Richmond is Ready for Farmers’ Markets

It’s that time of year when a cornucopia of colourful farmers’ markets open in communities across British Columbia. And that includes Richmond, where a bumper crop of fresh-picked seasonal produce is about to arrive at some highly anticipated city locations.

Now is the time to dig out your reusable shopping bags and plan your visits to these inviting farm-to-table vendors. They are the perfect places to snag luscious fresh fruits and vegetables and support our hardworking B.C. growers––while also enjoying a delightful alfresco day out or two.

Read on for our three handpicked Richmond hot spots, complete with some personal recommendations from the teams behind each market.

Kwantlen Farmers Market

7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC
Tuesdays (noon to 4pm) May 14 to November 12

Returning this spring to its popular Minoru Plaza location––just outside the city’s centre’s main public library branch––this ever-friendly market is a must-see for locals and visitors. Start with a fresh-made bakery treat (we’ve definitely indulged in more than a few cookies and croissants here over the years), then wander around and chat to the vendors.

This year, you’ll find berries, chicken and eggs from Abbotsford as well as lots of juicy seasonal fruit from the Okanagan (we’re huge fans of B.C. peaches). There’s also an ever-evolving array of super-fresh vegetables sold by students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems––and they’re all grown by the students right here in Richmond.

In previous years, we’ve picked up delicious tomatoes, kale, celery, peppers and radishes at this market. Make sure you come back several times as the months unfold to check out the latest just-picked produce. You’ll also discover that there are more than edible treats available here: the market features a fun array of handmade artisanal goods that are perfect for a sunny afternoon browse.

Market organizer Tara Immell says: “I love to bring the fresh and local carrots sold at our farmers’ market home to my family. My children are always excited to eat ‘farmer carrots’ since they taste so much better than the carrots I buy at grocery stores!”

ATHIANA ACRES

12800 No. 2 Road, Richmond, BC
Wednesdays (2pm to 7pm), Saturdays (9am to 4pm) and Sundays (9am to 4pm) June 1 to November 17 (last date is provisional)

Family-owned Athiana Acres is a delightful destination for a farm visit. Deploying a wide range of regenerative agricultural methods, they grow more than 200 varieties of fruits, herbs, vegetables and flowers here throughout the year. Visitors can dive into these just-picked treats at the farm’s thrice-weekly onsite market, where the product mix regularly changes as the months unfold.

From late-May onwards, look for lettuce, radishes, turnips and beets (we bought some amazing beet varieties here last year). During June, beans, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, fennel, onions and various herbs arrive. And in summer, there’s usually corn, eggplant, peppers, garlic, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, melons, potatoes, radicchio and summer squash to choose from.

Consider some fresh-cut flowers as well––these colourful bouquets were a hot item on our visit. And be sure to peruse 2024’s new selection of products from local businesses and restaurants. This year, Athiana Acres will also be offering Saturday and Sunday morning farm tours plus workshops on everything from organic growing to bouquet-making––check here for more information.

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The farm’s managing director Simran Panatch says: “We’re especially looking forward to our melons. We tested these last year and they were incredible––the perfect texture and sweetness. It’s fun to showcase crops people don’t think of as growing in Richmond! Other new crops we are excited about are turmeric, lemongrass, white Romanesco cauliflower and a variety of hot peppers.”

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market

4320 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC
Sundays (10:30am to 3:30pm) May 5 & 19, June 2 & 16, July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18, September 1 & 15

There’s no better way to spend a sunny Sunday than a leisurely wander around this family-friendly favourite, a seasonal staple here for well over a decade. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a full day out in Steveston––Fisherman’s Wharf, the Moncton Street boutiques and two National Historic Sites (Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards) are all within walking distance.

Make sure you bring extra shopping bags to stock up on produce from several regional farms. Fresh-picked berries, tree fruits and a full larder of vegetables (including specialties such as microgreens and mushroom varieties) are among this year’s tasty attractions, but be sure to visit several times throughout the season for crisp corn on the cob, sweet local strawberries and much more.

This market is also popular for its non-produce items. This year, you’ll find artisanal soaps, candles, textiles, pottery and artworks to peruse. Foodies will also enjoy browsing sauces, chocolates, kettle corn and more. And if it’s time for a fuel-up, there are tempting baked goodies plus a popular coffee vendor to salve your java cravings––you can even pick-up some great coffee beans to take home.

Market manager Pinky says: “Personally, I am looking forward to blueberry season. It’s been a tradition since I’ve worked at the market to come home with a flat of blueberries to consume during my evening TV time!”

Richmond Country Farms

12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC
Daily 9am to 8pm

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to one of the markets above. You can still get your fill of local produce at the city’s family-run Richmond Country Farms. Now open for its 2024 run––and operating every day of the week––this destination attraction is centered on a large red barn building fronted by heaping outdoor produce tables and full-to-the-brim fruit and vegetable containers.

They’re famous here for planting a little bit of everything so customers have lots of Richmond-grown produce to choose from. Favourites include blueberries, strawberries, sweet corn and delicious Warba nugget potatoes. And you’ll also find freshly harvested broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, cabbage, carrots and Brussels sprouts––plus beets, kale, zucchini, hot peppers, English peas and more.

Inside the barn, look for artisan preserves, fruit pies and pales of ice cream. And don’t miss the site’s additional attractions: a mini menagerie of farm animals in their colourful enclosures and Country Vines Winery, a charming onsite operation with well-priced Richmond-made wines to sample and purchase.

Richmond Country Farms farmer Lucas Hogler says: “Every year we are always excited for our super sweet corn to arrive because it screams summer BBQ season!”

Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Tourism Richmond