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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Holiday Shopping on Vancouver Island Part II: Sidney and Beyond

When it comes to holiday shopping, Victoria isn’t the only place to find incredible gifts on Vancouver Island! This time, we’re heading up the Peninsula and then going up-Island to find the best places to get gorgeous gifts for everyone on your list. Even in the smallest Vancouver Island towns, people care about quality products and have opened shops to ensure that their community and visitors can find great items that are local, sustainable and unique! 

Sidney

If you’re staying at the top of the Saanich Peninsula and looking for some great places to get some holiday shopping done, we’ve got you covered!  

Miss Bliss Boutique

2389 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1W9

This bright, beautiful boutique is filled with chic, comfortable and affordable clothing and accessories for women of all ages. It’s the perfect place to find the right gift for the stylish women in your life!  

Moden Boutique

2418 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X4

Meaning ‘mature’ in Norwegian, Moden offers incredible, investment pieces for women who want to have clothing that fits their lifestyle while elevating their wardrobe. With so much fast fashion out there, Moden is dedicated to filling their shelves with timeless, sustainably made pieces.

Cottons and Blues

2437 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1X7

Since 1979, Cotton and Blues has been the place to go for great jeans in Sidney. Throughout the years, many styles of jeans have come and gone but what has never changed is their dedication to quality products and great customer service.  

House of Lily Koi

2507 C Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y1

This luxury consignment boutique is a great place to go hunt for clothing treasures. If you love thrifting, but are looking for a sustainable way to shop for high-quality and designer pieces for someone special, Lily Koi is a great option! 

Ecotopia Naturals

9816 Seaport Pl #101, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3

If you’re looking for a gift for the eco-warrior on your list, Ecotopia is the place to go! They are committed to sourcing items from local designers or products that are made in Canada that are high-quality, comfortable, fair trade, and ethically made. Everything they sell is made of natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo and soy!

The Dancing Orchid

2537 Beacon Ave, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y3

This lovely boutique gift shop carries a great selection of chic jewelry, housewares, bath and body products right in the heart of Sidney.

Cameron Rose Gifts

2506 Beacon Ave #102, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y2

Since 2004, Cameron Rose has been providing Sidney with an incredible array of clothing, accessories, house wares and decor, games, toys, stationary and more! If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, Cameron Rose is a great place to get inspired! 

Deep Cove Market

10940 W Saanich Rd, North Saanich, BC V8L 5R9

If you’re looking for something a little different for the gourmand on your list, have a look at the Deep Cove Market where they stock delicious and unique items that are sure to impress! 

Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse

2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1T7

With an extensive orchard and an incredible commitment to quality, Sea Cider ciders are exceptional. With unique flavours and a distinctly West Coast appeal, these ciders make a wonderful gift.

The Cowichan Valley

While you’re enjoying the peace and quiet in the Cowichan Valley, shopping might be the last thing on your mind, but don’t worry, these great shops aren’t too far away! 

Wear It’s At Clothing

2720 Mill Bay Rd, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0

For up-to-the-minute trends, high-quality clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories and friendly service, Wear It’s At is well…where it’s at! 

Troll Brothers Quilt Shop 

2744 East, Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0

This sweet, full service quilt shop in the little village of Shawnigan Lake is a real gem for quilters! With an impressive selection of beautiful material, including hand-picked quilting packages, this store is the perfect place for the quilter on your list.

Merridale Cidery

1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L0

Delicious, sustainably made and naturally produced cider is what Merridale’s ciders are all about. Head over to the beautiful farm, have a tasting and some lunch and pick up a few gifts! It’s an afternoon well spent! 

Eclectic Avenue Vintage Boutique & Consignment

132 Station St, Duncan, BC V9L 1M8

For show-stopping vintage pieces including vintage band t-shirts, hats, shoes, dresses and accessories, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Eclectic Avenue in Duncan. Browse online and pick up in store or head in and peruse the racks yourself, you’re sure to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift you’ve been looking for!

The Duncan Garage and Ten Old Books 

330 Duncan St, Duncan, BC V9L 3W4

This funky building is home to a lovely cafe as well as an amazing, rare and second-hand bookstore. It might be tiny, but this bookstore is packed with gems with special sections on local history, authors and special interests.  

Volume One Bookstore

149 Kenneth St, Duncan, BC V9L 1N5

This long-standing bookstore in the heart of downtown Duncan is filled with incredible new releases, bestsellers, classics, a large kids section and so much more. The friendly staff is always available to help you find what you’re looking for or offer recommendations to wow the bibliophile on your list. 

