Food markets

Farmers markets

In neighbourhoods across the city, farmers markets bring together a community of farmers, fish and seafood harvesters, artisans, local breweries, distilleries, and food producers who supply locally-grown and produced foods.

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  Finding a market

  Vancouver Farmers Markets are held in many parks and streets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from spring to fall.

  There are also winter markets on Saturdays and Sundays, and a special holiday market on a Saturday in December.

  • Visit the Vancouver Farmers Markets website External website, opens in new tab
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  Starting a market

  To set up a market: 

  1. Read our:
     • Farmers market guidelines PDF file (140 KB)
     • Farmers market checklist PDF file (140 KB)
  2. Contact the Development and Services Building Centre

Community food markets

Neighbourhood houses, BC Housing sites, community centres, and other social serving organizations can organize and manage community food markets.

Community food markets are small pop-up markets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods. These markets are typically offered in neighbourhoods with few food stores nearby, or where residents' mobility may prevent them from getting to stores. They emphasize low prices and good quality.

Community food markets address accessibility challenges that are sometimes associated with regular farmers markets, such as physical access or affordability.

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  Finding a community food market

  Current locations for community food markets, and other low cost food resources, can be found on the free and low cost food programs map. For more information about specific programs, follow up with the host organization. The map is updated regularly with current food program information.

  Sign up to get an email when the map is updated by choosing Food map on our subscription form.

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  Starting a community food market

  We encourage community organizations that operate in "food deserts" (areas short on affordable, fresh, and healthy food) to develop community food markets on their property.

  Apply to start a market

  We made our process easier: when you meet the conditions, below, you don't need additional land-use permit approvals.

  However, if your market gets approved, you need to get a farmers market business license, and may also need a building permit if booths or tents exceed 60 square metres.

  1. Read our bulletin on conditions to operate a community food market (updated October 2018). PDF file (587 KB)
  2. Download the community food market application and checklist. PDF file (88 KB)
  3. Prepare the following documents:
     • A site plan
     • A letter of operation, with details of how you will run the market
  4. Send your application, checklist, and documents to Social Policy at foodpolicy@vancouver.ca.
  5. We review your application and your proposed market location to ensure it:
     • Meets the community food market objectives and criteria in the bulletin
     • Minimizes noise, parking, and traffic impacts on the neighbourhood
  6. If your market is approved, apply for an annual $10 farmers' market business licence for each location.
     • Apply for a business licence