The instantly agreeable city of Vancouver has fostered a solid reputation amongst foodies. It’s a city that loves to eat fresh, locally-sourced food. Farm fresh ingredients and artisan products are sold in abundance all over the city, with fabulous farmer’s markets worth swooning over in a variety of neighbourhoods. If you’re planning a city stay in delicious Vancouver, here’s a few market picks and some great coffee stops in atmospheric Gastown.

Downtown Farmers Market, at the corner of Georgia & Hamilton. Thursdays, 11am - 3pm. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza is the new downtown home of Vancouver Farmers Markets’ Thursday affair. Shop fresh weekly for the finest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, baked goods, artisan food, fresh fish, and local artisan beer, wine and spirits.

 Granville Island Farmers Market. Thursdays, June – October. Most Kiwis will head over to Granville Island at some point, so plan your visit for a Thursday and check out this farmers market—the most established and oldest of its kind in Vancouver. Once you’ve finished shopping the market, head inside to the public market to continue exploring the city’s sterling culinary offerings.

Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market. East plaza at Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver.Saturdays, May – October.  This is the market to go to if you want to combine fresh, seasonal produce with seaside views. With an amazing view back to downtown, browse the stall, grab a bite and enjoy the atmosphere. This market is also known to have a good number of local crafts available along with all the delicious edibles.

Main Street Farmers Market.1100 Station Street, steps from the SkyTrain. Wednesdays, 2pm - 6pm. Shop fresh weekly at Vancouver's mid-week commuter market, located just steps from Main Street/Science World Station at 1100 Station Street. Each Wednesday at the Main Street Station Farmers Market, over 30 vendors bring you the finest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, and poultry, baked goods, artisan food and craft, and hot food. 

Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market. 8th Avenue and Guelph St. Sundays,10am - 2pm.  Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market returns for its 4th season. All summer long, shoppers will find a great selection of local farm product, artisanal beer, wine, and spirits, prepared food, handmade craft and food truck fare at this relaxed Sunday location. Near-by Dude Chillin' Park provides the perfect post-market picnic spot or playground date for families.

Trout Lake Park Farmers Market. 13th Ave & Lakewood Drive. Saturdays, 9am - 2pm. The biggest of Vancouver’s farmers markets, the Trout Lake market is just off the popular Commercial Drive neighbourhood and an easy walk from the SkyTrain. Along with seasonal produce and culinary offerings, you’ll also have your pick of food trucks to grab a quick breakfast or lunch. And keep an eye out for chef-types… you’re likely to see some of Vancouver’s best chefs picking up ingredients at this market.

West End Farmers Market. 1100 Comox Street, at the edge of Nelson Park. Saturdays, 9am - 2pm. Located in the heart of the West End neighbourhood, this laid-back Saturday market is walking distance from most downtown hotels, making it a great way to start your weekend in Vancouver. Grab a coffee and browse the stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as pickles, preserves, baked goods and cheeses, and plan a picnic.

Alongside the market fare, Vancouver is proud of its coffee shops and some of the best spots, loved by locals are sprinkled across the Gastown neighbourhood.  Check out Timbertrain Coffee at  311 West Cordova Street. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters is committed to the fundamentals and the science of brewing perfection into each cup of coffee they serve. Their slow bar encompasses our dedication to taste and flavour; they brew freshly roasted coffee beans with a methodical, measured, and mastered technique.

Revolver Coffee, at 325 Cambie St, is about two things: coffee and the experience. Their coffee programme is simple, but precise. All drinks are made fresh to order - after you order it, never before - from a rotating menu of their favourite coffees from world class roasters around North America. They have been voted best coffee in Vancouver several times.

Nelson the Seagull, 315 Carrall Street, is run by brother and sister, Jonathan and Lee Snelgar, who grew up in South Africa, and have always regarded Nelson Mandela as their idol. This cozy corner of Gastown features delicious coffee, incredible house-made bread, and an open atmosphere frequented by freelancers, creatives, and anyone looking for a delicious avocado-toast fix.

Prado Café, at 100 W. Hastings Street, is home to a four-time Canadian Barista Champion and first ever winner of World Latte Art Championship. The owner and multiple award-winner, Sam Piccolo, embodies the passion for great coffee. Sam is credited with raising the bar on the Vancouver coffee experience, continually using his award-winning coffee art skills to create the perfect cup of coffee through his well-honed grind and extraction process. It’s a must-visit.

Mike Yardley is our Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.