Spring is in the air, which means that public markets have already started popping up around the island, full of fresh farmers' produce and high quality handmade goods. Victoria is well known for its markets — they attract residents and tourists alike from spring to autumn each year, adding variety and personality to our local economy.

If you like to support local artisans and public growers, want to start a 100 mile diet, need to pick up a gift, or just want to browse for a special treat, make sure to drop by any of the markets below. And if you want to pop into some festivals and other outdoor events while you're at it, keep an eye out for Victoria's 2016 CITYVibe around late May.

Victoria Public Market Day Vendors

Where: The Hudson, #6-1701 Douglas Street
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 11am - 3pm
Start & End: Year round
Website: victoriapublicmarket.com

The Victoria Public Market at the Hudson highlights local artisans, farmers, fishers, butchers, bakers, cheese-makers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurateurs. The day vendor program features even more of Vancouver Island’s artisans and makers.

Luxton Market

Where: Luxton Hall, 1040 Marwood Ave.
When: First Wednesday of the month, 5:30 - 8pm
Start & End: Year round
Website: Facebook Page

The Luxton Market hosts over 35 unique local home businesses featuring everything from from handmade items to direct sales. Free admission, SPCA fundraising, raffles and prizes.

Bastion Square Market

Where: Bastion Square (between Government & Wharf Street and Yates & Fort Streets)
When: Thursdays to Saturdays from 11 am - 4:30 pm, Sundays from 11am - 4pm
Start & End: April 28 - September 30

The Bastion Square Public Market turns 19 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront along Wharf Street to Government Street, this eclectic outdoor market brings liveliness to historic Bastion Square with its brilliant array of locally-produced arts, crafts, and entertainment.

This well-known Sunday market features an eclectic mix of arts, crafts, imports, and entertainment. The arts and crafts section features wood workers, potters, jewelers, leather workers, and many more fine artisans. Every Sunday, the market spotlights a local “Artist of the Day” and includes farmers selling their locally-grown produce and fruits, homemade breads, pastries, honey, preserves, chutneys, and relishes, free range eggs, and much more.

The Schoolhouse Market

Where: Craigflower Schoolhouse, 2755 Admirals Road
When: First Saturday of the month from 10:30am - 2:30pm
Website: Facebook Page

The Schoolhouse Market is a brand new monthly market at the Craigflower Schoolhouse in Victoria, BC. They have a variety of vendors, including craft, artisan, food and more!

Ogden Point Marketplace

Where: Ogden Point, Pier B
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
Start & End: May - October
Website: www.victoriaharbourfestival.com

An original and hand-made only market at the beautiful Ogden Point. Local talented artists, musicians, and more will be stationed at Pier B right where the magnificent cruise ships dock and thousands of passengers exit.

Moss Street Market

Where: Moss Street & Fairfield Road, in the Sir James Douglas school yard
When: Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, rain or shine
Start & End: May - October
Website: www.mossstreetmarket.com

2016 is Moss Street Market’s 25th season of providing local and organic farm-fresh produce, local foods, handmade crafts, artisan clothing, inspiring services and community education to folks from the entire Victoria & area region!

Highlands Market

Where: Caleb Pike Homestead, 1589 Millstream Rd.
When: Last Sunday of the month from 10am - 1pm
Start & End: May - September

The monthly Highlands Market is held on the last Sunday of each month from May to September (10 am to 1 pm). Located at the Caleb Pike Homestead at 1589 Millstream Road, the market offers locally-grown fresh vegetables and locally-made products, including preserves and jams, eggs, honey, crafts, quilting, baby crafts, plants, and more.

Harbour Days Market

Where: Inner Harbour
When: Various weekends
Start & End: May - September

An extension of the Ship Point Night Market is the Harbour Days Market which runs on some of the busiest days of the year, including the Swift Sure Race (May 27-29), Canada Day weekend (June 30 - July 3), Buskers Festival (July 15-17 and 22-24), BC Day and Symphony Splash (July 29 - August 1), August Weekend Market (Aug 19-21), and Labour Day and Classic Boat Festival (September 2-5).

Sooke Country Market

Where: Otter Point Rd. at Eustace Rd.
When: Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm, rain or shine
Start & End: May - October
Website: www.sookecountrymarket.com

Sooke's Saturday market offers fresh local vegetables and fruit, fresh baked treats and bread, jams, jellies and preserves, plants, flowers and seeds, eggs, local crafts, woodworking, leatherwork, sewing, jewelry, local artwork, and lots of smiles!

