During the warmer months, Vancouver hosts several weekly farmers markets around the city. But as most farms slow production and weather becomes unpredictable, the Winter Farmers Market opens in the parking lot between Nat Bailey Stadium and Hillcrest Community Center.

It’s a mix of vendors from the other markets, and as you might expect, there is a shift toward more prepared foods than produce. Baked goods, sausages, fish (canned and frozen), soups and curries, honey and jams, etc. The produce is seasonal so you can find hardy vegetables like winter squash, onions, kale and chard, late-season apples, and sometimes wild mushrooms. The mushroom lady is a veritable trove of information on mushrooms – if you find that booth, I encourage you to strike up a conversation with this amazing woman.

There are food trucks and a coffee truck, and some small tables where you can eat if you can’t wait to take your groceries home, while you enjoy live music and performances.

Note: Closed on December 30th.