The 100 Mile Diet started in Vancouver, so it’s no wonder everyone here is obsessed with local fare. We’re also blessed with a bountiful crop of farmers markets, most of which stay open through October. Here are the summer’s must-visits.
Granville Island
This parking lot produce party is known for its experimental farmers and their cutting-edge crops. Think personal-sized melons, hothouse strawberries and heirloom everything. Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Arts Club Theatre.
Trout Lake
The perfect meal: A loaf from Bread Affair, organic cheese from Goat’s Pride, a basket of Fraser Valley berries and a sunny spot by Trout Lake. Participate in a cookbook swap and get some inspiration – and supplies – for dinner. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Trout Lake Community Centre.
Main Street Station
Spice up hump day with a visit to the Thornton Park market. Grab a hot dinner or catch a chef demonstration and pick up some ingredients to replicate the recipe at home. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thornton Park.
Kitsilano
Bike to the market and take advantage of the market’s valet and maintenance services, or leave your groceries with a cycling porter for home delivery. You can even get an eco-audit of your home. Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kitsilano Community Centre.
Ambleside
This posh, ocean-view West Van artisan market offers a book exchange, a newspaper reading area, live music, Shiatsu massages and chess tables. Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Bellevue Ave., between 13th St. and 14th St.
Image courtesy of S Vacher.
Cool!
I’ve been going to the Trout Lake market for years. If you like women that eat healthy food, and use natural soaps, then you should definitely check it out. It is teeming with beautiful, healthy women. I’ll even give you a pickup liine you can use for free: “Wow. Those melons look fantastic.There’s no substitute for organically grown.”