It is always worth a wander in downtown Duncan for the Farmers' Market. As even in the winter…read moremonths, there's a considerable amount of vendors outside ranging from baked goods to handmade items. My more recent stop during the long weekend was with my friend & we enjoyed lunch (she grabbed a smokie & I grabbed an empanada) at one of the benches throughout the market area between our random shopping adventure. If you can't find a bench right in the market area, continue down the street (that isn't closed off to traffic with booths) & you'll find an urban park with cement & wooden benches. It seemed like there was a lot of families stopping there to enjoy their fresh finds & quick snacks. By the time I walked out of the market, I had found honey, frozen empanadas, coffee beans, bread, saskatoon scones & cinnamon buns. I also chatted with the vendor that makes corded flint items & a few other vendors. My friend had her shopping bag equally filled up with various goodness to enjoy during the week. As the sun was out, the market was hopping at noon with families, couples, & friends gathering, plus dog walkers. It definitely feels like the community supports the market very well here & I am always impressed to see so many devoted farmers' market shoppers out when it's raining. One challenge with the farmers' market is finding parking close by. If you're lucky you can grab a spot along the tracks. otherwise you have to search for street parking (some of it is paid parking too) or go all the way to the edge of downtown where there's a bigger lot (not sure if that's also 2 hr free parking like along the tracks). I'm looking forward to further wanders through the market as more vendors return for Spring.

We were in town from Texas and loved walking around this market on a Saturday afternoon. Good food,…read moreproduce, jerky etc. Wish we lived here!

An ode to asparagus farming on my 750th review:…read more How does asparagus grow? Does it grow in formation, row by row? Or helter skelter? Perhaps in shelter? Covered by leafy greens? Or open and seen? Does it reach it arms to the sky in the wet or in the dry? Traveling in packs like they sell in the store? Oh, please, please, tell me more! The pictures that I've posted here really do say it all and they'll share at the farm. Like the fact that asparagus is an annual crop that yields after 3-4 years. The little house (which was being renovated when we kicked up all the dust in the driveway) is surrounded by a peninsula of asparagus, all standing at attention - imperfect stalks - some chubby some skinny just waiting to be eaten! The "market" sells asparagus bunches in 2.5 lb and 10 lb bags. The 2.5'r goes for a cool $8.50, cashola only of course! The freshest, crispest, greenest asparagus I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Asparagus season seems to last as long as the cherry blossoms on the west coast, from April to May and the house is open from 11-1 daily, weather permitting. If you're in the area and you like to know where you food really comes from, check it out! Although, I'll admit I think the purveyor of asparagus thought I might be crazy asking to take a walk amongst the asparagus, but it was the highlight of the day for sure!

The cashier was really mean! Everyone else was friendly and helpful. I wrote to the company,…read moreexplained the circumstances, and suggested they help that employee understand about the "invisible handicap" I have, and, three weeks later, they haven't responded. This makes me not want to support them. That said, it's a nice store, clean and well stocked. Good organic products, and their bulk walnuts are refrigerated, which really impressed me! The prices are what you'd expect, though I did find that some of their produce was very reasonable. It's hard to find nice, fresh organic produce, but they have it.

I have always really liked this store but this week despite the provincial mask mandate, staff were…read morenot wearing masks, or had them on but below their chin, and customers were coming and going freely without masks. Sadly this environment isn't safe for me and my family to shop in.

The Salt Spring Island Saturday Market is a classic that everyone should visit at least once. There…read morewere many stands, selling everything from pottery and jewelry, to fresh vegetables and artisanal goods. There were also many snack stands selling street food and baked goodies! It does get quite busy, so I would recommend showing up before noon. Do note that the items are on the pricier side, but you can tell that each item is made with lots of love. If you are interested in handmade goods and unique finds, this is a must visit!

This is on the top ten list of every travel site. It was very nice but crowded and a bit expensive…read more I appreciate that you get to see all the artisanal food together, but for me part of the charm of these things is seeking them out. A lot of arts and crafts such as carving, leather, and clothing. A really lovely felt flower maker. I've been to many many markets and this was good but didn't blow me away. Beautiful setting obviously and the vendors were chatty and informative.

Great place to get local products. They have very nice pottery for sale. The staff was helpful and…read morefriendly.