Many farms and orchards are located just outside Nanaimo. Named for the thick stands of Western Red Cedar that still cover large tracts of the area, Cedar is a rural community some 9km/6mi south of Nanaimo off the Trans Canada Highway (#1). A loop driving tour of the area along Cedar and Yellow Point roads encompasses farms, galleries, studios and a corn maze. The tour is mapped out in the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisans' Guide, available at the Visitor Centres.
Fruit Farms
Yellow Point Cranberries (4532 Yellow Point Road) is open for tours year-round (Wednesday-Saturday). Its on-site store offers 20 varieties of jams, jellies, chutneys and salsas. One treat among many: Cranberry Lemon Liqueur with rosehips. Best time for a visit is during the fall harvest, when the fields are bright red with fruit. Nine varieties of certified organic blueberries – fresh or frozen – are available at Blue Harvest Farm (13387 Code Road off Cedar Road near the Nanaimo Airport) from early July to mid-August. Pre-orders recommended! Nearby is Hazelwood Herb Farm (13576 Adshead Road). The garden here brims with some 400 fragrant varieties of herb during the April-September high season. Purchase potted herbs or check out the jellies, mustards, vinegars, herbal remedies and skin-care products in the gift shop.
Regional Farmers' Markets
Three farmers' markets in the Nanaimo area allow for plenty of one-stop browsing amongst fresh produce and local crafts. All operate one-day-per-week from early May until Canadian Thanksgiving (second Monday in October) between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The region's largest market with 50 vendors is the Nanaimo Downtown Farmers' Market. It occupies the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street every Friday with a diverse product selection ranging from bison salami, fresh pasta and dry mushrooms to pottery, goat-milk soaps and handcrafted purses.
Saturday shoppers head to the Nanaimo North Farmers' Market in the Nanaimo North Town Centre. And the Cedar Farmers' Market is held on Sundays in a grassy field near the Crow & Gate Pub on Yellow Point Road. Among those in attendance are the ladies of the Cedar Women's Institute with a tempting selection of baked goods.