Nothing heralds the start of summer in White Rock quite like opening day of the White Rock Farmers Market. And this year the artisans and crafters are back, and vendors are again allowed to offer samples! 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 23 for opening day, and every Sunday through to October 15.
Here are our suggestions for a day of shopping (and eating) your way around one of BC’s best farmer’s 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 speciality foods. And be sure to leave room for a refreshing bottle of kombucha or locally distilled spirits.
- Market shopping is 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 Gals or hit up Nina’s Pierogis or Homemade Greek Food stalls to satisfy those hunger cravings.
- While you’re eating, take a seat 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 Creme Brulee to Go stall for silkly smooth creme brulee, or savour a BIG gourmet cookie from Bak’d.
- End your day with a stroll down to the beach and have a picnic with your Farmer’s market finds!
More tips:
- Don’t forget to bring your own bags.
- Know your seasons. If you know what’s in season in advance, it makes shopping for particular 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:
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.
Liv’s Vegan Bakery makes only 100% plant-based baked goods. All items are made with ethically sourced ingredients and biodegrable food packaging! Made fresh daily, some delicious treats sold at Liv’s include cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon buns, croissants and more! Our mission is to make baked goods for the good of the Earth.
Mugs, tumblers, bowls, things we are all familiar with and part of everyday life yet often overlooked. I make pottery to be used, to be held and enjoyed.
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.
The White Rock Farmers Market runs Sundays, from April 23 to October 15, 10:00am-2:00pm at Miramar Plaza (15154 Russell Avenue). As in previous years, 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.