Small Town. Big Market
September, with its attendant crisp air and beautiful light, is a lovely time to visit Downtown Duncan. The leaves of the grand old oaks along Canada Avenue are turning and you can feel the changing of the seasons in the air. Downtown Duncan is a wonderful place to spend time in any day of the week, but if you haven’t visited the Duncan Farmer’s Market recently (or ever), plan your trip for a Saturday and you will be in for a treat. Under the spire of the iconic City Hall clock tower, locals and visitors alike come together every weekend to enjoy the largest Farmer’s Market on Vancouver Island and to support small local businesses and their make-it, bake-it, grow-it philosophy. With over 100 vendors, you will be impressed with the amazing variety of products and produce available. Everything from locally roasted coffee, farmfresh eggs and meat to pottery, preserves and, of course, an abundance of local produce fresh from the farm. Stroll around while sampling gourmet popcorn, freshly baked pies and the latest wine offerings from local vineyards, as well as gin and vodka crafted by local distillers. The weekly market is an opportunity to connect with farmers and craftspeople whose passion for what they grow and create is palpable. September is, arguably, peak market season. People and produce are bountiful and beguiling as the fall harvest continues. From apples to zucchini and everything in between, come and be reminded what fresh, local and authentic fruit and vegetables really look like. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from April through October and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March. Rain or shine, the market atmosphere is festive and vibrant with streets filled with buskers and all-day entertainment on the stage in City Square. After the market, be sure to carry on exploring our wonderful downtown core. We are destination shopping at its best with over 300 shops & services in a small walkable area, free parking and unparalleled customer service in our unique and independent shops. We also boast over 25 cafes and restaurants, a craft brewery and a wine & cocktail bar. This September, make Downtown Duncan a destination; park for the day and walk around discovering for yourself all that downtown has to offer and why Downtown Duncan is small, in a BIG way.