~ Why farmers’ markets feel like home (and how they started)!” ~

Farmers’ markets have been gathering places in Ontario for over two centuries. Kingston’s Public Market was officially founded in 1801, and Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market site was designated a “Market Block” in 1803, early hubs where growers met townsfolk long before supermarkets were a thing. Today, Farmers’ Markets Ontario says there are about 180 member markets across the province, a testament to how strong (and fun) the tradition still is.

Below you’ll find 20 great markets to explore, with a special spotlight on York Durham Headwaters (YDH), where weekend market-hopping can easily fill a sunny Saturday. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

20 Ontario markets to put on your family list

1) Newmarket Farmers’ Market (YDH – York)

A lively Saturday ritual at Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket’s market bursts with produce, pastries and local makers from May through October, often with music and kid-friendly pop-ups. It’s downtown, so treats and a playground are steps away.

2) Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair (YDH – York)

Set in charming Town Park, Aurora’s Saturday market (8 a.m.–1 p.m., May–Oct) blends farm stands with artisans, community booths and seasonal theme days, ideal for strolling with coffee while the kids browse crafts. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

3) York Farmers’ Market, Thornhill (YDH – York)

Serving the community for 70+ years, this year-round market is great on rainy days or winter weekends, produce, butchers, bakeries and snacks under one roof. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

4) Uxbridge Farmers’ Market (YDH – Durham)

One of Durham’s most beloved markets: Sunday’s outdoors May–October at The Second Wedge Brewing Co., with indoor seasons in winter. Expect farm-fresh finds, special festival days, and plenty of family photo ops.

5) Port Perry Lakefront Farmers’ Market (YDH – Durham)

Markets don’t get prettier: lined up along Lake Scugog by the historic mill, Saturdays from May to Thanksgiving, with live entertainment and dockside snacks the kids will remember. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

6) Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market (YDH – Durham)

This Tuesday market (June–Oct, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.) sets up outside the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, handy parking, quick shopping, and a strong lineup of farm vendors and baked goodies.

7) Bowmanville Farmers’ Market (YDH – Durham)

A unique two-day format: Fridays at the Garnet B. Rickard Rec Complex and Saturdays downtown. Produce, preserves, “Little Makers” days, there’s lots for families to explore. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

8) Orangeville Farmers’ Market (YDH – Headwaters)

A Headwaters favourite with live music and plenty of ready-to-eat treats, Saturdays downtown with winter markets inside Town Hall and summer markets just outside. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

9) Creemore Farmers’ & Craft Market (Clearview Township)

A charming small-town market in the Station on the Green parking lot (10 Caroline St E), running Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May–October. It’s an outdoor, rain-or-shine makers-and-growers market with live music, easy stroller routes, shady spots, and a cozy village vibe. (There are occasional indoor winter markets in the Station, too.) (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

10) Owen Sound Farmers’ Market (Grey County)

A classic, year-round Saturday market (8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) right behind City Hall. Expect 40–50 vendors in peak season, produce, fish, meats, baking, crafts, and a friendly “see-you-next-week” vibe. Handy free parking and an easy stroll to the riverfront for a family walk. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

11) Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market (South Georgian Bay)

An upbeat Saturday tradition from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving (8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) in the municipal lot at Second & Pine. Lots of farm-fresh staples plus artisans, prepared foods, and occasional community activations, perfect before a waterfront wander or a visit to the playground at Millennium Park. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

12) Goderich BIA Farmers’ Market (Huron County)

Saturday tradition on the Courthouse Square (“The Square”) from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, typically 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Expect peak-season produce, baked goods, maple treats, and plenty of shade for stroller breaks, plus an easy hop to the beach boardwalk afterward. (Farmers’ Markets in Ontario)

13) Almonte Farmers’ Market (Lanark County – Mississippi Mills)

A charming Saturday 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. market running Victoria Day to Thanksgiving along the tree-lined Alameda beside the Almonte Library and the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail. Small-town vibes, live music, and a great mix of farm produce, baking, honey, and maple syrup.

14) Kingston Public Market (Downtown Kingston)

Ontario’s oldest market (founded 1801) sets up in Springer Market Square behind City Hall—easy stroller routes, shaded benches, and lots of room for kids to roam. It runs Tues/Thurs/Sat with summer hours Apr 1–Oct 31 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) and winter hours Nov 1–Mar 31 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Bonus family fun: the square hosts concerts and free outdoor movies in summer and transforms into a skating rink in winter.

15) Tecumseh Farmers Market (Essex County)

A fresh addition for 2025, this market pops up at Lacasse Park (590 Lacasse Blvd.) on the third Sunday of each month from June to October, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., a park setting that’s perfect for families to grab produce and let the kids burn off energy. 2025 dates: June 15, July 20, Aug 17, Sept 21, Oct 19.

16) Ottawa – ByWard Market (Downtown Ottawa)

One of Canada’s oldest market districts, indoors year-round with the streets filling up May–October for the outdoor farmers’ market (vendors typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Summer brings a fun Night Market on Thursdays (5–9 p.m.), great for an evening family stroll with snacks.

17) St. Lawrence Market Toronto

An icon for a reason. The Saturday Farmers’ Market (North) runs early; the South Market is open most of the week. Pick up Ontario produce, cheeses and that famous peameal-bacon sandwich, then wander the waterfront or St. James Park.

18) St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Waterloo Region

Billed as Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, St. Jacobs draws about a million visitors annually. Go for farm-fresh abundance, Mennonite country traditions, and a huge indoor-outdoor vendor mix, open year-round Thursdays & Saturdays (plus summer Tuesdays).

19) Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Dating to 1837, Hamilton’s downtown market is a terrific rainy-day plan: multicultural eats, fresh produce, and the restored two-storey Birks Clock delighting kids on the quarter hour.

20) Guelph Farmers’ Market

A Guelph cornerstone since 1827, this compact, high-quality Saturday market pairs farm staples with artisanal finds, easy to combine with a stroll by the river or a playground stop.

Make it magical for the whole family

• Go early, snack often. You’ll get the first pick of berries and it’s easier to park. Many markets have live music, build in time to listen and nibble. (St. Lawrence opens at 5 a.m. on Saturdays; St. Jacobs recommends early birds for the best selection.)
• Talk to growers. Kids love hearing how maple syrup is made or why those weird tomatoes taste amazing. Markets are perfect mini-field trips.
• Plan a two-stop loop. In YDH, try Uxbridge on Sunday plus a lakefront stroll in Port Perry, or pair Aurora Saturday with a Newmarket ice-cream detour by the splash pad.
• Check dates before you drive. Most markets are seasonal (May–Oct), while a few are year-round or move indoors in winter. Farmers’ Markets Ontario’s finder is handy when you’re exploring beyond your home base.

A tiny taste of the deeper story

Ontario’s market culture grew with its towns: Kingston (1801) and St. Lawrence (1803) anchored early trade; Ottawa’s market district blossomed in the 19th century; later, railway towns like Guelph and Kitchener built permanent market halls. Today’s resurgence, fueled by local food love and weekend family time, means there’s likely a market within an hour of you any summer weekend.

One last tip

If you’re building an outing around York Durham Headwaters, you’re spoiled for choice: Newmarket, Aurora, Hillcrest (Richmond Hill), York (Thornhill), Uxbridge, Port Perry, Pickering, Bowmanville, Orono, and Orangeville all deliver that friendly Ontario market magic, fresh food, easy smiles, and memories that last longer than the strawberries.