Best markets in Canada

Mini Woodstock: Cottonwood Falls Market
Nelson, British Columbia

Scene: Sprawl out and people-watch on lush green grass or join hippies and artists to be serenaded by local musicians at the base of the Cottonwood Falls.
Score: Boho essentials like incense, oils and herbs and customized cremation urns.
Scope: Up to 50 vendors, Saturdays, May 19 to October 27..

Historic craft fair: Bastion Square Markets
Victoria

Scene: Absorb the architecture and ambience of Bastion Square, which boomed during the gold rush of 1858. Today it’s a cultural hub, home to a creative Artisan Fair and Farmers’ Market.
Score: Stained glass decorations and jewellery hand made from old cutlery.
Scope: Up to 65 vendors, Thursday to Sunday, May 3 to September 30.

Contemporary fashion: Market Collective
Calgary

Scene: You’ll see mannequins clad in freshly sewn designs and hear alternative live music non-stop in this energetic centre that houses all kinds of imagination.
Score: A toe-tapping good time and a locally designed and produced wardrobe.
Scope: 75 vendors, one weekend a month (in May, the 26th and 27th).

Foodie fest: Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
Saskatoon

Scene: Buskers strum away near the bank of the South Saskatchewan River where this market opens outdoors for the summer months.
Score: All manner of edible treats made from the local, blueberry- like saskatoon berry, including heavenly pies.
Scope: Over 100 vendors, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, year-round.

Treasure hunt: Aberfoyle Antique Market
Guelph, Ontario

Scene: Roam more than 20 acres of cabins, stalls and barns at Canada’s largest antique market, while imagining the histories of the miscellany of items around you.
Score: A new family heirloom, vintage-furniture-like dresser or Louis XV chair to reupholster, and retro Coca-Cola signs.
Scope: Over 100 dealers, Sundays, April 29 to October 28; Spring Special Antique Show, May 12.

Arty fix: Artscape Art Markets
Toronto

Scene: Drop in at vendors’ studios and watch them in action at the cobblestoned Distillery District and the Wychwood Barns.
Score: One-of-a-kind paintings and prints by local artists.
Scope: Distillery Art Market, 20 vendors, weekends, May to September. 55 Mill St. Barns Art Market, 25 vendors, monthly, May to October (in May, the 26th).

Mega market: Lachute Farmers’ Market, flea market and horse auction
Lachute, Quebec

Scene: The market of all markets is abuzz with antiques, food, entertainment and horse bidding. Score: A fine filly, obviously. (And the chance to live out your Princess Bride fantasy!)
Scope: Up to 500 vendors, Tuesdays and Sundays, year-round.

Ready-made picnic: Hubbards Farmers’ Market
Nova Scotia

Scene: With six acres of woodlands, walking paths, picturesque gardens and even a babbling brook — plus every artisanal food from smoked fish to organic coffee — this market is a must for nature lovers.
Score: Homemade gourmet dog treats to spoil Fido.
Scope: 35 to 45 vendors, Saturdays, May to October.

Eco and friendly: Fireweed Community Market
Whitehorse, Yukon

Scene: This riverside community initiative is about learning and spending: Between bites, take in a free workshop on transplanting seedlings or making biodiesel.
Score: Know-how and fresh homemade fare, from bison burgers to fish & chips.
Scope: 25 to 45 vendors, Thursdays, May 17 to mid-September.