The market was okay but it was expensive and super crowded. We made the mistake of going on a really hot day when the 2 closest parking lots were under construction. The few items we did buy were melted by the time we got back to the car. I also expected more artists. Definitely a foodie market. read more

Guelph Farmer's Market - people shopping for goods - Farmers Market Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

It has taken me quite a while to face up to the task of writing this review -- which is much how I feel about actually going to the Guelph Farmers' Market. Saturday mornings involve the girding of the loins, preparatory to doing battle in order to put food on the table... easy to sympathize with the viking raiders. I'm a locavore. The farm-to-table movement is enormous where I come from -- fresh, local, seasonal foodstuffs full of nutrients and flavor, without the huge carbon footprint of long-distance shipping, while keeping my money in the community and supporting my local growers, blah blah blah... lots of reasons I went this direction. Having become horribly spoiled by the Farmers' Markets in Oregon (Willamette Valley, end of the Oregon Trail and all that), and having learned that Guelph is in the middle of the big growing area in Ontario, I had high hopes when I moved here. Enter, disillusionment. First thing: parking is a beast. Even with a handicapped placard (people often disregard the handicapped only sign). And even though most people don't file into Harvey's for a hamburger before noon (which is when the Farmers' Market closes), the Harvey's people are out there patrolling their empty parking lot, to make sure none of those damn hippies going to the Farmers' Market don't park there. OK... did you catch that the Farmers' Market is open one day a week, for half a day (7-12)? Seriously? The Market has its own building, so what gives on the miserly hours? Oh and P.S. -- most good stuff sells out by 10 AM. Next thing I noticed: everything is cash only, and there are no ATMs (sorry... ABMs in Canada) anywhere nearby. The aisles are entirely too narrow for the ravening hordes packing the building. I mean, there must be some major breakage of the fire marshall's codes. Trying to move from one seller to the next involves appalling invasion of personal space, squeezing up against total strangers, tripping over their double-wide strollers (strollers? Here?), stepping on their feet and breathing in their faces. I feel like I ought to get an introduction first. Or at least a drink. But here's the kicker: the majority of sellers are reselling foodstuffs imported from far, far away (mostly the U.S. and Mexico). So, in summary: no parking, no convenient ways to pay, no convenient hours, miserably crowded... for very nearly what you'll find at your local supermarket. There are a few noteworthy exceptions, which is the only reason I still attempt the Market, from time to time: Thatcher Farms (http://www.thatcher-farms.com) -- local, naturally-raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken, delicious meat pies, and THE ONLY nitrite/nitrate-free bacon to be had ANYWHERE in Guelph. (Sorry; as a veterinarian, I just know entirely too much about what those chemicals do on a cellular level. Not interested. I'll do without bacon, first.) Did I mention that the meat pies are truly delicious? Mmm, Irish stew. Funky Maven crocheted (and felted) hats (http://www.funkymaven.com/2010/11/monster-hats-or-why-i-havent-been.html). (Yes, you all know I have a weakness for hats, by now.) Wonderful, creative, warm -- and Charlene gives terrific advice on making hats, if you're a DIY sort (which I occasionally am). She gives lessons, too! I'm hoping to catch up with her in the new year, to learn felting. Brantview Apples & Cider (http://www.brantviewapples.on.ca). No, they're not organic. They will, however, bend your ear about minimal spray (if you ask). They feature a pretty large selection of apple varieties, and grow my all-time absolute favorite -- the Honeycrisp (ripe in early fall). Their fresh-pressed unfiltered cider is the bomb, and their apple mustard is dynamite on roast beef or sausages. (And hey, if you let the cider go bad, it makes for some spectacular cider vinegar.) River's Edge Goat Dairy (http://www.goatmilkproducts.ca). Fan-freakin-tastic chevre -- plain, dill, or garlic blossom (OMG). And very mild, creamy goat milk. Backyard Bounty (http://www.backyardbounty.ca) -- wonderful fresh veggies and fruit grown on converted back yards around Guelph. What a wonderful use of land! Down with useless, water-guzzling grass! (And the veggies are mighty tasty, too!) Cedarvale Farm -- beautiful fresh brown eggs, inexpensive boneless/skinless chicken thighs (superior to breasts, in my book), and delicious whole roasting hens (I brined and roasted one of their birds for christmas, and it turned out juicy and tender). And the lovely people at Shepherd's Watch Sheep Dairy Farm (http://www.recipestoexperience.com/index.cfm?page=member&name=shepherdswatch) who always offer not only delicious, no-antibiotic lamb, but gorgeous soft skeins of spun wool. (Look out, once I learn to felt hats and slippers!) read more