James Bay Community Market

Where: Corner of Menzies & Superior Streets
When: Saturdays from 9am - 3pm
Start & End: May 7 - September 24
Website: www.jamesbaymarket.com

You will be amazed at the variety of products available at the James Bay Market. Whether you're a local in need of some fresh red peppers, or a visitor looking for that unique something from Victoria, they've got it. Located two minutes from Victoria's Inner Harbour, the James Bay Community Market features produce, arts, food and live music with an emphasis on products that are homemade, handmade and homegrown.

Goldstream Farmers Market

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, at Goldstream Ave. & Veterans Memorial Parkway
When: Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm
Start & End: May 7 - October 15

Goldstream farmers bring the freshest local produce for you to enjoy; their artisan crafters have made many different items ideal for gift giving; their food vendors offer everything from baked goods to jams and vinegars and oils. They have live entertainment every week as well as food trucks serving up hot and cold foods, coffee and more.

Metchosin Farmers Market

Where: Metchosin Municipal Grounds, 4450 Happy Valley Road
When: Sundays from 11am - 2pm
Start & End: May 10 - October 25
Website: Facebook Page

Take a leisurely drive to Metchosin country and browse through our market. You will find organic and naturally grown vegetables and fruit; Farm fresh eggs; jams, jellies and salsa, breads of every kind, cookies, muffins and much more! Pottery, jewellery, soap and bath items, essential oils and a variety of flowers. Cloth bags; Readings; books; garden pots and ornaments; plants and herbs (dried, fresh, and plants); veggie starters; tye-dyed accessories; tea cosies; hand knitted and crocheted items; and magnetic jewellery. Wander through our Pioneer Museum and then sit at a picnic table with a "sausage in a bun" made by our local Galloping Goose Company or listen to the live music. then saunter once more to each booth before heading out to a local beach or hiking trail.

Sidney Street Market 2016

Where: Beacon Avenue
When: Thursdays from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Start & End: May 19 - September 1
Website: www.sidney.ca

With over 150 vendors offering everything from locally grown produce, handmade jewellery by local artisans, one of a kind clothing, toys, flowers, handmade soaps, home-made breads, jams, fudge and so much more; there is something for everyone in the family! The Sidney Street Market attracts up to 5,000 people a night who all come to savour the flavours, see the sights and listen to the sounds of a myriad of musical performers. The Sidney Street Market is a must see and do event for everyone's summer activities list.

Esquimalt Farmers Market

Where: Esquimalt Town Square, 1231 Esquimalt Rd.
When: Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Start & End: May 26 - September 15
Website: www.esquimaltmarket.com

Esquimalt Farmers Market exists to provide a marketplace which serves as a community gathering point that builds relationships, encourages healthy, local living, environmental and economic sustainability.

Victoria Harbour Arts Festival

Where: Inner Harbour
When: Daily from 10am - 11:30pm
Start & End: May 27 - September 17
Website: www.victoriaharbourfestival.com

Located on the lower causeway, the Victoria Harbour Arts Festival runs throughout the summer and features a variety of unique gifts, handmade jewelry, art, food trucks, and more.

Fernwood Community Market

Where: Fernwood Square
When: TBD
Website: Facebook Page

The Fernwood Community Market still hasn't been confirmed for 2016, but if you visited it in 2015 and would like to see it repeated, make sure to contact the organizers!

Oak Bay Night Market

Where: Oak Bay Village
When: Second Wednesday of each month from 4 - 8 pm
Start & End: June - September
Website: Oak Bay Village

Oak Bay merchants are open for special tastings, demos, sampling and more. Artists and artisans from the community set up displays to showcase a variety of wares including wood turned bowls, hand made greeting cards, glass art, paper casting, fabric arts, jewelery, toys, fresh made soaps and cosmetics and preserves.

Each market also offers local musicians, roving magic shows and balloon animals. Markets are held rain or shine.

Peninsula Country Market

Where: Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly's Cross Rd.
When: Saturdays from 9am - 1pm
Start & End: June 4 - October 8
Website: www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca

This vibrant community market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted fresh meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts. Enjoy a country morning among friends live music, hot coffee, great munchies and children’s activities.

