While Toronto’s many farmers’ markets have always been popular with those in the know, the last ten years have seen them explode in popularity, with a whole new generation of vendors offering local products that go way beyond produce (though we love that too). This is the place to go shopping for fresh produce all summer long!
Sorauren Park Farmers’ Market in Roncesvalles, The Stop at the Wychood Barns, and the Dufferin Grove farmer’s market are the top picks in my basket for farmers’ markets in the West End. More than just a place to shop, these are three hubs where you can get a great feel for the neighborhood culture while taking home a great haul!
1. Sorauren Farmer’s Market @ Roncesvalles
Where:
Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave Toronto ON, (Between Landsdowne and Sorauren Ave, south of Dundas W.), Roncesvalles
When:
Mondays, May-October, 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Who:
The Sorauren Farmer’s Park is entering its fifteen year after being launched by the West-End Food Co-Op in 2007
How:
Delivery is no longer available, so you’ll need to stop by the park in person
What:
Taking over every Monday in the Sorauren Town Square, you’ll hear the sounds of the live local music before you arrive. Featuring over 30 local vendors, shop to your heart’s content for local produce, fruit, meat, baked goods, and more.
Besides the presence of local institutions like Spade and Spoon Jams and Prairie Boy Bread, you’ll find everything from indigenous-caught arctic char from Canada’s North to seedlings and plants from local nurseries. Besides the fun park, the market also organizes children’s activities, so come on down after school on Monday with your little ones!
2. Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market:
Where:
Dufferin Grove Park (across from the mall, near Dufferin subway station)
When:
Thursdays, year-round, 3pm – 7pm
Who:
Beginning as a collaboration between three local farmers, this market is actually one of Toronto’s oldest! Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market enters its twentieth year in 2022 more popular than ever.
How:
In the warmer months, the market begins at the rink house and runs down the hill into the park. As the weather turns sour, a more limited selection of vendors keeps the fire burning inside the rink house until the return of spring.
Now featuring online delivery! Even though half of the fun of the market comes from interacting with vendors and fellow market-goers, in a pinch you can now place your order online for delivery or pickup from one of the dozens of participating vendors. The delivery area is roughly between Humber River to Lawrence, from Bayview to The Lake.
What:
You’ll find everything here! While this neighborhood institution started out focused on local produce, you can now find everything from wild game and kombucha to beeswax candles and Tibetan momos.(a personal favorite)
The emphasis here is on organic products that are locally sourced and produced. Come to the park early in the late summer for the fantastic peaches(the competition can be fierce), but always bring an extra bag as you never know just what you might find.
Of course, don’t forget the other draws of Dufferin Grove park, such as the great playground, sand pit, basketball court, skate park, and the famous wood-burning pizza ovens!
Website
3. The Stop @ Artscape Wychood Barns
Where:
76 Wychwood Ave (between Dupont and St Clair Ave W), in the Artscape Wychwood Barns(Barn #4, the Green Barn)
When:
Saturdays, year-round 8:00AM – 1:00 PM
Who:
Founded by one of Canada’s first food banks, this is now one of Toronot’s largest farmer’s markets. Moving in after the renovation at the Wychwood Barns, the market is entering its fifteen year in 2022.
How:
In person only, the market is outside in the summertime and goes inside the Green Barn during the winter.
What:
More than 50(!) vendors show up each Saturday morning to sell their best! Besides incredible local and organic produce, don’t miss the fantastic prepared foods(including Japanese, Mexican, and many more), baked goods, and don’t forget the local wines and ciders.
Besides the fantastic food, many vendors also sell plants and seedlings, and you can check out the local community gardens, greenhouse, or have a pizza from the wood-fired oven!
