From Farmer’s Markets to Food Halls

For free range produce shopping, here are 9 must-visit locations in Calgary and area

The restaurant scene in Alberta is constantly changing as old restaurants close and new concepts pop-up in new locations. Consumers have become more educated and aware of how our food is made, where it comes from and the process it takes to get to your plate.

Farmers’ markets have become increasingly popular in recent years offering a large-scale variety of products, ingredients and fresh food vendors showcasing farm to plate ingredients. New on the scene are food halls, the latest trend sweeping North America.

In the United Kingdom, food halls started as large sections of department stores where food was sold. They’ve expanded to become single unattached halls offering a collective, unique space for multiple food service operators. It’s here you’ll find food boutiques or shopping experiences that offer artisan restaurants, rare imported goods, vegan or gluten-free items, even fine specialty items.

With several local indoor and outdoor farmers’ markets to visit, we’re sharing our top nine market picks for Calgary and area.

Crossroads Farmers’ Market

crossroadsmarket.ca

Find them at 1235 26th Ave. S.E. Calgary.

One of the oldest markets in Calgary, the Crossroads Farmers’ Market is known locally as the people’s market. It’s here you will find the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, plus local farmers, ranchers and growers. On the flipside there is a flea market featuring an assortment of colourful products, collectables, antiques and gently used items that will appeal to any collector. The market is open year-round and offers an outdoor seasonal market throughout the summer.

Calgary Farmers’ Market

www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca

Find them at 510 77th Ave. S.E. just off Blackfoot Trail & Heritage Drive.

For 15 years the Calgary Farmers’ Market has been offering the residents of Calgary a wide variety of al-fresco style shopping and dining including local produce and meat vendors, special ingredients booths and an artisanal food court with a little something for everyone. Cooking classes are popular, family friend events happen annually, and they have regular pop-ups in their newly announced Greenwich location, scheduled to open in 2020. The Calgary Farmers’ Market West aims to transport you to the days of old New York with the spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Open year-round.

Granary Road Public Market

granaryroad.com

Find them at 226066 112th St. W MD of Foothills, AB.

Situated a few minutes off Highway 22X and down a few rural roads, Granary Road is more than a new farmers’ market, it offers a 36-acre Activity Learning Park made up of 3 kilometers of trails leading to 11 unique exhibits each based on animals, architecture, and bugs. A unique landmark in this market is Salt Box, a restaurant from the owners of Calgary’s Holy Grill offering a full menu including coffee, beer and wine. Granary Road is a one stop shop with fresh produce, artisan cheese, handcrafted home goods, local produce and meat, plus several food vendors to satisfy your cravings.

Banff Mountain Market

www.travelalberta.com/ca/listings/banff-mountain-market-14187

Find them at Central Park in downtown Banff.

Located in Central Park in downtown Banff, this summer market offers a selection of over 80 local and regional vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, artwork, jewelry, apparel, beauty products, coffee, artisan foods, pottery, photography and other handcrafted goods. Market patrons can enjoy local music, sip on a coffee, taste some local foods and peruse the vendors while being surrounded by stunning mountain views right in the heart of Banff. Local Breweries have even jumped on board offering growler refills weekly. This market runs every Wednesday, May through October.

Canmore Mountain Market

canmore.ca/residents/mountain-market

Find them in the heart of downtown Canmore – 7th Ave.

For 20 years the Canmore Mountain Market has been offering visitors and locals a delicious selection of locally and regionally produced items. Feast on flavourful prepared foods as you shop, sample fresh fruit and veggies and stretch your legs as you pack up your picnic basket. As you wander check out crafts, clothing, jewelry and other artisanal products available. This seasonal market goes rain or shine every Thursday, May through October.

Prairie Horizon Fresh Market

newhorizonmall.com/about-prairie-horizon

Find them at New Horizon Mall, 260300 Writing Creek Cres., Balzac, AB.

Prairie Horizon Fresh Market recently announced it will open at New Horizon Mall, off Queen Elizabeth II Highway, later this summer ,adding a new gathering place just North of Calgary. With a contemporary market décor in the works, they will feature local farmers, ranchers, butchers, spice merchants, coffee and tea purveyors, bakers and chefs all under one roof. Discover hearty homestyle Mennonite-inspired meals, and an array of global artisan food kiosks soon to be the North’s newest market.

Avenida Fresh Food Hall and Market

www.avenidamarket.ca

Find them at 12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE.

Wander through Avenida Food Hall and Fresh Market Thursday through Sunday from 11AM-8PM to find unique international fare, and a diverse casual dining experience. Discover tastes from vendors specializing in cuisines, preparation and production methods spanning the globe. Avenida Food Hall is the first of its kind in Calgary and offers up both unique bites from renowned local chefs with already established restaurants and entrepreneurs setting up shop in a more permanent location. Avenida also offers market staples Calgarians have come to love such as fresh seasonal produce and internationally inspired artisan products. While shopping be on the lookout for products such as edible grasshoppers from vendors like Mex-Can Gourmet Artisan Products.

Inglewood Night Market

www.inglewoodnightmarket.ca

Find them in the Inglewood Neighbourhood just off 9th Avenue and 10th street.

While some might call it more of a block party, this inner-city modern-day market happens one Friday a month from June to September. Experience multiple performances and live music, a licensed area allowing kids and pets, and over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles to tasty artisan eats. Food trucks are available for those looking for a snack. Find this seasonal market in the Inglewood Neighbourhood just off 9th Avenue and 10th street.

Millarville Farmers Market

www.millarvilleracetrack.com/millarville-events/farmers-market

Find them on the grounds next to the Millarville Race Track.

Held on the grounds next to the Millarville Race Track, this open-air market is a one-stop shop for International eats, bakery items, distillery and brewery sampling, local meat, confectionaries, tea, coffee, hand crafted items and more. They offer a market program for kids aged 5-12 teaching the kids to make healthy food choices and learning where their food comes from. Weekly activities and crafts are also available. Dogs are not allowed in the market, but they do offer a doggie daycare by donation. Entrance fee to the market is $3 with proceeds supporting the Race Track and Agricultural Society. This market is seasonal and lies along the Cowboy Trail.

The rise of food halls in Calgary and area plus the continued focus on local farmers’ markets is changing the way we dine and shop. Helping people eat better, make better food choices and having easier access to local products continues to keep these local markets hopping. So, don’t bet the farm, just enjoy as much from it as you can.