Winter Farmer’s Market

I absolutely love the Farmers Market @ Nat Bailey! You realize it’s not about eating lots but enjoying great quality food. My boyfriend who came from the Fraser Valley use 2 b simple with drinking Budweiser & Molson now he likes his «Craft» beers & «organic food» As of yesterday we vowed never buy Green Giant brand potatoes after my experiment with baking 4 types of potatoes organic & non organic. Now our preferences 4 food are simple, wholesome & organic! We buy one bag of something & savor it rather then buy too much & it often goes bad. It’s truly amazing when u get 2 talk to the growers & makers of good food. Our favorite: the fresh Italian bread, raisin bread, organic cheese, coffee, clover honey, beer sausages, fresh fish, different colored potatoes, carrots & endive lettuce. How u can easily become food snobs in this city!
Eating should not be considered cheap but you buy what u need & the freshest quality produce. I am sad that it’s going 2 end soon but looking forward 2 Trout Lake.

Oh I love farmers’ markets and fresh organic food!
The winter market is amazing, it has all local (BC anyway) farmers with the best produce that I can find in one location. It beats Whole Foods hands down for quality and price.
Recently we have bought the tastiest kale ever found, the freshest salad (I had never heard of Christmas salad until yesterday), wonderful potatoes and squashes, and nuts, wow, they are so amazing. We also discovered that Pure Bread had a vegan cake option and their bread is to die for.
We go to the winter market as much as we can to not only support local growers but find the best produce that we can in town.

holy produce batman!
the last time i had been to a winter market was when it was off Victoria in that weird big house… what is that called? anyway, awhile ago. and there wasn’t much there. i vaguely remember potatoes and emu oil.
but this… THIS!!! THIS IS A FARMER’S MARKET!
there is everything and anything you can imagine at this market which is impressive given it’s the middle of November! Clearly our local farmers and food producers have stepped up their game and learned to truly take advantage of BC’s mild climate.
I picked up eggs, some crazy cabbage, fresh turmeric, bacon (Geldermans’ bacon I LOVE YOU!!!) and several other awesome veg.
to say this is a priority for me on saturday is an understatement… especially cause i live about a 10min walk.
HAZZAAAAAAAAH!!!

love love love love love love love love love love love love love. That’s all.

Oh my gosh, I love this place! But really, what’s not to love? Fresh fruits & vegetables, baked goods, chocolate, food trucks and more! It was a gorgeous, clear day and you couldn’t ask for better (well, maybe a little warmer, but I wasn’t complaining when there was SUN!)
Walking in was a little confusing at first, because it’s almost sensory overload. So many delicious smells and cool things to look at. The five-​star review is due mostly in part to the fact that they allow dogs here. I love being able to take my dog places — especially outdoor events — and can never understand why dogs are excluded if children are allowed. Most dogs are better behaved. :)
I was with a couple of friends and we were all starving from the moment the food smells hit our nostrils. As we wandered through considering our options, we realized one thing immediately. We had arrived pretty late in the day (even though it was only about 12:15pm) and most of the food carts had already sold out of food. We decided to head right to the back, bypassing all the «sold out» signs and found a few options. We ended up getting smoked salmon sandwiches from the Kaboom Box (one of my favourites) so we were pretty happy.
We then wandered around looking at a few tables and purchased some desserts from one of the booths (I forgot the name of it). We were lucky, because the line up was long and the treats were DELICIOUS. Wow. The prices were even better — only $ 3 for most of the bars/​cookies and they were yummy. I had a salted caramel bar that was sweet and salty, and all around fabulous. Good thing I only bought one, because there would’ve been no restraint and I would’ve devoured whatever I had right then & there.
We didn’t stick around long because we had other places to be that afternoon, but it was definitely a great way to spend some time on a sunny Vancouver day.

