We’ve all waited patiently for the opening of the Victoria Downtown Public Market in The Hudson Building. Touted as the kind of permanent marketplace that characterizes other great cities, it’s something we’re excited to see come to fruition.
The location alone, inside the iconic Georgian revival building, is enough to get market aficionados excited. But many great seasonal markets abound in Victoria.
The marketplace in Bastion Square is open Wednesday through Sunday from May through September and stretches from Government Street to Wharf Street.
Wandering through the eclectic selection of vendors, one can find everything from handcrafted chocolates to jewelry crafted from stainless steel cutlery. There’s food, artwork and self-published books – an endless variety of crafts.
The iconic Moss Street Community Market, open May through October, combines the produce of more than 25 local organic farmers with crafters, artists and food vendors.
Billing itself as the “true farmers’ market,” it also features local musicians, painters and a broad representation of Victoria’s artistic community.
For another taste of Island-grown produce, specialty cheeses and fresh fish and meats, the Urban Farmer’s Market at Centennial Square is sure to delight. It runs every Sunday throughout the summer and combines its offerings with an array of entertainment: acts performed on the free stage adjacent to the market.
The Ship Point Night Market, a summer affair held Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 10:30 p.m., offers entertainment as well, using the panoramic backdrop of the Inner Harbour.
The entertainment features everything from one-man bands to jugglers and classical musicians or jazz artists.
Food vendors are just as varied, as is the selection of art, crafts and novelty items on display.
The market is adjacent to the pedestrian walkway of the Inner Harbour at Ship Point.
Farmers’ market mania
Wednesdays
• Downtown Farmers’ Market (Hudson Building)
Thursdays
• Sidney Summer Market
Saturdays
• Goldstream Station Market
• Moss Street Community Market
• James Bay Market
• Peninsula Country Market
Sundays
• Metchosin Farmers’ Market