All of the Southern Gulf Islands Farmers Markets
On your next adventure to the Southern Gulf Islands, you won’t have to look far to find fresh produce and local goods. Our islands boast a remarkable concentration of farmers, makers, and artisans. That translates directly to an incredible density of community-minded farmers markets.
For you, this means more opportunities to sample seasonal fare, connect with local creatives, and experience the spirit that makes these islands so special.
From Galiano to Salt Spring and beyond, here’s your guide to the farmers markets that bring the Southern Gulf Islands to life.
Galiano Saturday Market
Season: May Long Weekend to Thanksgiving
Schedule: Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM
Where to find it: Galiano Lions Park, Burrill Road
Galiano Island may be one of the quieter Gulf Islands, but that slower pace is exactly what fuels its creative spirit. Each summer, the island comes to life at the weekly Saturday Market. This is an intimate, joyous event where local producers and artists share their talents with visitors and neighbours alike.
Head down to the Galiano Saturday Market at Lions Park to see for yourself why this event is on every Islander’s weekly to-do list. Rain or shine, stock up on island-grown fruit and veg, freshly baked cookies and pastries, and tasty food and drinks.
This is also an opportunity to explore the island’s diverse artisans, making handspun yarn and fibre arts, stained glass, ceramics, stationery, and more.
Mayne Farmers Market
Season: 3rd Saturday of May to Thanksgiving
Schedule: Saturday, 10 AM to 1 PM
Where to find it: 430 Fernhill Road
For anyone looking to experience one of the sweetest local farmers markets in the Salish Sea, you’ll want to make a beeline for the Mayne Island Farmers Market.
Head down to 430 Fernhill Road on any given Saturday in the warmer months to see the best of Mayne on display. Come away with a bag overflowing with fresh fruit and veg, sweet baked treats, a one-of-a-kind piece of art, and a full heart.
It has everything the larger regional markets have — music, food, fresh and local produce — but with an extra special Mayne Island flourish. Mayne Island’s Farmers Market may be one of the smaller events, but it’s mighty in terms of its charm.
Pender Farmers Markets
Pender Saturday Market
Season: Open Year Round
Schedule: Every Saturday, 9:30 AM to 1 PM
Where to find it: Pender Island Community Hall, 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road
Established in 1978, the Pender Island Saturday Market has been a celebrated weekly event for almost 50 years. Now open all year round, it’s where locals and visitors alike discover this island’s fantastic farm bounty and artisan-made goods.
This is where you’ll find Pender Island staples, including fresh produce from Raven Rock Farm, tasty creations from The Fridge of Wonders, and comfort food from the likes of Tom and Jerry’s BBQ truck.
But maybe you’re looking for a gift or a Pender-made souvenir from your trip. Check out the tables from local artisans, including Pender Pens, Gabriel Pottery, Heidi Hamson’s Geiko Studies, and so many more.
The Food Only Market
Season: Summer and Fall
Schedule: Wednesdays, 3 PM to 6 PM in summer and 3 PM to 5 PM in fall
Where to find it: Farmers’ Institute Barn (Behind the Community Hall), 4418 Bedwell Harbour Road
Created as an initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Islanders navigate some of the challenges, Pender’s smaller Food-Only Market on Wednesdays has been connecting people with locally produced food ever since. (It also now runs alongside the regular Saturday Market.)
Open in the summer and fall seasons, this is the perfect way to stock up midweek on veggies, fruits, meats, and eggs, all grown and raised right on Pender. Smaller and strictly food-focused, this mid-week farmers market is a powerful initiative that supports food security and the local community.
Saturna Farmers Market
Season: Summer
Schedule: 10 AM to 1 PM (Times May Vary)
Where to find it: Saturna General Store, 101 Narvaez Bay
If you have ever browsed the aisle at the Saturna General Store (yes, that iconic general store), then you’ll have an inkling of what you’ll find at their seasonal farmers market.
Held every Saturday in the store parking lot, this is everything Saturna on proud display. Every weekend, expect the unexpected! New vendors are always popping up, and there’s a little something for everyone.
A few of the usual suspects include fresh, locally grown produce, vintage goods, used books, handcrafted soaps and candles, homemade goodies, and more. You might also be treated to musical accompaniment by local acts and a special one-day-only dish prepared by Mark at the Cafe.
The Saturna Saturday Market runs seasonally, opening sometime in mid-spring and extending into the fall. It’s also worth mentioning that, unlike the other markets across the Gulf Islands, the Saturna Market is usually just a fair-weather event. If your visit gets rained out, the good news is you can still find many of the same amazing local goods inside the General Store.
Salt Spring Farmers Markets
The Saturday Market
Season: April to October
Schedule: Saturdays, 9 AM – 3 PM
Where to find it: Centennial Park, 100 Fulford-Ganges Road
If Salt Spring Island is known for anything, it’s the world-famous Saturday Market. This is undoubtedly the largest and most established of the region’s numerous events, with a stunning array of vendors lining both sides of the Centennial Park walkway. For visitors and locals alike, this is the number one place to be on Saturdays. Every market season, the park comes alive with the flavours, produce, and art of Salt Spring.
You can truly find it all here: one-of-a-kind art, herbal infusions, fine jewelry, ceramics, local spirits, baked goods, handmade clothing, and more. Come hungry and bring a reusable shopping bag (or grab that classic market basket from nearby Osisi Boutique), because you won’t leave empty-handed.
You’ll also want to follow the market stalls as they wrap around the back of Gasoline Alley (near Country Cafe). This more eclectic end of the Saturday Market is locally known as the renegade market, and here you’ll find quintessentially Salt Spring treasures.
We recommend coming early before some of the hot ticket items sell out (like the scrumptious gluten-free loaves from Jane’s Dough), but also to ensure you can find parking nearby.
The Tuesday Market
Season: April to October
Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Where to find it: Centennial Park, 100 Fulford-Ganges Road
For those exploring Salt Spring during the week, put the Tuesday Farmers Market on your to-do list. This is Salt Spring’s food-only market, featuring the island’s growers, producers, and creators of edible goodies. Check out everything from summer’s first berries to sweet jams to island-raised pork.
Don’t be surprised if you notice more locals here than on Saturdays. While still lively, it is a much calmer event than its Saturday counterpart. People come to do their weekly shopping and also connect with friends and bump into acquaintances.
What Will End Up in Your Basket?
The farmers markets of the Southern Gulf Islands offer a true taste of island life. For locals, they’re part social gathering, part grocery run, and a vital piece of the region’s food security. For visitors, they’re an open invitation to peek inside the studios, farms, and kitchens of some of the most talented makers in the Salish Sea.
Can’t make it on market day? No problem. Many vendors keep the shelves stocked at their own farm stands (more on those here), so a spontaneous detour down a winding road might still lead you to something fresh, local, and unforgettable.
No matter when you visit, be sure to make time for one of these community-powered markets. We promise, you’ll leave with a full basket and a full heart.
