The Cabot Trail, world-class golf courses, beautiful beaches, historic sites, amazing music, great people – these are just a small handful of Cape Breton’s qualities that draw people in to visit from all over the world and what makes the locals want to stay on the island. Another splendid attraction Cape Breton has to offer? A number of charming farmers’ markets! Four of our favourite farmers’ markets call the island home – the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market in Sydney, the Inverness Village Market, the Mabou Farmers’ Market, and the bi-weekly Port Hawkesbury & Area Community Market. Each of these markets offer their own unique atmosphere and they contribute to Cape Breton’s distinct culture and strong sense of community.
Cape Breton Farmers’ Market
Located at: 340 Keltic Drive, Coxheath
Market day: Saturdays 8:30am – 1pm, year-round.
Market personality: The Cape Breton Farmers’ Market is a year-round affair with more than 30 full-time vendors and many more part-timers’. This time of year is perhaps our favourite with lots of vendors – new and old – to be found both inside and outside the market. The newest addition – at the market this Saturday, June 18th for the first time – is a baker serving up gluten free and diabetic friendly treats and baked goods.
Many farmers’ markets across NS include live music as it adds to the great atmosphere of a market and invites you to stick around, greet your neighbours and tap your feet. It will come as no surprise that the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market shines when it comes to live music!
Groceries, gifts, music and more, the Cape Breton Farmers’ Market is a long standing tradition with over 30 years under their belt! And, if you are looking to try something new, to switch things up from the same old pizza take-out routine, then we recommend digging in to the diversity of delicious, ready-to-eat ethnic foods available at the market, from African to Italian, Pakistani to German.
Inverness Village Market
Located at: 40 Mill Road, Inverness
Market day: Saturdays 11am – 2pm, June 25th – August 27th
Market personality: The Inverness Village Market kicks off their season in just over a week, on Saturday, June 25th. This market, run by the Cottage Workshop, has a brand new home at 20 Mill Road, just behind the legion – thanks to the famous Chase the Ace in Inverness this past winter! Our biggest tip? Go to the Inverness Village Market hungry – ready to dig in to a bowl of the Cottage Workshop’s famous seafood chowder! And, Inverness isn’t too far from from another market town, Mabou, so if you are vacationing or live in the area, you can make it a weekend affair by visiting the Inverness Village Market on Saturday, and the Mabou Farmers’ Market on Sunday! We promise you will be well fed!
Mabou Farmers’ Market
Located at: Mabou Arena, 186 Mabou Harbour Road
Market day: Sundays 11am – 2pm, June 1st – October 15th
Market personality: This season, the Mabou Farmers’ Market turns 9 and boy how the market has grown! Nine years ago, the market started with just 6 vendors and about 100 loyal customers. Now, the market is home to as many as 58 vendors and serves a regular 900 customers per market day! The Mabou Farmers’ Market kicked off their season earlier this month, so no need to wait – stop by this Sunday! Our recommendation? Pick up a loaf of traditional German bread and bite into a fresh baked pretzel right there on the spot! Don’t miss the handmade Syrian chocolates, candies and baklava. And, if it is seafood you are after, you’ll be thrilled to find fresh, local oysters as well as – new this season – Cape Breton lobster! If you are on a road trip across the island, this market makes an ideal pit stop – located on the midpoint of Cape Breton’s world famous Ceilidh Trail.
Port Hawkesbury Community Area Market
Located at: Civic Centre, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury
Market day: Saturdays 10am – 2pm, June 11th – October 15th bi-weekly.
Market personality: By popular demand, the Port Hawkesbury and Area Community Market is back operating at the Civic Centre this season – a great spot for a great market. The market runs every second Saturday, making June 25th your next opportunity to shop the market. Food trucks are a great addition to a farmers’ market and this market knows it. Find “Stand and Stuff Your Face” food truck (home of the double grilled cheese cheesy burger) each market day at the Civic Centre along with a much, MUCH more! If you’re making your way to Cape Breton from the mainland, Port Hawkesbury will greet you just on the other side of the causeway. The farmers’ market will be full of smiling faces, friendly folks, delicious food and unique craft. Don’t miss it.
Want to know more?
Wondering what’s in season and available at a farmers’ market near you? Find, and keep in touch, with these great farmers’ markets using Facebook. But, consider this your warning – do not scroll through farmers’ market photos on an empty stomach!
Cape Breton Farmers’ Market (Sydney): https://www.facebook.com/CBFarmersMarket/?fref=ts
Inverness Village Market: https://www.facebook.com/InvernessVillageMarket/?fref=ts
Mabou Farmers’ Market: https://www.facebook.com/maboufarmersmarket/?fref=t
Port Hawkesbury & Area Community Market: https://www.facebook.com/PortHawkesburyCommunityMarket/?fref=ts
Written by: Laura Woodworth, St. Francis Xavier University Dietetic Intern