If you can plan your schedule around buying all your groceries saturday morning, and can find parking (or bring it by bike), and dont mind wading through throngs of earth well wishers, then maybe the Guelph Farmers Market is for you. You can buy all your staples here, and special artisan version of your staples. There are also unique and hard to find vegetables, preserves, cheeses, and exotic fruits. Along with the smattering of craft vendors and people standing around talking about how "organic" their purchase is, there are sometimes musicians outside. There is a positive and vibrant community that goes to this thing, but I dont really enjoy it. The market is packed and claustrophobic. Everything is more expensive because it is "special", and people are "too" happy to be awake that early on a saturday. If youre a student on a budget don't be fooled into thinking youre saving money here. Buy daily fresh groceries at no frills or wherever is having sales. If you consider yourself a free spirit then youll love it here. I suggest to go really early to get the full effect of being a trendy hipster. Ride your fixed gear and put a basket on the front. Afterwards take instagrams from the Church of out Lady hill :) This place could be a fun date. Park on a side street and walk. read more

The Guelph Farmer's Market has a slew of issues, and most of them tie to the horrible location. The aisles are small, and difficult to maneuver just by yourself let alone with a stroller. The meat selection is good, and it's nice to see local farmer's being well represented. Someone else made a comment that some of the sellers at the market sell Mexican and US origin fruits and vegetables.... I have seen a little of this as well, and it's pretty disappointing to see. When you're finished with feeling like a sardine packed into the Guelph Farmer's Market, you may find yourself in the mood for an early morning coffee... you walk to the far end of the small building to have yourself a mass produced coffee like Folger's or a Carnation hot chocolate... pretty disappointing that they would serve this garbage. The coffee vendor must have a special relationship to stay at the market. Peterborough is a similar city in terms of demographics, and their Farmer's market blows this place out of the water with it's delicious array of organic coffee, great selection of organic veggies, garlic, space, live music and amazing Russian food. read more

This is a cool place. Indoors and all kinds of neat treats. You want to bring cash though, as only very few vendors can accept debit or credit. Honeycrisp apples for starters. Gluten free breads. Cupcakes of all kinds. Donuts up the yin yang! The type that roll off the conveyor belt, hot, hot hot! Or perhaps the fresh made cinnamon buns; You must try the Perogies, which are deep fried at the back. If you want to buy some good quality meats, then there are some great butchers on site here. Plenty of organic and in season veggies Mennonite baked pies! Try the coconut tilapia. Fish fillets to cook at home. Gluten intolerants will want to try the Gluten free cupcakes. The chocolate with mint icing is awesome. Fresh flowers of all kinds too You want to get here early if possible,, because vendors do sell out of stuff, and if you come to late, well it may be slim pickings my friend! 7am to noon Saturdays. Year round 2 hour free parking in the area. read more

