Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Natural produce grow in Jasper National Park.

Farmer’s markets and farm stands abound throughout Jasper National Park and the rest of the Canadian Rockies. Surround yourself with the smells and colors of the locally grown produce. Experience the authentic regional food culture at delightfully low prices. The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association recommends buying what is seasonal, appealing and fresh.

Pop a saskatoon berry in your mouth. A small sweet fruit that resembles the blueberry, the saskatoon grows in the Canadian Rockies and northwest/central U.S. Engage in an informative conversation with the local growers.

And give yourself points for reducing your carbon footprint. All the local produce have traveled less and have required less shipping materials than say, bananas imported from Brazil.

Farmers’ markets and farm stands can also be places to find unique locally made handicrafts and gifts.

Farmer’s Markets in Jasper: When To Go

The farmer’s markets in the region tend to be open seasonally (July and August, usually June and September) and for only a day or two each week – and for limited hours. Be sure to know the hours before planning a trip to a farmer’s market.

Farm stands tend to be open during the mornings and early afternoons.

Farmer’s Markets in Jasper: Where To Go

Hinton, Alberta
Just minutes from the eastern entrance of Jasper National Park, the Hinton Farmer’s Market at the Hinton Centre, 965 Switzer Dr., is open Thursdays from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. for most of the year.  The same organization comes to Jasper a few times a year, making use of the Jasper Activity Centre.

Edson, Alberta
The small town of Edson is located midway between Edmonton and Jasper National Park. The Edson Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from mid-April to mid-December from 10:30 A.M. to 2 P.M. The market is held at the Edson Friendship Centre.

Keep an eye out for farm stands along the highway.

Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton has plenty of farmers’ markets for shopping.  Farm stands can be found in the Edmonton suburbs

Old Strathcona Farmers Market
Check out Edmonton’s Old Strathcona Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M., which has around 130 vendors and 10,000 visitors on a busy Saturday.

Calgary, Alberta

The Calgary Farmers’ Market and the Millarville Farmer’s Market are the big farmer’s markets in the Banff National Park area. As for farm stands, keep a look out for a spontaneous stop while driving in rural areas. Some farm stands even have DIY u-pick farms where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables.

Green Tips for Jasper

Bring silverware with you. So if you pick up some saskatoon jam and crackers, you have a way to eat it on the spot.

Do not have eyes bigger than your stomach. If you buy too much food, it may go bad before you can eat it all. And what a waste that would be.

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