Vernon Farmers Market and Local Food Guide

Short answer: The Vernon Farmers’ Market runs outdoors at Kal Tire Place every Monday and Thursday morning from April to October, and vendors have to make it, bake it or grow it themselves. Beyond the market, you can pick your own fruit at orchards like Davison Orchards, visit Planet Bee Honey Farm, and stop at farm stands across Bella Vista, the BX, Coldstream and Armstrong.

Before I moved to the Okanagan, “local food” meant a few stickers at the grocery store. Here, it means driving past the orchard where your apples grew. Greater Vernon is surrounded by farmland, and eating local is easy once you know where to look.

Here’s my guide to the markets, farms and makers worth knowing. Seasons and hours change, so check each website before you go.

When is the Vernon Farmers’ Market?

According to the Vernon Farmers’ Market, the outdoor market runs April to October, every Monday and Thursday morning, outside Kal Tire Place. The market says it was established in 1979, which makes it one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the Okanagan.

What makes it special is the rule the manager summed up for Castanet in 2026: “you have to make it, bake it or grow it.” No big-box or chain stores. You’ll find:

Fresh vegetables and fruit in season
Eggs, meat and cheese
Baked goods and preserves
Plants and flowers
Handmade crafts, woodwork and clothing
Local wine and other local products

The market’s vendor count grows through the summer as more crops come in. Local coverage in 2026 also mentioned a summer Saturday market, so check the market’s website for current days and locations.

A practical tip: the market says calm, well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short leash. Go early for the best selection, especially during cherry and peach season.

What other markets are there in Vernon?

The Polson Artisan Night Market runs on Friday evenings through the summer in Polson Park. It leans more toward artisans, home goods and food vendors than produce, but it’s a great night out. I list more seasonal happenings in Vernon’s year of events.

Where can you pick your own fruit near Vernon?

Vernon’s farm country starts minutes from downtown. A few well-known spots:

Davison Orchards on Davison Road: a family-run orchard with u-pick apples and pumpkins in season, a farm market, bakery, farm tours and a cafe. It’s a classic family outing.
Ringo-En-Orchards on Bella Vista Road: listed by Okanagan Family Fun for u-pick apples, peaches and vegetables in season.
Peter’s U-Pick Orchard on Rimer Road: a small family farm with u-pick fruit.
Bright Angel Farm on Herry Road: known for u-pick cherries for a few weeks in early summer.

For a fuller list that’s updated each season, Okanagan Family Fun keeps a good directory of fruit stands and u-picks. Cherry season in particular moves quickly and depends on the weather, so call ahead.

What local food producers can you visit?

Planet Bee Honey Farm on Bella Vista Road is open year-round. You can see live bees, learn about honey making, and taste mead at its Honeymoon Meadery. Kids love it.

Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery on 24th Street calls itself Western Canada’s original farm-to-flask distillery, founded in 2004, and uses Okanagan-grown grains and orchard fruits. The Vernon location has a tasting bar and a big copper still you can see.

Cideries are a natural fit in apple country. Cambium Cider Co in the BX pairs cider with food in the orchard, and I include it in my best patios in Vernon list.

And of course, there are the wineries around Vernon, Coldstream and Lake Country. They deserve a guide of their own, so I’ll leave it at: yes, there are good ones close by.

Is there a good farm-to-table cafe in the area?

Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens in Coldstream describes itself as a farm-to-table eatery, and it’s a lovely breakfast or lunch stop. The Farmhouse Cafe at Davison Orchards is another good choice while the orchard is open. For more ideas, see where locals eat in Vernon.

What’s in season, and when?

Roughly speaking, in the North Okanagan:

Spring: greens, asparagus, bedding plants and flowers at the market.
Early summer: strawberries, then cherries.
Mid to late summer: apricots, peaches, plums, berries, corn and tomatoes.
Fall: apples, pears, squash and pumpkins.

Timing shifts every year with the weather, so follow your favourite farms on social media for updates.

Thinking about a hobby farm or acreage?

A lot of my clients start at the farmers’ market and end up wondering what it would be like to grow their own. Areas like Bella Vista, the BX and Lavington mix orchards, hobby farms and larger lots. Buying rural property comes with extra homework: zoning, the Agricultural Land Reserve, water and septic. I walk through those in my guide to buying acreage near Vernon. For farm tax status or ALR questions, talk to an accountant and a lawyer before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Vernon Farmers’ Market?

The outdoor market is held outside Kal Tire Place in Vernon on Monday and Thursday mornings from April to October, according to the market’s website.

Can I bring my dog to the Vernon Farmers’ Market?

The market says calm, well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short leash and must be supervised, with owners cleaning up after them.

Where can I go apple picking near Vernon?

Davison Orchards offers u-pick apples in season, and other orchards around Bella Vista and the BX offer u-pick fruit too. Check each farm’s season before you go.

Is there a year-round local food stop in Vernon?

Planet Bee Honey Farm says it is open year-round, and Okanagan Spirits has a tasting room in Vernon. Hours vary, so check before you visit.

More Vernon guides

Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?

I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.

Text or call Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

Featured photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash.

Farmers’ Markets, Orchards and Local Food in Vernon