Winnipeg farmers markets

Winnipeg farmers markets, here's where to find farmers markets Winnipeg.

While most are seasonal, only opening in June and closing again eary in September, Winnipeg does have one year round market at The Forks.

Fresh-from-the-field vegetables, ripe-off-the-tree fruits, locally-produced honey, maple syrup and wild rice, home-made pies, cookies and pastries – enjoy harvest’s bounty at Winnipeg farmers markets.

The Forks Farmers Market

Winnipeg’s best-known farmers market is the most central, in the heart of the tourist area at The Forks.

This is also the only indoor, year-round farmers market in Winnipeg where you can find fresh fruit and veg and also fish including Manitoba pickerel, premium meats and a wine shop.

Open daily.

Central Market for Global Families

Here is a city-centre market open on summer Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Central Park, which is on Edmonton Street just north of Ellice.

Though smaller than the others, it has more of an ethnic, city buzz.

Main Street Farmers' Market

North End Food Security Network holds a weekly Main Street Farmers' Market every Friday afternoon all summer until September 16 at 1175 Main Street.

Hours are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Norbert Farmers’ Market

If you want the outdoor stalls, buy-direct-from-the-growers experience, this is the Winnipeg farmers market for you.

It is also the largest, with more than 75 vendors selling flowers, veg, fruit, plants including native plants and wildflowers, organically-raised meats, just-caught fish, crafts, baked goods, jams and preserves and more.

One of the most popular booths sells possibly the best spring rolls in the city. They're $1.25 each, or six (enough for a satisfying lunch) for $5.

I recommend getting the half dozen, because the line-up is long (though it moves pretty fast) and just one or two is only a teaser.

Or you can buy them frozen to take home.

This market is noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays all summer until October 30.

Get there early if you go on the weekend because it tends to get very busy by mid-morning, when Pembina Highway gets congested and parking can become harder to find (by then you won't get one of the few free parking spots, but will probably be able to get into one of the paid lots, which charge $2).

This farmer’s market is as much a family experience as a shopping destination. On Saturdays there is free face-painting for little kids and free concerts.

The most recent time I was there it was a trio playing Brazilian music very competently, an unexpected pleasure on a summer afternoon when I'd just stopped for some fresh veg (and those spring rolls!)

On September Saturdays they do wonderful harvest/Halloween displays and offer treats such as fresh-pressed cider.

In summer, combine with a visit to the fort and museum and the monastery ruins and gardens, both just down the road.

St. Norbert Farmers' Market is at 3514 Pembina, near the southern edge of Winnipeg.

River Heights Farmers’ Market

This is a neighbourhood market, Friday afternoons only in summer, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at River Heights Community Centre, which is at Grosvenor and Oak Streets.

Though smaller, it is also more casual, and could be your chance to meet the locals.

Farmer’s Market at Red River Ex

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there are 50 vendors at a Farmers Market at Red River Exhibition’s Park (off Portage, just west of the Perimeter).

With a selection of local produce, honey, baked goods, perogies, crafts, jewellery and more, this market just west of the city is growing in popularity.

Park entrance and also parking are free.

All summer, until September 25 at Red River Exhibition Park, 3977 Portage Avenue, which just west of the Perimeter.

Pineridge Hollow Farmers’ Market

If you’d like a scenic drive on a summer (or early autumn) Saturday with a stop at a farmers’ market, head north on Highway 59.

This Winnipeg farmers market is in the village of Pineridge Hollow (Highway 59 at Garven Road), every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. all summer until September 18.