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 May 16 to November 14 (noon to 4pm)

Returning this spring to its popular Minoru Plaza location––just outside the city’s centre’s main public library branch––this ever-friendly little 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 of these here over the years), then wander around and chat to the vendors.

As the growing season progresses, you’ll likely find everything from rhubarb to raspberries here. Plus an ever-changing array of fresh-picked salad ingredients––the kind of mouthwatering tomato, kale, celery, peppers and radishes that make you wonder why you don’t eat like this more often.

Much of the produce is grown by students in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, so visiting this market is a great way to support B.C.’s future farming professionals. Typically, there are also artisan goods to peruse, tasty treats to try and even some craft beers and wines to sample and take home. Add a side dish of toe-tapping live music and this is a smashing spot to spend a leisurely hour or two.

Market organizer Anne Janzen tells us what she’s most looking forward to at the 2023 market: “Artichokes! This year, KPU Farms is growing my personal favourite vegetable, and we’re already stockpiling our favourite recipes to share across social media in anticipation of the season. This is a new market crop for us and harvest time is weather dependant––stay tuned for the big announcement of its esteemed arrival!”

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market

4320 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Sundays May 7 & 21, June 4 & 18, July 16 & 30, August 6 & 20, September 3 & 17 (10:30am to 3:30pm)

Handily located in the heart of Steveston Village, there’s no better way to spend a sunny Sunday than a leisurely wander around this family-friendly favourite, a seasonal staple for well over a decade. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a full day out in ever-inviting 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.

Bring more than one shopping bag here so you stock up on produce from several regional farms. Fresh-picked berries, tree fruits and a full larder of vegetables are the star attractions––visit more than once as the season unfolds for crisp, just-ready corn on the cob, the sweetest local strawberries you’ve ever tasted and much more.

Sweet-tooth visitors (that includes us) will also be tempted by the artisanal baked goods that are a feature of every market day. And there’s also a full complement of artisan stands offering unique, locally made items––in previous years, we’ve bought craft-made soaps, hand-knitted hats and delicious B.C. honey here.

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market committee member Alan Sakai tells us what he’s most looking forward to at the 2023 market: “I can’t wait for the arrival of the local strawberries. They taste so good, but it also means summer is beginning and all the fun summer activities like picnics will be starting soon!”

Richmond Country Farms

12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC

Daily 9am to 7:30pm

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 family-run Richmond Country Farms. Now fully open for its 2023 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.

Give yourself plenty of time here. Alongside the pyramids of tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes and lettuce––often multiple varieties of each––this is a great spot to find in-season and temptingly priced Richmond-picked blueberries or Okanagan peaches, plums and apricots. And inside the barn, you’ll find jars of artisan preserves, fruit-packed pies, pales of ice cream and much more.

But delicious goodies aren’t the only reason to visit Richmond Country Farms. Families love to wander past the farm animal enclosures here, snapping selfies with a backdrop of colourful heritage chickens or roof-climbing goats. And there’s even an onsite winery that serves locally made tipples and a Friday-to-Sunday menu of live music.

Richmond Country Farms co-owner Susan Hogler tells us what she’s most looking forward to at the 2023 market: “Every year we are always excited for our sweet corn and strawberries––all grown on our farm right here in Richmond!”

Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Tourism Richmond