Burnaby’s agricultural roots run through the Big Bend area, home to a small but productive cluster of working farms. We’ve got farmers markets, farm stores, and pick-your-own experiences that bring fresh, local food straight to your table year-round.
Weekly Farmers Markets
Burnaby Farmers’ Market at Edmonds runs every other Saturday, 10am-3pm at Edmonds Plaza. This is where you’ll find the freshest seasonal produce and connect directly with local growers throughout the warmer months.
Burnaby Arts Council Garden Market operates bi-weekly on Sundays with 160+ vendors plus live music that makes shopping a true community experience.
North Burnaby Farmers Market brings select Saturday events from late spring through early autumn, creating a community-centred gathering at the North Burnaby Recreation Centre Plaza.
Get there when the gates open for first pick of the day’s harvest. Prime berries and just-picked vegetables go fast, and you’ll beat the mid-morning rush.
Burnaby’s Agricultural Landscape and Farm Fresh Guide
Farming has deep roots in Burnaby, concentrated in the Big Bend Agricultural Land Reserve. Local farm directories showcase a cluster of operations where you can purchase produce and plants straight from the source. This reflects how seriously we take local farming and your ability to access the season’s best throughout the year.
Burnaby’s Farm Statistics
Burnaby’s working farms are concentrated in the Big Bend Agricultural Land Reserve, and their average gross farm receipts rank among the highest in BC. The variety of what’s grown here is remarkable and keeps residents connected to locally grown food. Burnaby’s farmers cultivate everything from berries and vegetables to niche crops, delivering quality harvests from right in your area. This farming foundation strengthens both the local economy and our dedication to sustainable, locally focused food production.
Farm Fresh Guide
Burnaby’s agricultural landscape puts you in direct contact with producers through local farm networks. With working farms mapped across the Big Bend area, getting farm-fresh food is straightforward.
Seasonal harvests and locally raised proteins are available at farms across Burnaby Mountain, Central Park, and North Burnaby. Local directories point you to markets like Burnaby Arts Council Garden Market, Burnaby Farmers’ Market at Edmonds, and North Burnaby Farmers Market, where food becomes the centre of community life. These weekly meet-ups build connections between neighbours whilst backing sustainable growing practices.
Market Schedule and Seasonal Calendar
We’ve charted Burnaby’s market calendar to help you organise your fresh food runs. Markets operate on different days, with Saturday mornings in Burnaby, Sunday afternoons in Burnaby Arts Council Garden, plus seasonal pop-ups when the weather warms. Here’s the full schedule and event calendar so you can make the most of meeting local producers and makers.
Weekly Market Schedule
Need fresh berries on Saturday morning or handmade sourdough on Sunday afternoon? Burnaby’s farmers markets deliver throughout the growing season. We’ve laid out this schedule to help you plan visits around the season’s best harvests.
Local growers bring outstanding produce cultivated right here in our community. You’ll find everything from farm-raised proteins to pesticide-free greens, and meet the people behind your meals face-to-face.
Seasonal Event Calendar
We follow the rhythm of the growing season here, with each month delivering new harvests and community gatherings. Markets operate May through October, creating perfect opportunities for weekend family outings.
Our Sunday showpiece is Burnaby Arts Council Garden Market on Deer Lake Avenue, whilst Burnaby Farmers’ Market at Edmonds welcomes visitors every other Saturday at Edmonds Plaza. The calendar expands with holiday celebrations, including the Burnaby Farmers Market at Edmonds Christmas Market, Burnaby Arts Council Garden Holiday Market, and North Burnaby’s inaugural holiday event, bringing festive shopping closer to home.
Beyond weekend markets, you can head to local berry farms any day for pick-your-own adventures, turning ordinary afternoons into harvest celebrations.
Farm Stores and Pick-Your-Own
Burnaby’s farm stores connect you with local growers throughout the year. You’ll discover operations open multiple days weekly with seasonal harvests and farm-raised proteins. Family-run stands sell pesticide-free vegetables grown on-site. Some farms offer produce on specific days alongside artisan goods and refreshments. Pick-your-own experiences let you harvest berries and fruits during peak season. These direct producer relationships strengthen neighbourhood bonds whilst delivering fresh, quality food right from the source.
Growing Your Own Food and Community Gardens
Farm stores create wonderful connections with growers, but cultivating your own food takes it another step further. Burnaby’s mild coastal climate and rich soil work beautifully for herbs, vegetables, fruits, and berries in home gardens. Only have a balcony? Container growing still offers plenty of possibilities. Without private outdoor space, community garden plots provide shared growing areas where you’ll connect with neighbours, exchange tips, and learn together. Local garden centres carry everything needed to begin. Growing our own food supports Burnaby’s environmental goals and builds stronger neighbourhood relationships.
Want to see where your food originates? Burnaby’s working farms open their gates for genuine learning opportunities. Several farms welcome visitors on set days for hands-on interaction with animals and agricultural work. Some operations combine education with shopping, demonstrating sustainable practices and habitat conservation. U-pick fields operate daily during harvest season, offering families chances to gather their own berries and produce. Located throughout Burnaby Winter Club, Sprott Shaw, and North Burnaby, these destinations let families experience Burnaby’s agricultural roots first-hand.
Questions Often Asked
Is It Cheaper to Buy From Local Farmers?
Yes, buying from local farmers often costs less than supermarkets.
Local growers often provide better value than large retailers, especially during peak harvest times. Buying larger quantities, joining CSA shares, or shopping at farmers’ markets saves money whilst supporting your local agricultural community.
Why You Should Shop at Local Farmers Market?
Shopping at farmers markets builds neighbourhood connections whilst providing fresher, better-tasting food that hasn’t travelled long distances. You’re directly backing your neighbours, lowering environmental impact, and getting seasonal harvests at their absolute best.
What’s the Best Time to Go to a Farmers Market?
The ideal time to visit farmers markets is right at opening, around 10am for most Burnaby markets.
Getting there early gives you first choice of the day’s harvest. Prime berries and just-picked greens disappear quickly, so early arrival means you won’t miss what you’re looking for. You’ll also skip the crowds that gather mid-morning.
What Is the Biggest Farmers Market in Canada?
St. Lawrence Market in Toronto ranks as Canada’s largest farmers market. This historic location attracts millions of visitors annually and features hundreds of vendors throughout multiple buildings. Whilst our Burnaby markets offer wonderful local experiences, Toronto’s operation leads in size and attendance.