North Saanich Farm Market

Where: Saint John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road
When: Saturdays from 9:30am - 12pm
Start & End: June 4 - October 8
Website: www.northsaanichfarmmarket.ca

The intent of the North Saanich Farm Market is to support local growers and farmers by providing them with a venue to sell their produce and products, while giving the community access to locally grown fruits, vegetables and products. The North Saanich Farm Market operates on the principles of not-for-profit; any profit made will be used to either promote the market or support local farmers.

Ship Point Night Market

Where: Ship Point Pier, Inner Harbour
When: Various Fridays & Saturdays from 6:00pm - 10:30pm
Start & End: June 17 - September 17
Website: www.victoriaharbourfestival.com

The Night Market's eclectic mix of vendors and entertainment takes place this summer at Ship Point at Victoria's Inner Harbour. This season, close to 75 vendors will be selling their crafts on the pier only a few steps from the streets of downtown. The market showcases original art, high-quality handcrafted jewelry, soaps, souvenirs and more. Live music keeps the evening gently rolling, with musicians playing everything from classical to heavy rock in an acoustic setting. The Ship Point Night Market is a must when visiting Victoria.

Breakwater Market

Where: Ogden Point
When: Sundays from 11am - 4pm
Start & End: June 19 - August 14
Website: www.breakwatermarket.com

Featuring specialty foods, crafts and gifts, food to enjoy there or to take home, and farm fresh produce. All handmade, homemade, and homegrown on Vancouver Island. Enjoy local musicians at the bandstand and browse the vendor stalls. You will not be disappointed!

Oaklands Sunset Market

Where: Oaklands Community Centre, 1-2827 Belmont Ave.
When: Wednesdays from 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Start & End: June 22 - August 24

The Oaklands Market is a free weekly outdoor market that runs every Wednesday from June to September offering local fresh food, live music, a beer garden, community events and a chance to meet your neighbours. Since its beginning in 2012, the market has grown in size and frequency and now includes up to 50 vendors representing fresh produce, prepared food, hot food, arts and crafts, local non-profits and small businesses.

Chinatown Night Market

Where: Victoria Chinatown
When: Wednesdays from 5pm - 9pm (tentative)
Start & End: July - August

For several summers a number of sponsors such as 91.3 The Zone and the DVBA have come together to host the summer Chinatown Night Market, a weekly event with vendors, delicious Asian street food, and entertainment. No dates have been finalized yet for 2016, but make sure to keep a close eye on the website.

Here you can find tons of local talent, including musicians, food vendors, portrait artists, jewellers, and much much more! Not to mention the famously photographed views of the inner harbour at sunset.

Victoria Flea Market

Where: Gorge Legion, 411 Gorge Rd. East
When: Sundays from 9am - 2pm
Start & End: October - December
Website: www.victoriafleamarket.com

Take a trip down memory lane and join the growing group of locals who have found an alternative weekend activity that's social, fun, productive and profitable. Make friends and money - it just doesn't get any better than that.

The following items are always in demand: Recycled and vintage items for the discerning collector and hobbyist. Vintage & designer clothes, jewelry, games, comics & books, records, hardware, tools, stamps & coins, dolls, miniatures, bottles, decorative arts and furniture, cameras, ephemera, linen, buttons & lace, native artifacts and art, ceramics, pins and badges.

Salt Spring Island Saturday Market

Where: Centennial Park, Ganges, Salt Spring Island
When: Saturdays from 9am - 4pm, rain or shine
Start & End: March 26 - October 29
Website: saltspringmarket.com

Browse internationally acclaimed arts and crafts from Canada's "Island of the Arts" including world class potters, jewellers, fibre artists, woodworkers, fine art & photography, body care, clothing and accessories, island tours and more. Enjoy live music and entertainment. And of course check out what started the market all those years ago - organic produce, farmstead cheeses, organic and delicious homemade snacks and food.

Note: Dogs are NOT allowed in the Saturday Market. The SPCA provides dog sitting services but they do get full.

Salt Spring Island Tuesday Market

Where: Centennial Park, Ganges, Salt Spring Island
When: Tuesdays from 2pm - 6pm
Start & End: June - October
Website: saltspringmarket.com

For fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, plant starts, homemade food and snacks from local organic farmers and artisans. Find tons of fresh, locally grown farm veggies, berries, fruits and food. Please Note: There are no crafts at this market.