The Martlet

Victoria has a myriad of markets, offering everything from teapots to tomatoes — all local of course. Markets are a great way to support local businesses, spend some time in the sun and discover some great products. With a market in nearly every neighbourhood, why not make a visit part of your weekly shopping routine? Here are some of the best markets around:

Moss Street

The Moss Street Community Market is ­— by far ­­— one of the best markets in Victoria. The market has been an integral part of the Fairfield community for 18 years. Held in the Sir James Douglas school yard, Moss Street Community Market offers local food, crafts, jewelry and clothing. The market is cleverly arranged with plants such as produce and herbs around the outer rim of the school yard, and crafts and other artisan products inside.

The farm vendors started off the market with plants for sale, but more produce and other food products will be available as they come into season.

Highlights of the Moss Street Community Market include Salt Spring Sprouts, where you can get a salad wrap with delicious peanut sauce, Little Qualicum Cheese, which has lots of tasty cheeses for the sampling, and Sunset Bay Honey Farms, complete with honey in the bear-shaped bottle.

The Moss Street Community Market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. until October 30. For more information, visit mossstreetmarket.com.

James Bay

If you aren’t worn out after the Moss Street Market, you can walk 20 minutes to the James Bay Community Market at Superior and Menzies. While slightly smaller, this market nonetheless offers a wide selection of food and craft products.

Be sure to visit Colleen Wilson, who bakes up delicious pies, cookies, cakes and other treats, including options for people with allergies. She uses local ingredients, so the strawberry pies should be coming in soon. Another must-visit at the James Bay Community Market is Sunterra Farms, especially for those wanting local, organic fruits and veggies grown with eco-conscious methods.

The James Bay Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. until the end of October. For more information, visit jamesbaymarket.com.

Government Street

The Government Street Market is held right downtown on, you guessed it, Government Street, right by Chinatown. This market, which runs on Sundays, is a great way to finish off your weekend. The Government Street Market is more artisan-focused than the Moss Street Market, so it’s not the best place to try and buy your groceries.

However, if you want to do some shopping for clothing you won’t find in chain stores, the Government Street Market is the place to be. Merchants selling unique designs are plentiful, and most have some sort of jerry-rigged fitting room. You’ll also find an eclectic selection of jewelry, accessories and other weird and wonderful craft products.

The Government Street Market runs every Sunday from 11a.m. – 5 p.m. until September 26.

Salt Spring Island

The Salt Spring Island Saturday Market may be a ferry ride away, but it’s well worth the trek. This behemoth of a market brings all the wonders of Salt Spring to one place. Most vendors live, work and create on the island. The market takes place at Centennial Park in Ganges, and there are plenty of shady trees to sit under and listen to local musicians if the sun gets too hot.

Salt Spring Island Cheese Company is definitely a market highlight. Their hot chili and lemon chevres are one of a kind. You can also visit their farm, located a few minutes away by car, to see how their cheeses are made. For seafood lovers, Ganges Salmon and Garlic is another must-see. A market vendor since 1995, they sell locally caught wild salmon and salmon products, including salmon pate complete with homegrown herbs.

The Salt Spring Island Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4p.m. until October 30. For more information, visit saltspringmarket.com.

More markets

As summer progresses, more and more markets spring up in the Victoria area. Others that shouldn’t be missed include:

• Peninsula Country Market: this market kicked off June 5. It runs every Saturday from 9 a.m – 1p.m. at the Saanich Fair Grounds (1528 Stelly’s Cross Road) until October 9. peninsulacountrymarket.ca.

• View Royal Market: this is one of few weekday markets, running Friday afternoons from 3–7p.m., June through November. You can find the View Royal Market at the View Royal Community Hall (279 Island Highway).

• Open Air Urban Farm Market : this market doesn’t start until July 11, but once it does begin, it will run Sundays from 11a.m. – 4p.m. in Centennial Square until September 12.