I love the Farmer’s Market! I’ve been to the summer one by Main St Station a couple of times, and I kept meaning to try out the winter one.
The winter one seems even bigger! It stretched around the side of the stadium and it was packed. There were a few different food trucks around as well, but I had never heard of most of them.
I found some great blueberry blossom honey at one of the first booths I went to. I loves me some local honey. I also grabbed some onions and ridiculously gigantic and funny shaped carrots at another booth after overhearing the lady telling another customer about how they were dug out of the frozen ground. I like the idea of someone’s blood and sweat going into my carrots. Badass.
My favourite purchase of the morning was a Golden Squash and Sage nut/​seed pâté. I’ve been spreadin’ that shit on crackers like it’s nobody’s business. Tasty! And vegan friendly!
I also noticed French Made Baking had a booth, so I grabbed a delicious almond croissant, and a cute little macaron. :)

I’ve been to many Farmer’s Market’s around the city, however, for some reason I’ve always let this one slip under my fingers. Situated in the parking lot of Nat Bailey stadium is yet another modest farmer’s market. Thankfully even though the weather called for rain, the city was cloudy and cold, however, dry.
A great kick off to 2013 and a celebration of all things culinary. By force of habit I have issue with spending money at the grocery store for something that is factory made than something that is hand made with love for 3 times the price. I also love meeting the artist behind the food and geek out on culinary things.
The best part is that it is only a 12 block walk to my favorite record store, therefore, can show my culinary treasures to my best friend.
A few things to remember when heading to the Market:
1. Bring a fabric bag and a nap sack… you will need it. The point is to be environmental.
2. Be prepared to spend a minimum of $ 35 per visit. Trust me the food is worth it and it is made wit an ingredient you will never find at a grocery store and that is love.
3. If it is rainy don’t be the jackass with the umbrella, wear a poncho and suck it up.
4. Talk to the vendors, they’re foodies and love their craft. They love expressing their culinary job with others so indulge them.
5. If you’re afraid of dogs don’t come to the market… Farmer’s markets in general are very dog friendly.

A lovely market on Saturday mornings during the winter to go shopping.
So much parking is available because it’s at Nat Bailey, so you’re not going to be in want of driving in circles (which can happen at the Main Street or Kits farmers markets). A large array of goods are available — apple fruits, root vegetables, lots of meats, nuts, eggs, poultry and seafood, cheeses, bread, even ceramics! And then that’s just counting all the items that aren’t fully prepared for one’s consumption. Amazing food carts like El Tigre, the Salvadorean truck and one that specializes in pork are there alongside stalwarts like the chili tank. Seriously, with that kind of hot food, what reason do you NOT have to go out and peruse about?
It’s a little weird for me, being from Saskatchewan where farmer’s markets meant huge harvest offerings that were at a discount to standard market prices. Vancouver’s farmer’s markets can make Urban Fare and Whole Foods look cheap in comparison. But you do get what you pay for — the quality of food is hard to find parallels in the city.
I’m still not going to buy onions for $ 3 – 4 each, though.

Tons of selection for beautiful fresh local produce — rainbow chard, rainbow carrots, kale, fresh apples, you name it and it’s here. Canned jams, kimchee, pickles, syrups, dipping oils and honey. Also some meat, bread, and dessert items. And you can’t forget the food trucks!
A great place to do your weekend grocery shopping, and a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.

One of the best markets for quality and selection. Don’t miss the bakery near the info booth

Organic, fresh and local.
You can find vegetables, meats, chips, dips, breads and jewelery at this Farmer’s Market. It’s not the biggest market I’ve visited, but you can spend at least an hour here. There are 4 food trucks in case you get hungry and loads of vendors to sell you groceries. Stock up for the week and guarantee you won’t regret it.
Unfortunately, today’s the last day for the Winter Market at Nat Bailey Stadium. Keep an eye on the calendar next year, it usually runs from November to end of April on Saturdays.

Nice people and a relaxed atmosphere on Saturday mornings make this a weekly stop for me, but I can’t get over how small it is.
I come from a Canadian city/​town of 138 000 pop. and every Saturday we’ve got two markets that are double the size of the winter market here in Vancouver with a pop. of 600 000.
There needs to be more marketing or better efforts to entice more vendors to set up shop. There is no reason that this market with its creative programs (Market Money, membership scheme) can’t be larger.
Best way to fill a ½ an hour on Saturday, but that should be 2 hours.
Haven’t seen any off leash dogs this year.

