Nothing heralds the start of summer in White Rock quite like opening day of the White Rock Farmers Market. Winner of the best large market in BC in 2015, the White Rock Farmers Market is one of the most popular markets in the province! Lively and fun, kid-friendly and dog-friendly, it’s a wonderful way to spend the morning in White Rock. People come to farmers’ markets for many reasons and whether your reason is to learn about healthy food, connect with growers of your produce, soak up the community vibe or just to eat, the White Rock Farmers Market is fun for everyone. Head to the market on Sunday, April 20 for opening day, and every Sunday through to October 12.
Here are our suggestions for a day of shopping (and eating) your way around one of BC’s best farmers’ markets! Locals tip – go early for the best selection, or try going late for a bargain!
- Stroll through the 90+ vendors and fill your bags with seasonal produce, delicious baked goods and unique specialty foods. And be sure to leave room for a refreshing bottle of kombucha or locally distilled spirits.
- Market shopping is a hungry business, and fortunately, you’re in the right place! Visit Ça Croustille for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth croissants or pick up a fully loaded fresh fruit-filled pie from local vendor Pielicious. Try a savoury empanada from the Empanada Gal or hit up Nina’s Pierogis to satisfy those hunger cravings.
- While eating, sit on one of the benches and enjoy some of White Rocks’ finest live performers. Each week, a talented local musician will entertain shoppers.
- Once you’ve visited all of the food vendors, it’s time to check out the artisan stalls. Shop for wearable art, exquisite jewellery, and unique home decor and art. And be sure to pick up fresh flowers!
- Before you head home, satisfy that sweet tooth with a stop at the West Coast Gluten Free stall for light, creamy and delicious macarons, savour a BIG gourmet cookie from Bak’d or enjoy a sneaky taste of locally distilled whisky from Mainland Whisky.
- End your day with a stroll down to the beach for a picnic with your Farmer’s market finds!
More tips:
- Don’t forget to bring your shopping bags.
- Know your seasons. If you know what’s in season in advance, it makes shopping for meals easier. Visit the White Rock Farmers Market website for a complete list of what’s in season throughout the summer.
- Be spontaneous. Try that unusual vegetable you’ve never heard of. You never know, you might discover your new favourite food.
Some local (as in White Rock and South Surrey) vendors that we think you should check out this year are:
Barks & Biscuits
Artisan plant-based treats for dogs. All biscuits are hand-made in small batches with limited ingredients.
Corbicula Pollen
Local beekeepers who focus on collecting, harvesting and producing local bee pollen from Metro Vancouver.
Handmade ceramic designs made in White Rock.
Frosted Fox Bath Co. makes fun, bright and funky, whipped body soaps and scrubs, bath truffles, fizzy bath dust and lots more! They have a fun retro hippie vibe that draws people in, and their products are made with the highest quality ingredients.
A craft distillery that manufactures Canadian whisky, liqueurs, and bottled cocktails. They use southern-style moonshine techniques and fresh, organic West Coast ingredients to create unique small-batch spirits.
Gluten and Egg Free cookies, loaves, scones, dry mixes, pies, tarts, savoury patties and other treats. Gluten-Free Bread products as well as Pepper Jelly is also available.
Family-owned and operated business located in South Surrey making fresh fruit-filled pies using natural ingredients. Each pie is handmade with care to ensure a premium product. Varieties available: strawberry/rhubarb, blueberry/apple and apple.
The White Rock Farmers Market runs Sundays, from April 20 to October 11, 10:00 am-2:00 pm at Miramar Plaza (15154 Russell Avenue). Free parking is available underground at the White Rock Community Centre, and on-street and paid parking are available in the Rotary lot and Central Plaza.