Revelstoke Farmers' Markets: Fresh Food and Local Businesses
Farmers' markets in Revelstoke bring together local food producers, artisans, and small businesses in a way that connects residents and visitors with high-quality, locally sourced products. These markets are not just places to shop but essential parts of the community, offering fresh food, handmade goods, and a direct link to the people who produce them. They help sustain the local economy while ensuring access to food grown with care and ethical practices.
A Look at Revelstoke's Farmers' Markets
Revelstoke has two well-established markets: the Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market and the Local Food Initiative Farmers' Market. Each has its own focus but both are committed to supporting local producers and offering goods that are grown, made, or crafted within the region.
The Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market has been running since 1985 and features vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. Everything sold at the market is made, baked, or grown by the vendors themselves. This market prioritizes small businesses and local craftsmanship, providing a unique shopping experience for both residents and visitors.
The Local Food Initiative Farmers' Market started in 2017 with a focus on fresh, locally grown food. Over the years, it has expanded to include vendors offering dairy, meats, beverages, and specialty food items. This market encourages sustainable farming and local food production, ensuring that fresh food options are available to the community while reducing reliance on imported goods.
Revelstoke Farm & Craft Market
This market takes place every Saturday from May to October at Grizzly Plaza, on Mackenzie Avenue. The early start time and central location make it easy for both locals and visitors to stop by. Vendors sell produce, meats, preserves, baked goods, and handmade crafts, with a selection that changes with the seasons, and everything available comes directly from the person who made it.
Artisans sell pottery, textiles, woodwork, and other handcrafted goods, offering a way for small businesses and artists to sell their products without needing a storefront. Many of these vendors are independent craftsmen and farmers who rely on direct-to-consumer sales to sustain their businesses. The market offers a place where community members gather, fostering relationships between producers and buyers.
Local Food Initiative Farmers' Market
Located on First Street East, this market runs on Saturdays from late April to mid-October. A winter version operates every second week from November to April at the Revelstoke Aquatic and Community Centre. The focus is on fresh food, with most produce coming from farms within a short distance of the market. Vendors also sell meat, eggs, dairy, and prepared foods.
Some vendors offer beverages, including beer and spirits from local breweries and distilleries. The market gives small food producers a direct way to sell to consumers. Many vendors also supply local restaurants, strengthening the connection between farmers and the wider food economy. This connection helps maintain the local food culture and ensures that fresh ingredients remain available to the community throughout the year.
Vendors and Products
Many of the vendors at Revelstoke’s markets operate small farms or businesses that rely on direct-to-consumer sales. Some examples include:
Terra Firma Farms: A small-scale, certified organic farm selling transplants, heirloom vegetables, and ethically raised meats. The farm follows sustainable agricultural practices to produce fresh and chemical-free food.
First Light Farm: Operated by Jesse Johnston-Hill, this farm produces a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables using sustainable methods. The farm emphasizes biodiversity and soil health.
McCormack Farms: A family-run farm since 1903 that sells grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, free-range chicken, and eggs. The farm practices humane animal husbandry and provides high-quality meats to local markets.
Shoppers can also find handmade items such as candles, soaps, and textiles. The selection at the markets changes based on the season and availability. These markets offer an opportunity to purchase goods that are unavailable in grocery stores and often made with higher-quality ingredients.
The Role of Farmers' Markets in Revelstoke
Farmers' markets in Revelstoke support local food systems, small businesses, and artisans. Shopping at these markets keeps money within the community, reducing reliance on imported goods and supporting local producers. Markets also provide opportunities for vendors to test new products and build a customer base without the overhead of a retail space.
Many vendors use sustainable farming practices that focus on soil health, biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact. By shopping at the markets, consumers help promote farming methods that minimize waste and support the local ecosystem. These markets also serve as platforms for food education, allowing shoppers to learn more about where their food comes from and how it is produced.
Visiting the Markets
Both markets are in central locations with parking nearby. Most vendors accept cash, and some also take debit or credit cards. Bringing reusable bags and arriving early ensures the best selection, especially for seasonal produce. Visitors should expect to find different offerings depending on the time of year.
Each season brings different produce and products. In the spring, fresh greens, asparagus, and early berries appear. Summer offers a larger selection of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and peaches. Fall markets include squash, root vegetables, and preserved goods. The winter market continues to offer local food, including meats, dairy, and storage crops like potatoes and carrots. These seasonal changes ensure a diverse shopping experience throughout the year.
Why Farmers' Markets Matter
Shopping at farmers' markets helps keep small farms and businesses viable. These markets create a direct link between producers and consumers, allowing for transparency in how food is grown and products are made. Vendors often share knowledge about their products, giving shoppers a better understanding of where their food comes from. This transparency helps build trust and encourages informed purchasing decisions.
Farmers' markets also create gathering places where people can meet, talk, and learn about local food and crafts. They support a strong local economy and provide an alternative to large grocery stores that may not always prioritize local sourcing. These markets offer a more personal and community-oriented shopping experience that is increasingly valued in today's food landscape.
Revelstoke’s farmers' markets offer more than fresh food. They provide an opportunity to support local businesses, discover unique products, and connect with the people who make and grow them.