Like the food! Wish there wasn’t so many dogs, especially off leash ones.

I am a bit surprised at how little reviews the winter farmers market get. I went there last week and they’ve got some fantastic vendors here. I love the Dohm cheese, raw wildflower honey, and some of the best BC produce the province has to offer.
Believe it or not, it was here I learnt about stinging nettles because I touched one and it stung like crap for the entire day. But that aside, there I was able to find some really nice greens and herbs in the end of March. The vendors were also very friendly and I was able to learn a thing or two about their products. There’s also maple lollies on ice, like the ones from a sugar shack.
I am definitely coming back soon for more great produce before it closes for the season.

Trust me, not much can get me out of bed on a cold winter Saturday, but this market does… every Saturday. Last weekend I stocked myself up on apples, apple juice, beets, carrots, kale, butternut squash… all kinds of local organic goodness! Knowing where your food comes from is half the battle in this day and age, so go check it out! I promise it’s not more expensive than your grocery store, and you’ll feel good eating ethically. My grocery bill is virtually the same, likely because the food lasts so much longer considering it’s fresh picked and not sitting in a truck for weeks before it gets to your table.
If you’re curious about which vendors will be there, there is an interactive map on the market website so you can see if your favourite farmers and products will be there when you are.
I can’t wait for Saturday… and not just because I don’t have to work. :)
(PS there is TONS of FREE parking too)

Lots of seasonal winter veggies such as squashes & brussel sprouts but still selling year round offerings such as chicken, bread, jams, etc. Worth braving the weather and can always warm up by getting get mouth-​watering chili at the Chili Tank.

Since moving to Canada 18 months ago I have been frequenting farmer’s markets all over Vancouver Island and a few in Vancouver. None of them have even been able to stand up to the amazing Winter Farmer’s Market at Nat Bailey Stadium. I am your newest big fan!
Moving to Canada from San Francisco has been a bit of a challenge for me in the winter months. I was spoiled with all the amazing local produce I was able to obtain year round in San Francisco. Great tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers all year round! Sure the summer months proved to be a bit more friendly to these items but the winter months were pretty amazing too.
The selection of vendors at Nat Bailey Stadium was out of this world. It was just so refreshing to see the local farmers selling their goods to us city folks. It is my desire to always support these hard working folks. Their produce is amazing! And quite honestly I think it is pretty reasonably priced. When I compare the price of a basket of wild Chanterelles from BC vs the $ 29.99/lb at Whole Foods I can’t complain.
Beyond produce I can find great poultry, beef, eggs, cheese and today honey! The most delicious honey! In fact I am stocking up on it for Christmas gifts! You can’t get more local than that!
Thanks to the folks who put this Winter market on! You have given me one more reason to love living in Vancouver!

Finally getting around to writing my review of the market which I’ve been to a number of times already.
The bonus is that while every other farmers market has hidden away with the weather, this one is alive and well!
Taco’s on one side, Chili tank on the other and veggies, dried fruits and Bonchaz in the middle.
I would like to come more often just for the food!
Bring your own bag to carry all those goodies that you no doubtedly end up buying.

If that many people are willing to work on a freezing cold, but sunny and crisp Saturday, then how can I complain?
It was burr-​ific!
The Roaming Dragon was there, as was the GoGo Java truck; This one woman espresso-​mobile is a rockin’ with the Ethical.
What more do you need?
How about an onsite pizza guy?! and a Maple Syrup guy who makes Maple candy on the spot?! Or the Gluten Free cookie lady! And, lot’s of veggie-​tables too ;) yayaya, I know, it’s supposed to be healthy but I enjoy it as a community event.
Everyone is always in a good mood at the outdoor markets, even the doggies, like the one I saw getting fresh treats. Tail waggers make me so happy!
Get over there next time, eh? :D *check the eatlocal site for the calendar. You know the market is always ‘ondamove’ !