver Island for forward-thinking, farm-to-table cuisine. During the summer, the Cowichan Valley’s vineyards are in full swing and what better way to really get a ‘taste’ of this beautiful Valley than visiting one of the many beautiful wineries that dot the landscape of Cowichan and produce some award-winning wines?

Tours

Cheers Cowichan Tours

While you are staying in the Cowichan Valley, Cheers Cowichan Tours is your best bet for amazing wine tour packages and friendly service. With many local  pickup locations, this tour is an ideal way for you to see more of the Cowichan Valley. If you want to spend a day visiting vineyards and learning all about winemaking in Cowichan, the full-day tour is for you! With this package, you can visit 3-4 wineries, enjoy tastings, be treated to lunch at one of several local spots and have access to a barrel room tour! If you prefer a truncated version, the afternoon tour is the perfect option. Spend a few hours in the afternoon touring 3 wineries, have access to tastings and enjoy the ride around the Cowichan Valley. If you prefer to customize a tour, the lovely owner and operator, Susan is happy to work with you to accommodate your ideas and help you create your ideal tour! 

Vancouver Island Wine Tours 

Victoria may be a beautiful city that has so much for visitors, there is something to be said for stepping out of the Capital Region and exploring other parts of this beautiful island. For guests staying in Victoria, Vancouver Island Wine Tours offers wine tours of the Cowichan Valley with convenient downtown Victoria pickup and drop off locations. As you head north on the Malahat, you’ll be able to see the stunning views from the highway that look down on to the Saanich Inlet, across to the lush forests of Brentwood bay, out to the Salish Sea and watch as the landscape changes from sea vistas and forested tunnels to open, bucolic scenes. If you are looking for an in-depth experience, you’ll want to book a full day tour where you will visit 4 wineries, do multiple tastings, enjoy lunch overlooking the vineyard, learn how to pair food with wine and tour the vineyard. If you’re interested in something more bite sized, the afternoon tour allows you to visit 3 wineries, do multiple tastings and have some time to walk through the vineyard. Either way, you’ll have a wonderfully informative time and be able to enjoy the scenic drive. 

Vancouver Island Expeditions  

Choosing a Cowichan Valley wine tour that will pick you up right near your Nanaimo rental property is a great way to get out there and explore more of the Island in comfort and experience incredible wines at stunning vineyards. From a central pickup location in Nanaimo, you can hop aboard and enjoy the 45 minute drive taking in the scenery. On this tour, you will visit 4 wineries, learn about the history of winemaking in the Cowichan Valley, discover what varietals are grown here and why, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm-to-table restaurant and soak up the beauty of the Valley. 

Going Solo

If you’re not keen on a tour and would rather stop in and visit a Cowichan Valley vineyard independently, we’ve made a short list of our must-visit vineyards!

 Enrico Winery 

Set on 50 acres overlooking a manmade lake, this expansive and scenic vineyard is truly breathtaking. Originally an ordinary farm, today Enrico boasts several varietals including Pinot Gris, Ortega, and Cabernet Libre, to name a few. With a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, beautiful tasting room and patio, Enrico Winery is truly a must-visit. Here you can do wine tastings, go on self guided tours and then enjoy a picnic next to the picturesque lake.

Unsworth Vineyard 

With pastoral landscapes and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Unsworth Vineyard is a picturesque Cowichan Valley winery. With a focus on growing disease tolerant and quick ripening varieties suitable for the Cowichan climate, it’s no wonder that Unsworth produces award-winning wines. Here you’ll find Marechal Foch, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and even Blattner varietals. Visit the tasting room, take a tour of the vineyard and stop into the restored hundred-year-old farmhouse turned restaurant and bistro for a bite to eat. 

Cherry Point

Cherry Point is one of the oldest wineries in the area as it was originally established in 1989 and became a licenced winery in 1994. This much-beloved, 34 acre vineyard has implemented European practices of growing and producing wine to great success. Today, the 12 wine varietals produced resolutely reflect the terroir of the land as they are solely dictated by the soil and weather patterns rather than relying on modern irrigation systems and other growth-promoting practices. At Cherry Point, you can enjoy tastings, join a tour and learn more about their growing philosophies, enjoy lunch or dinner at the bistro, walk through the property and pick up a few estate wines to enjoy and share! 