There is lots of chatter these days about "thinking globally, buying locally". Well I'm happy to say that this particular tenet is alive and well at the Guelph Farmer's Market. My daughter Meg attends the University up in Guelph and she is pretty much a regular visitor at the market on Saturday mornings. The GFM has a permanent site located right in the historical downtown of Guelph itself. When weather permits there are also outside vendors. I paid my first visit this past Saturday and was really amazed at how just about every single vendor at the market really was a local producer/grower/crafter/baker/farmer etc. I was also amazed at how crowded and well attended the market was. The market is permanently opened on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon and right up until closing time it is just jammed full of people. Vendors include local farmers selling all sorts of meat products, including venison & elk. There is a very large contingent of Mennonite vendors who bring in home baked goods that are just so reminiscent of my childhood that it took all my will not to buy everything I could put my hands on. There are cookies, preserves & jams, scones, breads, baps (it's a Scottish thing), traditional loaves and lots of specialty baked goods appealing those with gluten & sugar issues. I've learned that there is a 60's throwback hippie group alive and well in Guelph and their visibility jumps tenfold on Saturdays where they are found in the market selling their hats, their crafts, their honey, their beeswax candles and their whole earth goodies. I scored some incredibly tasty and well made dumplings (ginger beef) that I ended up serving for dinner and even reheated they were delish. One needs a real willpower not to be chowing down on all the bits and pieces you can nibble on as you meander through the crowds. Most of the produce is seasonal so that means that this past weekend it was all about apples, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, cabbages & kale! Fresh cut local flowers are still available and one couldn't help but to ogle the lovely bunches of Asters and fall Mums. Recalling the prices....Oatmeal cookies $3.50 (13 cookies); Bag of Honeycrisp apples $8; small basket of fingerling Sweet Potatoes $3.00; bunches of Kale $1.00; Large Onions $1.00; Dozen Ginger Beef Dumplings (with a container of dipping glaze) $7.50; Scones $1.50 per.....and so it goes. In the end I left feeling that this particular Farmer's Market is one of my most absolute favorite spots. I definitely make the effort to return to this particular market. read more

Been there many times. I still go back. I still prefer St. Jacob's, but Guelph Farmer's Market still more convenient for me.

Visiting the market is a lovely way to start your Saturday off in Guelph & is located in the heart of downtown... one of the best farmers market in the area with a fair amount of gluten free options - make sure you bring cash & to be there early. read more

This is a very lively place in a world where more, and more tasks are increasingly being delegated to the online realm. There is a wide variety of produce, and ethnic foods accompanied by friendly merchants, and onlookers. read more

I went here after seeing the first review about the market. I was going to guelph to visit my cousin and I figured I'm always down for a good farmer's market. We went about an hour before it was due to close and the place was crawling with people. However, that being said you can get some really good deals! A litre of wonderful apple cider - $2, cute baby cucumbers (maybe about 6) - $2, 2 mammoth grapefruits - $2 (like they weighed down my purse big), and a loaf of fresh baked rye bread - $5. Now here comes the zigger, my boyfriend saw a pastry stand and wanted this huge cake/pastry thing, so I said alright. Went back for this cake - $5.50!!!!! Mind you it was thick but it was just one piece!!! It was downright delicipus and he sat there saying, I love this like a fat kid loves cake. I would go back again FOR SURE, but I would go earlier, and maybe when more fruit was locally in season. They did however offer a wide range of ORGANIC vegetables that any vegetarian or veggie lover would appreciate. NB bring your own bags or else you'll end up carrying around your goodies in your purse. read more

Okay, so this is my all time favourite farmer's market. However, the one big thing I would change would be the space. Last year, when they were renovating they moved this to an indoor arena (no ice yo) and it was far more spacious and you didn't feel shoved into tables by strollers and people having conventions in the middle of the (really narrow) aisle. There's TONS to see, buy and sample there - happy meat (non-antibiotic, free-range, took music classes etc), really great goat and sheeps cheeses, salsas, always made on the spot doughnuts (no calories if you close your eyes), organic sprouts, heirloom veggies, pet stuff, great apple cider, fantastic spelt bagels (with lots of yummy seeds on the top - have to buy more next time) and tons of other stuff. I would try to go early next time because after trying to make my way around the place twice, I was feeling a bit homicidal due to the lack of space. Love the stuff - just not the space. Would I go every single Saturday if I could? Hells yeah. read more