Island Farm Stands: Where to get your Provisions this Fall
One of the most unique aspects of the Southern Gulf Islands are the many small-scale farms and farm stands. Often, farmers and hobby gardeners sell their eggs, fresh cut flowers, and hand-picked produce at the end of their driveways, sometimes accompanied by other treats and handicrafts. A core feature of our small community culture, these farm stands operate on the honour system, where owners trust in your integrity to purchase and pay honestly.
Not only are farm stands a fun and authentic island experience, they’re also a great place to get your provisions. Why? Buying locally grown food is more environmentally-friendly, it benefits the community economy, it encourages sustainable agriculture, it’s fresher, and it is said to have better nutritional value. That means it supports the creativity, individuality, and downright quirkiness that inspired you to visit in the first place—it keeps the islands special.
Ready for a taste? Here’s where you can find local produce this fall:
Pender Island
Start your day off with eggs at Wild Ethel Wood or Fir Hill Farm. Head to Braeloch Farms for gourmet garlic and garlic products, find organic fruit and vegetables at Ohana Farms and Raven Rock Farm. Then satisfy your sweet tooth with baked goods at OyaButikk.
Saturna Island
Though Saturna doesn’t have farm stands, all the local farms sell their products at the Saturna General Store. Find culinary herbs from Breezy Bay Farm, lamb from Campbell Farm, produce from Sandy Bay Farm, Kristen’s Freerange Eggs, Four Winds Eggs, and more.
Mayne Island
A local favourite, source all your seasonal veggies at Hardscrabble Farm. Treat yourself to succulent mushrooms from Fern Gully Farm and nutritious microgreens from Christina’s Garden. Enjoy gourmet preserves at picture-perfect, The Briary. Keep an eye out for seasonal offerings at Fernhollow Farm and Silvermoon Hollow. You can also find produce from Deacon Vale Farm at the Farm Gate Store.
Galiano Island
Get your fruit and vegetables from Galiano Sunshine Farm and Mt. Sutil Farm. Though Cable Bay Farm doesn’t have a farm stand, find their produce at the Galiano Saturday Market or email for online orders.
Don’t miss Galiano’s Food Forest, an incredible initiative led by the Galiano Conservancy. With a mix of edible and useful plants designed to mimic a natural ecosystem, it produces nutritious food year-round, harvesting greens, herbs, edible flowers, root vegetables and berries for local restaurants and caterers. Try their Forest Garden Tea, available at the Millard Learning Centre.
Salt Spring Island
You could spend days visiting Salt Spring’s farm stands. In fact, we’ve mentioned North End Farm, Laughing Apple Farm, and Stowell Lake Farm before, so if you’re looking for something new, don’t miss the stand at Ruckle Farm, hint: ask for lamb. Find beautiful vegetables at Heydey Farm, berries at Golden Tree Farm, seasonal produce at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga’s farm, eggs at Night Owl Farm and organic preserves at Sunset on Salt Spring. Treat yourself to something different with Dave’s Artisan Granola. Short on time? Order online from Duck Creek Farm, Earth Candy Farm, or the local.salt marketplace.
Create your own farm stand food adventure
Some farm stand locations can be found in an online directory and a map for Salt Spring, but not all farmers operate or advertise stands. Go slowly and stop where you see food for sale. If you can’t buy directly, look for local farms in island grocery stores. They’re often proudly well-labelled and easy to find. Keep in mind that many of our restaurants also support local and regional farmers, which is a great chance to participate in our local food scene. You can also keep an eye out for events that celebrate local seasonal food, like the Salt Spring Apple Festival and the Saturna Lamb Barbeque.
