Where

By Hilary Darrah

Community farmers’ markets have sprouted up all over town. For visitors, a casual stroll through a market is a great way to get a slice of local life, and you may even dig up a special souvenir that you just wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Image courtesy City Market Downtown

City Market Downtown on 104^th Street

You’ll find this lively market in the warehouse district on 104^th Street, the city’s newest shopping destination. The street is closed to traffic while the market’s on, so there’s plenty of room to weave in between vendor kiosks and buskers while browsing the trendy boutiques lining this historic street. May through October (104 St. location); Saturdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.city-market.ca

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market

In the midst of the city’s most diverse theatre and shopping district, this market attracts an equally eclectic crowd. Buskers entertain and wafts of tasty samples entice as you wander the aisles of the Old Bus Barn filled with fresh produce, famous all-natural pork sausages by Alberta’s Irvings Farm Fresh, flowers, crafts, artwork, and more. Year-round; Saturdays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.osfm.ca

Callingwood Farmers’ Market­­

Close to West Edmonton Mall and the popular outdoor shopping centre, Marketplace at Callingwood, this is the city’s original and largest farmers’ market filled with fresh, locally-grown organic produce and handmade keepsakes. May through October; Sundays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Wednesdays 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. www.callingwoodmarketplace.com

Image courtesy Sherwood Park Farmers' Market

Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market

If you’re visiting Sherwood Park, don’t miss this lovely market in the picturesque park setting of Festival Place. More than 70 vendors fill the area, sharing their stories and genuine love for what they do, grow, and make. May through October; Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. www.sherwoodparkfarmersmarket.ca

Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market

Edmonton’s newest farmers’ market is conveniently located near South Edmonton Common, a huge open-air shopping and entertainment complex, and the beautiful  Ellerslie Gift & Garden. Perched quietly on the Lillian Osborne High School Parking Lot, it’s gaining momentum as more and more vendors set up tables. May through October; Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. www.swefm.ca

St. Albert Farmers’ Market

Said to be the largest outdoor market in Western Canada, this one attracts more than 10,000 people eying the goodies of its 250 vendors. This year marks its 30^th Anniversary, with special events planned to celebrate throughout the season. June 16 through October; Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.stalbertfarmersmarket.com