If you’ve only ever bought groceries at a supermarket chain, a GTA farmers market will change how you think about food. Seasonal produce that was still in the ground 24 hours ago, local honey, heritage-breed meat, handmade cheese, fresh-baked bread, and artisan goods — the GTA’s market scene has expanded dramatically over the past decade.
Here’s where to go.
Year-Round Markets
St. Lawrence Market (Toronto)
Canada’s best farmers market, running since 1803. The South Market operates Tuesday through Sunday and features over 120 vendors selling everything from Ontario cheeses and charcuterie to fresh fish and locally grown vegetables.
Don’t miss: The peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery — it’s a Toronto institution. Hours: Tue-Thu 9AM-7PM, Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat 5AM-5PM Location: 93 Front St E, Toronto
Kensington Market (Toronto)
Not a traditional farmers market, but Kensington is a permanent neighbourhood market with produce vendors, fishmongers, butchers, and specialty food shops. Pedestrian Sundays (May through October, last Sunday of the month) close the streets to traffic and make it even more lively.
Location: Kensington Ave / Augusta Ave, Toronto
Seasonal Outdoor Markets
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market (Toronto)
One of the best Saturday markets in the city. The Brick Works market runs from May through December in the courtyard of an extraordinary converted industrial site. Excellent selection of Ontario produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods.
Hours: Saturdays 8AM-1PM (May-December) Location: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto
Port Credit Farmers Market (Mississauga)
A lively weekend market on the Lake Ontario waterfront in Port Credit village. Features local produce, flowers, baked goods, and prepared foods against the backdrop of the lake.
Hours: Sundays from late May through October Location: Port Credit Memorial Park, Mississauga
Brampton Farmers Market
Held in downtown Brampton near the Rose Theatre from late spring through fall. A community-focused market with strong South Asian produce selection reflecting Brampton’s demographics — including fresh curry leaves, bitter melon, various dals, and specialty vegetables often hard to find elsewhere.
Hours: Saturdays from May through October Location: City Hall area, Brampton
Markham Village Farmers Market
Running in historic Markham village, this Saturday market features strong Asian produce offerings alongside traditional Ontario farms. One of the best markets in York Region.
Hours: Saturdays, May-October Location: Main Street Markham
Unionville Farmers Market (Markham)
A smaller, charming market in the historic village of Unionville. Great for a morning outing combined with breakfast at one of the village cafés.
Hours: Sundays, May-October
What to Know Before You Go
Bring cash. Many smaller vendors don’t take credit cards, and markets that do often prefer it.
Go early for the best selection. The most popular vendors — fresh pastries, heritage tomatoes, handmade pasta — often sell out by mid-morning.
Bring your own bags. Most markets have reduced plastic availability, and a reusable bag makes carrying produce much easier.
Apps to find more: The Farmers’ Markets Ontario website (farmersmarketsontario.com) maintains a searchable database of certified Ontario markets. You can find smaller neighbourhood markets near you that aren’t widely advertised.
What “local” means on labels: Ontario’s regulations are relatively permissive about what can be sold at a “farmers market.” Some vendors resell produce from wholesale markets. Look for vendors who can tell you their farm name and location — that’s the clearest sign of genuine local provenance.
Why Shop at Farmers Markets?
Beyond freshness, farmers markets keep money circulating in the local economy. When you buy directly from an Ontario farmer, a larger percentage of your dollar goes to the producer than in the supermarket supply chain.
Many GTA farmers are also working with heritage and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables that never appear in grocery stores — because they’re too fragile to ship, too irregular in size to sort at scale, or simply too seasonal for a year-round national chain.
That’s your gain.
GTAVille covers local events, food culture, and community life across the Greater Toronto Area.
