Ottawa Farmers' Market — Attraction in Ottawa

I'm not saying I moved to Ottawa for the Farmers Market, but I'm not NOT saying it, either! The Ottawa Farmers Market is one of those places that can turn a casual browser into a die-hard, tote-bag-toting fan in a heartbeat. I'd heard the whispers of the market's legendary status, but I wasn't prepared for the extravaganza that unfolded. It's like a buffet for the senses. The smells of fresh produce, the sight of vibrant colors, the sounds of enthusiastic chatter, and let's not even get started on the taste!

Speaking of taste, let's talk apples. Have you ever seen more apple varieties in one place? It's like the United Nations of apples here. Granny Smith was sharing a table with Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp was making diplomatic deals with Fuji, and I think I saw a McIntosh blushing at a Braeburn.

But the Ottawa Farmers Market is more than just fruits and veggies. There's an array of local artisans selling their wares, from handcrafted jewelry to homemade soaps that smell so good, you'll contemplate eating them. Please don't, though. Stick to the apples.

Then there are the people - the soul of the market. The farmers, vendors, and artisans are as warm as freshly baked sourdough and as welcoming as a sun-ripened tomato on a summer's day. And the other patrons? Well, let's just say you haven't truly lived until you've had a friendly debate over the merits of zucchini versus eggplant with a complete stranger. If you're wondering about cleanliness and safety measures, fear not! They have it down to an art form. The market has more hand sanitizer than a germaphobe's paradise, and social distancing is adhered to like peas in a pod. So, in conclusion, if you haven't been to the Ottawa Farmers Market, are you even living? Get down there, grab a basket, and let the kale chips fall where they may. This place is more than a market - it's a love letter to the local community, and I'm signing off with a big, juicy, apple-flavored kiss!

P.S. If you find a McIntosh apple looking longingly at a Braeburn, let them be....

Frankly, this is not a market, but rather an "attraction" where we can go and pretend to be in a market and experience "the vibe". This explains why you are prompted for tips when buying bread (not joking), fruits, vegetables or meat - I guess to show your appreciation of the performance?

Maybe I'm harsh and I don't have the right expectations, or maybe I am just bitter that the prices here are marked up 20-50% higher than other markets (especially the non-produce goods). I'll accept that.

I'd rather support my community's farmer's market on Saturday that will sell me (substantially) fresher produce, or same day baked bakery (not the week's overage) at fair market price, without asking me to tip them 18, 20, or 25% on top.

For all non-produce products, I'll just browse things and buy outside the market direct from the makers without the egregious markups. There are too many other local business owners selling at fair value to justify overspending at an attraction.

The two stars instead of one is because some folks actually offer truly unique products, and some of the food items are quite tasty and priced fairly.

Not sure who is organizing the whole thing (maybe they're charging vendors an arm and a leg to be there, so the cost is passed on to customers), but i sincerely hope we can do better at the city-named market. If it's not under City of Ottawa management, it should be renamed to Landsdowne...

It's an nice place with fresh vegetables etc. We are in the line to buy some bread ( Artisan bakery ) noticing the vendor is wearing one gloves at right hand, left hand is none. She ( Vendor ) is alone, she is using her right hand to serve the food ( Bread ) that customer's pick and at the same time receiving the payment ( money ) without changing her gloves while her left hand is using her personal phone texting. We corrected her about it and told her that she used one gloves serving everyone and receiving money, money is from difference people and it's dirty with this covid-19 pandemic it isn't safe for everyone's health she apologized but then she still keeps on serving without changing her gloves. What a shame. Hopefully, people won't get sick because of this. I threw the olives...