Vancouver’s New West Farmers Market is a great market in New Westminster‘s Tipperary Park in spring, summer and fall. It runs from April to November.
In addition to the regular weekly farmers markets, the same organization hosts a great Christmas market on a weekend in December too.
The first day of the season for the market in 2023 is March 30th.
The Farmers Market in New Westminster
Formerly called the Royal City Farmers Market, the New West Farmers Market is a really nice medium-sized market.
Since the outbreak of COVID, the market has just been operating at its venue in the park. In the past it also had a winter market, in the Uptown neighbourhood of New Westminster, but they don’t operate that anymore. There has, however, been the New West Holiday Market on a weekend in December. The third annual New West Holiday Market happened on December 10th and 11th in 2022.
Where and When is the Market
In a typical year, from May until November, the New West Farmers Market can be found at Tipperary Park on Thursdays from 3:00 until 7:00 pm. The park is in the 300 block of Royal Avenue less than a block down the street from New Westminster’s City Hall.
The last day of the market in 2022 was November 3rd. The market starts back up again at its Tipperary Park location on March 30th in 2023.
The market sets up in the parking lot in the middle of the park. The entrance is near the corner of Royal Avenue and 4th Street. There is on-street parking all around the perimeter of the park including on Royal Avenue, Queens Avenue and 3rd Street.
For the market’s official website visit newwestfarmers.ca.
Market Vendors
A variety of vendors set up stands at the market and they sell a wide range of products. On a typical day there are merchants selling baked goods, fresh produce, meats, jewelry, chocolate, honey, craft distillery beverages and other items.
The New West Farmers Market is run by a non-profit society that operates to promote the purchasing of locally-grown and environmentally-sustainable goods. Vendors from the market also work with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Some of them sell produce to the charity at an especially discounted rate to make fresh produce accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
In addition to vendors, there is also usually a musician or two performing at the market each week.
Tips and Advice
Below are some suggestions to help you make the most out of your visit to the market.
TIP #1: Don’t forget to take your own reusable shopping bags.
TIP #2: Tipperary Park is a nice little park. Especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are out, be sure to explore the Japanese-style Friendship Garden either before or after shopping. The garden is also beautiful in the fall with all its autumn colours.
TIP #3: Tipperary Park is just six or so blocks up the hill from Columbia Street, which is the old part of town, and from there it’s just a couple more blocks to the Fraser River. Either before or after shopping, go for a walk along the waterfront and explore the area. It’s a lovely place to stroll and cycle along.
TIP #4: The market is a good place to pick up a lunch or dinner picnic to enjoy at the park or down by the river.
TIP #5: Shop at farmers markets as often as you can. It’s a great way to support local farmers and artisans, get fresh and good quality products, and help keep dollars in the local community.
New West Holiday Market
In addition to the regular farmers markets, just before Christmas there is the New West Holiday Market on the second weekend in December. The outdoor event returned on December 10th and 11th in 2022. It happened in front of New West City Hall at 511 Royal Avenue between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm each day.
At the event in December there are usually over ninety local artisans and food vendors, plus free craft activities for children as well as live music for shoppers to enjoy. It’s a great event!
To learn more about this event see our article about the New West Holiday Market.
Other Information
For more information about this market see the New West Farmers Market website.
To learn about other places of interest and events in the city, see our article about New Westminster.
For a list of other similar places to do your shopping, click Farmers Markets in the Lower Mainland.
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