 The Old Farm Market, Duncan, Adrian Dorst photo
From May through October many communities host weekend markets, usually on Saturdays. Each market has its own unique flavour featuring produce from the immediate area together with locally made arts and crafts.
Larger markets include:
Downtown Duncan Farmers' Market
If you only have time for one market, make it this bustling one, the region's largest. It is conveniently open year round.
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Inhale the aroma of fresh-baked breads and pastries as you stroll the stalls choosing from a tantalizing array of fresh, locally produced foods that range from baby salad greens and exotic types of garlic to free-range eggs and organic meats.
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Home-made jams, jellies, chutneys, salsas, sauces, antipasto, herbal vinegars, syrups and honey - in addition to tasting delicious - make wonderful gifts.
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Craft vendors sell locally designed and made jewellery, clothing and furniture as well as soaps and skin-care products.
Coombs Old Country Market
Coombs Old Country Market is, perhaps, best known for the resident goats that live on the market's grass roof - a highly appealing spectacle for kids of all ages. Open for over 30 years, the market is a must-see for anyone traversing the upper island.
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Look for a wide variety of in-season, local produce together with regional specialty food products and crafts.
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Visit the deli for a delectable array of local and international cheeses, savoury meat products, and fresh-baked breads, muffins and scones for that picnic lunch.
Salt Spring Island Saturday Market
Over 100 vendors gather at Centennial Park in the island's main town of Ganges for this hugely popular market.
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Meet the people who grew or produced everything you buy: the market mandates that each vendor must "make it, bake it, or grow it."
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Salt Spring is home to a dynamic community of artists and artisans who also display and sell their creations - jewelry, fibre arts, paintings, sculptures and woodwork - at the market.
Nanaimo and the Comox Valley also host large markets.
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