Farms & Markets
Fresh produce
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 Centre.
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.
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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.
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Things To Do
Food, Wine & Relaxation