 Alderlea Vineyards

In 1994, Roger Dosman began growing the first grapes on the property and was determined to pioneer grape growing in the Cowichan Valley. Today, Zac Brown and Julie Powell own and operate Alderlea and have been honing their processes and production since purchasing the land in 2017. Not only does this lovely vineyard produce some incredible cool-climate wine but where Alderlea is situated in the valley creates a microclimate and therefore, are able to produce some surprising warmer-climate varietals, such as Merlot. Step into the converted barn for tastings, stroll through the property and learn more about their land and process from the friendly and helpful staff

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Dive In! Our Favourite Swimming Spots on Vancouver Island

Summertime on Vancouver Island is an incredible time to visit. Town centres are bustling, restaurant patios are lively, and the parks and beaches everywhere are full of both locals and visitors looking for a way to relax and enjoy the sun. While we may have some of the most moderate temperatures here on Vancouver Island, the summer months can get hot. When the temperatures rise, it’s nice to put strenuous activities on hold and spend the day enjoying one of Vancouver Island’s beautiful, natural swimming spots! With fabulous ocean, river and lake swimming all over the island, you’ll never need to go far to find somewhere beautiful to spend the day swimming and relaxing.

Sooke & Metchosin

Sooke Potholes 

As soon as you arrive in Sooke, you’re going to want to start planning a day at Sooke Potholes, an extensive network of deep, smooth, pools filled with clear turquoise water located right near the Sooke River. Formed during the last ice age, these formations are truly stunning and one of the best spots to find cool, clear water to take a dip in.

Matheson Lake 

If you’re looking for a nearby swimming area in Metchosin, your best bet is Matheson Lake just off Rocky Point Rd! Work up a sweat before your dip with a walk around the lake on the picturesque trail, set up for a sunny afternoon on the sandy beach area or take a quick dip before starting your journey on the Galloping Goose. 

Victoria

Gonzalez Bay Beach

If you’re looking for ocean swimming, you won’t be hard pressed to find stunning beaches and excellent clear waters to swim in all over the Victoria coast. Gonzalez Bay Beach, is an enclosed cove with white sand that is always popular for summertime swimming. 

Willows Beach 

This beautiful neighbourhood park is another sandy beach that offers clear ocean swimming and lots of space to set up for an afternoon in the sun. 

Thetis Lake

If the cold waters of the Pacific aren’t the swimming experience you are looking for, we have lovely swimming lakes that you won’t want to miss! Thetis Lake is one of the best swimming spots near Victoria. There are two sandy beaches to choose from, one at the southernmost end and one on the west side of the lake. Additionally, if you are willing to hike a little bit, you can find lots of rocky outcrops perched right on the water’s edge that provide a little privacy and a perfect place to dive into the cool water. This popular lake gets busy in the summer so it’s a good idea to arrive early on the weekends or midweek to escape the weekend crowds. 

Prospect Lake

This one of Victoria’s popular, family friendly swimming spots! Prospect Lake is easily accessible from anywhere in the capital region and has four distinct public parks for you to choose from. 

Cowichan Valley

Cowichan River

One of the most time-honoured summer traditions of the locals of the Cowichan Valley is tubing down the Cowichan River. It’s become such a popular summer activity; you can now buy tubing packages from The Tube Shack that includes inner tube rentals and a shuttle service to get you back to your vehicle. Gently float along on this 2.5-hour journey where you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the riverbank, bob your way under old bridges and watch as the farmland of the Cowichan Valley passes by. It’s a wonderfully unique way to spend a summer afternoon like a local!

Nanaimo

Nanaimo River

This gorgeous park is a 56-acre conservation site and a mature coastal Douglas fir ecosystem with a system of beautiful, wooded trails that are perfect for cycling and walking. Here, you can take a walk through the network of trails and explore the forest then cool off with a dip in the river or bring a blanket and a picnic and set up on one of the many spots all along the riverbank to rest, swim and enjoy the sun! The Nanaimo River is an idyllic swimming spot with deep swimming holes of crystal-clear water, perfect for cooling down when the temperatures rise.

Parksville 

Spider Lake

If you’re looking for a quiet place to cool off during a heatwave, you’ll want to make your way to Spider Lake. Don’t let the name deter you! This glorious, peaceful lake is one of the best swimming spots in the area. There is a small sandy beach and picnic area perfect for making it a comfortable day at the lake – plus, the warm water makes swimming that much more enjoyable! This is also an excellent lake for paddleboarding or kayaking as well as there are so many little coves to explore in the many winding inlets – which is where Spider Lake got its name! 

Courtenay

Saratoga Beach

While you’re staying in the Comox Valley, you definitely need to take a day and head to the sandy shores of Saratoga Beach. This stunning beach is widely touted as one of the best beaches on Vancouver Island due to the long stretches of soft white sand that heats up the cold ocean water as the tide moves in and out. Set up in the sand for the day and paddle through the warm shallows or wade out and take a dip in the ocean. This is a truly stunning beach that you won’t want to miss out on!

No matter where you’re staying on Vancouver Island, you’ll find lots of incredibly beautiful, unique, natural swimming spots to help you beat the summer heat! 

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