What to Buy at an Ottawa Farmers’ Market This Summer
There’s no shortage of incredible farmers’ markets in Ottawa. From wandering the historic stalls at Parkdale Market to Saturday mornings at Lansdowne, the bustling Carp Farmers’ Market, or picking up fresh produce from local farm stands just outside the city, summer is the perfect time to shop local.
The only challenge? Knowing what’s actually in season. Keep reading for your guide to what’s in season at Ottawa farmers’ markets this summer, plus the local finds worth adding to your tote.
It’s easy to fill a tote bag with beautiful produce, but shopping seasonally means you’ll bring home fruits and vegetables at their freshest, most flavourful, and often at their best price.
Whether you’re planning a weekend picnic, stocking up for a cottage trip, or simply looking for the freshest ingredients for dinner, here’s your guide to what to buy at Ottawa farmers’ markets this summer—from June through August.
Markets to Visit
- Parkdale Market – One of Ottawa’s oldest public markets, known for fresh Ontario produce, flowers, local vendors, and its central Wellington West location.
- Lansdowne Farmers’ Market – A producer-only market where you’ll find local fruit, vegetables, meats, baked goods, cheeses, and artisan products.
- Carp Farmers’ Market – A favourite west of the city, featuring farm-fresh produce, homemade baking, preserves, local crafts, and live music throughout the summer.
- Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Main Street – A community-focused producer market offering seasonal produce, prepared foods, and locally made products.
- Rideau Pines Farm – While not a traditional farmers’ market, this local farm is well worth a visit for pick-your-own berries, seasonal produce, and fresh-from-the-field experiences.
- Orléans Farmers’ Market – Located outside the Ray Friel Complex, this east-end market features 35+ local vendors.
What’s in Season at Ottawa Farmers’ Markets
Shopping with the seasons is the best way to enjoy Ontario produce at its peak. Here’s what to keep an eye out for throughout the summer.
June
- Strawberries
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Fresh herbs
July
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Early tomatoes
August
- Ontario peaches
- Sweet corn
- Field tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Melons
| Month | What to Buy |
|---|---|
| June | Strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, lettuce, peas, herbs |
| July | Cherries, blueberries, raspberries, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, tomatoes |
| August | Ontario peaches, sweet corn, field tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons |
Don’t Miss These Local Finds
Fresh produce is the main attraction, but some of the best farmers’ market discoveries are the ones you weren’t planning to buy. Be sure to keep an eye out for:
- Butter tarts
- Pure Ontario maple syrup
- Local honey
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Fresh sourdough bread
- Goat cheese
- Fresh pasta
- Small-batch jams and preserves
Tips for Shopping Ottawa Farmers’ Markets
A few simple tips can make your market visit even better:
- Arrive early for the best selection.
- Bring a reusable tote (or two) and a small cooler for anything that needs to stay chilled.
- Don’t skip the bakery stands—many local bakeries sell out before noon.
- Ask vendors what’s freshest that week. They’ll often point you toward produce that’s just been harvested.
My Ottawa Farmers’ Market Essentials
- A reusable tote (or two)
- A small cooler for berries, cheese, and meat
- Coffee from a local café
- Cash for smaller vendors
- Room for a bouquet of fresh flowers
My Favourite Summer Farmers’ Market Haul
If I’m only making one stop, my basket usually looks something like this:
- Fresh berries
- Sourdough bread
- Local goat cheese
- A bouquet of flowers
- Tomatoes and basil
- Ontario honey
- Sweet corn (late summer)
Enjoy the Best of Ottawa, One Market at a Time
Shopping at an Ottawa farmers’ market is about more than picking up groceries—it’s about supporting local growers, discovering seasonal ingredients, and slowing down for a few hours on a summer morning.
Whether you visit Parkdale Market for fresh flowers, Lansdowne for artisan treats, Carp for local produce, or stop at a nearby farm stand on your way to the cottage, shopping with the seasons means you’ll always bring home the freshest flavours Ontario has to offer.
Bring a reusable tote, arrive hungry, and don’t be afraid to ask vendors what’s freshest that week. You might just discover your new favourite summer tradition.
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