The Harvest Moon is soon to rise, and with it will come a sweet farmers' market surprise... from squash and apples to corn by the ear, the delights of autumn are (almost) too much to bear!
Okay, okay... while rhymes may not be our thing, shopping local certainly is, and it's prime time to do just that, thanks to peak farmers' market season. Regardless of where you're located in Toronto, there's sure to be a weekly offering near you.
In order to help you make the most of sunny, breezy, transitional summer-to-fall weather, we've gathered up a list of the markets popping up across the city on a weekly basis. Between new-home-hunting and art-gazing, we hope you'll take the time to stock up on seasonal favourites like pumpkin-infused treats, apple cider, and as much squash as you can carry.
READ: 10 Public Art Installations in Toronto to Have on Your Radar (MAP)
Without further adieu, these are the farmers' markets to hit across Toronto right now:
Cabbagetown
Those on the east side of town can head to 191 Winchester Street every Tuesday afternoon to stock up on local, seasonal goods. Operating with a one-way system in place to help control crowds, the market is recommending visitors wear masks when they come to shop. For those who'd prefer to speed up their trip, pre-ordering online is available; this option allows you to slip into the market, grab your goodies, and go.
When: Tuesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm
Where: 191 Winchester Street
Dufferin Grove
In the west end, the Dufferin Grove Market continues to operate in a slightly different location than usual, each week. To purchase from this market, pre-order your goods online and opt to retrieve them at 270 Gladstone Avenue on Thursday afternoon, or choose to have them delivered to your door.
When: Thursdays from 12:40 pm to 5:30 pm; pick-ups for pre-orders only
Where: 270 Gladstone Avenue (St. Anne's Anglican Church parking lot)
Eglinton Way
The Eglinton Way Farmers' Market is operating each Sunday from 8 am to 1 up, until the middle of next month. With live music, fresh pastries, seasonal veggies, and meats from Bobcaygeon, Ontario, there's something yummy here for all tastes and preferences.
When: Sundays from 8 am to 1 pm; until mid-October
Where: 125 Burnaby Boulevard
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Evergreen Brick Works
This weekly farmers' market is the city's largest, and it's got the grub selection to show for it. This is another market that allows you to pre-order online if you'd like to, while safety measures such as physical distancing and mask-wearing are in place on site. Through the month of September, you can look forward to a theme of "appreciating apple abundance"... all the more reason to make a galette this weekend, we say!
When: Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
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The Junction
The Junction Farmers' Market operates on Dundas West's old train platform each Saturday morning. While this market has been offering pre-orders, walk-ins have also been welcomed back in recent weeks. Seafood, vegetables, meats and cheeses await you on a weekend morning, meanwhile, vintage furniture stores along the strip are hoping you'll drop by their storefront next. Carrots and a mid-century modern couch, anyone?
When: Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am
Where: 2960 Dundas Street West
St. Lawrence Market
The St. Lawrence Market is always a place to visit for local, mouthwatering eats, but on Saturdays, the place ups the ante. Anticipate offerings of all sorts, ranging from fruits and veggies to fish and meats, with a healthy dose of baked goods and fresh chocolates thrown into the mix.
When: Saturdays from 5 am to 3 pm
Where: 93 Front Street East
Leslieville
Another east-end offering, the Leslieville Farmers' Market operates each Sunday from 9 am until 2 pm. You can order ahead if you'd like to, or stop by with your mask to partake in a physically-distanced on-site shopping experience. Either way, be sure to pick up enough apples to enjoy for this week, and to preserve for the colder season to come.
When: Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm
Where: 20 Woodward Avenue
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Sorauren Farmers Market
Make your Monday a little less mundane with a trip to the Sorauren Farmers' Market. Sweet local honey, Toronto-made chocolate, plant-based and ready-to-eat meals, and knife sharpening are only a few of the products and services available to those who visit this weekly market, which runs year-round.
When: Mondays from 3 pm to 7 pm
Where: 50 Wabash Avenue
Trinity Bellwoods
You'll find a bright and bustling farmers market at the corner of Trinity Bellwoods near Dundas West and Shaw, every Tuesday until October 27. Croissants, kombucha, and oysters are on the menu, alongside your classic grocery needs like bread, veggies, and fish. Bring a reusable bag (or two) and get your fill before enjoying a stroll through the park -- the perfect place to snack on your goodies, if you ask us.
When: Tuesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm; until October 27
Where: 241-257 Shaw Street - (Trinity Bellwoods Park, North West)
