Farmers markets are one of those things that sound like a chore until you actually go. Then you realize you've been there for two hours, your bag is full of things you didn't plan to buy, and you're already thinking about next Saturday.

The Okanagan does farmers markets well. Here's where to go and what to look for when you get there this summer.

Always check each market's website or social for current 2026 hours and dates before you go.

Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market

Where: Landmark District, Kelowna

This is the big one. The Kelowna Farmers' Market has been running for decades and it shows — the vendor lineup is deep, the produce quality is consistently excellent, and the energy on a summer morning is genuinely hard to beat. Get there early. The best stuff goes fast.

What to buy: Fresh stone fruit (cherries, peaches, apricots, plums), local honey, artisan cheese, fresh bread, charcuterie, and whatever's in season.

Pro tip: Weekday markets are smaller and less crowded. Good option if the weekend feels like too much.

Vernon Farmers' Market

Where: Kal Tire Place, Vernon

Vernon's market has a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. Fewer tourists, more locals, and a vendor mix that leans heavily into produce and homemade goods. Pairs perfectly with a walk at BX Falls or a drive out to Kalamalka Lake afterward.

What to buy: Okanagan apples and pears later in the season, fresh vegetables, local preserves and jams, baked goods. The honey vendors here are some of the best in the valley.

Pro tip: BX Falls runs right through the Hardcore Cider orchard nearby. Market morning plus a trail walk is a full North Okanagan day sorted.

Armstrong Farmers' Market

Where: IPE Fairgrounds, Armstrong

Armstrong is one of those towns that feels like the Okanagan used to feel before everyone found out about it. The market at the IPE Fairgrounds is unpretentious, well-stocked, and worth the short drive from Vernon. Strong agricultural roots mean the produce here is serious.

What to buy: Fresh vegetables, local dairy, eggs, preserves, and baked goods. Armstrong is known for its cheese — keep an eye out for local dairy vendors.

Penticton Farmers' Market

Where: Main Street, Penticton

Penticton's market runs along Main Street with the South Okanagan sun overhead and some of the best stone fruit in BC at every turn. The peaches here are exceptional and the prepared food vendors make it a great breakfast stop before a day on the lake.

What to buy: South Okanagan peaches, fresh lavender products, artisan goods, and prepared foods perfect for a lakeside picnic.

Pro tip: Skaha Lake is a short drive south if you want to extend the day into a full beach afternoon.

Peachland Farmers' Market

Where: Heritage Park, Beach Avenue, Peachland

Peachland is one of the most underrated spots on Okanagan Lake and the market at Heritage Park reflects that — small, scenic, and genuinely charming. The waterfront setting is hard to beat and the market has a community feel that the bigger city markets can't replicate.

What to buy: Local fruit, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. The views across Okanagan Lake from Heritage Park are reason enough to stop.

What to Always Buy at an Okanagan Farmers Market

• Local honey — Okanagan honey is genuinely excellent and the variety between vendors is worth exploring
• Fresh stone fruit — cherries, peaches, apricots, plums. Buy more than you think you need.
• Artisan cheese — BC's cheese scene is strong and farmers markets are where you find producers who don't have retail distribution
• Fresh bread or pastries — for the drive home
• Whatever looks good — the best market finds are always the ones you didn't plan for

Build a charcuterie board from what you find, grab a cold Hardcore Cider from the cooler, and call it a perfect Okanagan summer day. And keep your eyes open — you may just spot us at one of these markets. Come say hi.

— Hardcore Cider Co.
100% Okanagan apples. Real BC fruit. No shortcuts.