7 Farmer's Markets In and Around Hamilton

The dog days are over, and the season is winding down as August comes to a close. Talk of back to school and even (gasp!) pumpkin spice is starting to surface into daily chit-chat.

For those of us who live for heat and sunshine, the abundance of delicious fresh produce that is available at this time of year relieves some of the sadness at the end of summer.

The farmers’ markets in and around Hamilton offer the best of nature’s in-season bounty, so we thought we would offer suggestions for all seven corners of the city. (Did you know Hamilton had seven corners?)

Hamilton Farmers’ Market – 35 York Blvd

The Hamilton Farmer’s Market downtown is open year round. First open in 1837, it now boasts 50-60 vendors and is a much cherished part of Hamilton’s history. Offering fresh produce, grocery items, seafood, specialty foods, wine, coffee, fresh flowers, and more – the variety at this farmer’s market is second to none. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the hours are the most flexible of all the markets. Access by different forms of transportation and parking are described here to help you plan your visit.

Ottawa St Market – Lot 2C (Next to 3 Britannia Ave)

In many ways, Ottawa St represents the best of Hamilton’s personality: energy, variety, resilience, and grit. It is in Southern Ontario, so it is appropriate that the area include a farmers’ market to show off the best of what our growers have to offer.

Open every Saturday all year round, this farmers’ market only works with vendors within a 100 km radius. This means that the offerings are truly farm fresh! Read through the list of produce and mouthwatering baked treats before you go, and plan your visit carefully!

Ancaster Farmers’ Market – 630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville, ON (Ancaster Fairgrounds)

If you’re craving farm-freshness mid-week, this will be one of your go-to’s, since it is open on Wednesdays from 3:00-6:00 pm.

Ancaster has a proud history as a vibrant agricultural community, and the farmer’s market represents that heritage right in the heart of town at the Ancaster Village. Local growers and other assorted vendors offer their wares and provide a space to gather with friends and neighbours.

Many prefer to shop in person, but there also is an option to order online. Orders placed between Thursday and Monday can be picked up, curbside, on Wednesdays.

Dundas Farmers’ Market – Hatt Street and Miller’s Lane

This seasonal market in Dundas is a small, not-for-profit coalition of growers and producers who offer a direct link between farmers and the community. It runs from June to October, and is a weekly tradition, open on Thursdays from 3:00-7:00 pm.

Some of the vendors accept online orders and will arrange for pickup at their vendor tents on Thursdays as well.

Locke St Farmers’ Market – Corner of Locke and Herkimer (260 Locke St S)

The best place to find information about this west-end market is on their Facebook page. Locke Street Farmers’ Market aims to offer fresh, local, sustainably grown and produced food for the benefit of the community, local farmers and businesses.

Saturday mornings from 9:00-noon, from spring to fall, you will find the assortment of vendors set up for business in the parking lot of Locke St Tire and Automotive.

There is an open call for volunteers at this community market, too – so if this is your neighbourhood, you might consider lending a hand for a very delicious, worthy cause!

Hamilton Mountain Farmers’ Market – 19 Viewpoint Ave

The local growers who run the Hamilton Mountain Farmers’ Market have adjusted their hours to Fridays between 3:30-7:30.

This is a small, solid community effort that offers fresh local produce, floral products, spices, eggs, and more – and that has been in operation for 13 seasons.

Special Mention: Binbrook Farmer’s Market – 2600 Hwy #56

The Binbrook Agricultural Society, for several years, operated the Binbrook Farmer’s Market to encourage Binbrook residents to think, shop, and eat locally. As the world changes, the organizers have decided to take a year to re-imagine and re-design their community projects, as described in this Hamilton Spectator article from July, 2020.

There is some talk of a fall festival or market that gives us hope of something to look forward to as the leaves begin to turn, and the fruit harvest gives way to gourds and other hardy vegetables!

All 📸 credit: @hamontmarket