Visiting the farmers’ market has been a Saturday tradition here long before Edmonton was a city or before Alberta was even a province! In 1903, Edmonton’s town council established the Rice Street Market, which was located at Market Square—now the home of the Stanley A. Milner Library.
Today, this rich, year-round market with a diverse group of local makers and farmers is known as the City Market Downtown and it moves between two homes. In the summer months, you can find it livening up 104th Street north of Jasper Avenue. And in the winter months it does not hibernate—the market moves its upbeat atmosphere to City Hall where locals and visitors can shop, socialize, and be entertained by all the market has to offer.
Getting to the market is simple and convenient. Either get off the LRT at Churchill Station and climb the stairs up, or drive to City Hall and park below the building in the heated underground parkade for only $0.50 an hour. You can even toss your winter coat and gloves in your trunk before heading upstairs (the market is also accessible by elevator) to make your shopping experience more comfortable!
And there’s more than seasonal fruits and veggies at the market. On top of buying from local farmers—such as family-run Erdmann’s Gardens & Greenhouses who grow their fresh vegetables in the southeast corner of Westlock County—you can find gluten-free and vegan foods, organic meats, and sweet treats such as Confetti Sweets cookies and chocolate from the Choclination, and more! Stop and sample handmade cheeses—such as a soft Fromage Blanc— from Winding Road Artisan Cheese, while you take in live music from the many local musicians who serenade the Saturday shoppers. Find a special gift or souvenir for that special someone from crafters who make unique, stunning pieces of jewellery or handcraft soaps and bath products from natural ingredients. Many of the vendors also have prepared meals that can be enjoyed on the go, if you’re in a rush to eat before your next activity or event.
More than just a great place to learn more about food as you meet and chat with the producers behind your food, the City Market Downtown is a traditional Saturday experience that adds colour to the weekend afternoon!
Need to Know
City Market Downtown
Location: City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Open: Every Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm
Getting Here: Heated underground parking at City Hall for only $0.50/hour, or LRT to Churchill Station
More info: city-market.ca