The Red Balloon Toy Shop

158 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1V9

A beloved staple for the kids in the community, the Red Balloon right in the heart of downtown Duncan has an incredible selection of thought and imagination provoking toys, games, costumes and more. Whether you’re just perusing the aisles or heading in for something specific, The Red Balloon will spark your imagination and make you feel like a kid again. 

SaltSpring Soapworks

269 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1W2

For 40 years, Saltspring Soapworks has been creating natural bath and body products that are simple and effective. Using the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients as well as producing and packaging everything by hand, this is one of the best, slow beauty brands that have products that really work! 

Pots and Paraphernalia

269 Craig St, Duncan, BC V9L 1W2

Located in a stunning heritage brick building just north of downtown Duncan, Pots and Paraphernalia offers customers a beautiful array of stunning kitchen and homewares. From the gorgeous flatware to rare, hard-to-find kitchen appliances to the finest quality bedlinen, Pots and Paraphernalia is the place to go for luxury home and kitchen items in Duncan. 

Nanaimo

At these incredible shops, you’ll have all your holiday shopping done in no time! 

Artzi Stuff

2 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, this is the store to visit downtown Nanaimo. Sourcing only items made by local and BC based artists you’re sure to find truly authentic West Coast gifts that are stunning and well made.

Olive This and More

6332 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8

This interactive, hands-on tasting room and shop is a wonderful experience and a great place to get something really outstanding for the gourmand in your life. The friendly staff will guide you through a few tastings offering insights and recommendations to help you with your selection! 

Lobelia’s Lair Metaphysical Treasures

321 Wesley St #8, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5

For the spiritual person on your list, it can be difficult to find them a wonderful gift that will truly resonate. At Lobelia’s, however, you can find the most beautiful spiritual accessories like crystals, tarot cards, singing bowls as well as the kindest service.

Strong Nations Gifts & Books

2595 McCullough Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4M9

With a carefully curated selection of local and Indigenous items from all over Vancouver Island and Canada, plus books on a wide range of subjects related to Indigenous peoples and cultures from across Canada and the globe, this store is an incredible place to shop. In addition, Strong Nations also produces its own range of books and related products that are used in schools across Canada. This is an excellent place to come to learn more about the history, life and culture of the Indigenous peoples of BC.

Parksville

Parksville may not be a very big town, but there are still some great shops that are more than worth a visit while you’re staying in the area! 

Shades of Green

117 Craig St, Parksville, BC V9P 2H4

It’s safe to say that Shades of Green has been a trailblazer in the Parksville community when it comes to sustainable, earth friendly, Canadian sourced and fair trade products. Since 2009 this store has helped create a way for the community to access high-quality, sustainable products and participate in more environmentally friendly practices.

Wilde & Sparrow

152 Morison Ave, Parksville, BC V9P 2G5

If you’re looking for incredible clothes and locally made art and accessories, this is the shop to visit! With sought-after brands and investment pieces, Wilde & Sparrow is the destination for chic women’s clothing in Parksville.

Soak Lifestyle Boutique

180 Craig St #4, Parksville, BC V9P 2G3

At Soak, you can find everything from clothing and home decor to body products and kitchen gadgets. Almost everything in the store is hand-made from the Island and beyond or recognizable top-shelf brands. If there’s someone that is difficult to buy for, start here and let the incredible displays inspire you! 

Petal & Kettle

122B Craig St #1379, Parksville, BC V9P 2H3

For the person on your holiday shopping list who really has it all, there’s Petal & Kettle. With their contemporary floral designs, thoughtfully curated gift sets and subscription options, you can finally find something they’ll love and appreciate. Have a stunning arrangement delivered or pick up a luxurious relaxation gift set or sign them up for a monthly flower subscription or a monthly gift set subscription filled with beautiful, locally sourced products.

Comox Valley

There are some really lovely shops to explore in the Comox Valley where you’re sure to find the perfect holiday gifts!  

Artifact 

214 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J6

At this lovely, thoughtful shop you can find beautiful limited edition, handmade items made by independent Canadian designers and artisans. If you want to support sustainability and reduce the amount of fashion waste, this is a great place to shop for slow fashion and pieces that are quality and built for longevity.

Sage and Tree Gallery 

231 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J5

With a strong connection with local artists this incredible shop is filled with beautiful pieces that are handmade right in the beautiful Comox Valley and BC. You can find a little bit of everything here from apparel and teas to glass art and jewelry. A gift purchased from is sure to be made with love.

I-Hos Gallery

3310 Comox Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P8

At I-Hos Gallery, you’ll find a breathtaking collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork. The masks, jewelry, wood carvings and more are all produced by local First Nations artists. Because the gallery deals directly with the artists, you can be sure that you can learn about the artist themselves as well as support the incredible work of the First Nations artists.

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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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