Kawarthas Northumberland has offerings large and small throughout the region. Some have longer seasons than others, so you might just find your new go-to place to shop year-round on this list.
the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County
Peterborough locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to farmers’ markets. The Peterborough Farmers’ Market has operated for decades at Morrow Park, emphasizing quality local foods and crafts. The outdoor market is open rain or shine on Saturdays from May 1 to October 1, but moves inside come November so it can operate year-round. You’ll find a range of fresh produce as well as amazing delicacies like delicious butter tarts from Bridgenorth’s Buns & Sweets or local brews from Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. You’re also likely to hear cheerful live music from a talented busker or two.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market offers downtown shoppers access to another incredible roster of local producers. Launched in 2018, the PRFM supports local vendors who grow or raise their own product. It also serves as a space for community groups, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere. The market runs 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays and Wednesdays, outdoors at Quaker Foods City Square (215 Charlotte St.) until October 1. You’ll find farm-fresh groceries from vendors like Circle Organic and OntonaBEE Farm & Apiary, as well as prepared foods from the likes of Fresh Urban Plate and La Mesita.
Looking for options outside of urban Peterborough? The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is another source of organic produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and more. You’ll find them at 20 Concession St. every Thursday until October 30.
Northumberland County
The Cobourg Farmers Market is one of Ontario’s oldest, with a pedigree that dates back to 1839. Produce, meats, cheese, flowers, baked goods, and more are all available here, and the 100% producer-run market is committed to keeping things local. Vendors include Burnham Family Farm Market, a sixth-generation farm, and Doo Doo’s Bakery, whose famous butter tarts regularly sweep the tasting competitions. The market operates outside at Rotary Harbourfront Park from May through October, Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM, and moves indoors to Cobourg’s Market Square November-December from 8 AM to noon.
Meanwhile, nearby Port Hope has its own weekend offering. The Port Hope Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM, May to October, in the parking lot behind Town Hall (56 Queen St). The market’s Facebook page frequently posts updates about in-season fruit and veg, so if you’re looking for recipe ideas (potato leek soup, anyone?) or keen to know exactly what varieties might be on offer locally it’s worth a visit.
There are a lot of reasons to visit Campbellford (see our Trent-Severn Trail Town page to read about a few more), but the Campbellford Farmers’ Market is one of the big ones. From May-October, on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, you’ll find all manner of homegrown goodness.
Kawartha Lakes
The Lindsay Farmers’ Market was established in 1859, and they’ve kept a good thing going through to the present day. Over thirty-five vendors gather every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM on Victoria Ave. between Kent St. & Peel St. The season ends in October, so check them out before November hits and stock up on quality Ontario foods. Lindsay is a Trent-Severn Trail Town—see here for more info.
Fenelon Falls is another Trent-Severn Trail Town with a farmers’ market to increase its appeal. The Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market runs Fridays and Saturdays 9 AM to 2 PM from May-October at Bond St. and John St. You’ll find organic beef courtesty of O’Brienview Organic Farm, local garlic from John’s Garlic, baked goods, and more, all sold with the promise that products are either homegrown, homemade, or locally produced.
The Kinmount Farmers’ Market boasts a particularly scenic location. Located in Austin Sawmill Heritage Park (5 Station Road), you can pick up a little local history while you pick up dinner fixings. The market runs 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays until Thanksgiving. You’ll find of produce, meat, and local artistic creations, produced to the same high standard you’d expect from some of the region’s top vendors.
Although this list is extensive, it’s not complete – there are other excellent farmers’ markets in the region, though some operate at a smaller scale. Explore the area and you may find an option even closer to you!
