There’s something about a Saturday morning at a farmers’ market that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The smell of fresh bread pulling you toward a baker’s table, the muddy carrots that still look like they came out of the ground an hour ago, a jar of honey so amber it glows — and a conversation with the person who made all of it. In New Brunswick, this isn’t a weekend novelty. It’s a way of life.
With summer in full swing, markets across the province are bursting with local produce, handcrafted goods, and the kind of community energy that makes you want to linger well past lunchtime. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, here’s a guide to some of the best farmers’ markets in the province — and exactly what to look for when you get there.
Boyce Farmers Market — Fredericton
When: Saturdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. (year-round, with an expanded outdoor market in summer)
If there’s one market in New Brunswick that needs no introduction, it’s this one. The Boyce Farmers Market has operated out of the same building in Fredericton for over 70 years, and in the summer months it spills out into the parking lot with even more vendors. Come early — the most popular tables sell out fast.
What to buy: Fresh strawberries (a short but glorious window in June and July), local honey, artisan sourdough, and New Brunswick maple syrup. Don’t skip the prepared foods either — this market has a loyal following for its hot breakfast options that make the early wake-up worth every minute.
Saint John City Market — Saint John
When: Monday–Saturday (hours vary by vendor)
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in Canada, the Saint John City Market is a landmark in its own right. The building itself is stunning — the ceiling is built in the shape of an inverted ship’s hull, a nod to the city’s deep maritime roots. Inside, you’ll find a lively mix of fresh produce, fish, meats, and specialty foods.
What to buy: The seafood here is exceptional. Look for fresh dulse (a local seaweed snack that New Brunswickers are fiercely loyal to), smoked salmon, and fresh lobster when it’s in season. If you’ve never tried dulse before, this is the place to start.
Moncton Market — Moncton
When: Saturdays (year-round), with the outdoor component expanding in summer
The Moncton Market is one of the largest in the province, with a sprawling layout and a wide variety of vendors. It draws a diverse crowd and reflects the bilingual, multicultural character of the city well. Arrive with an empty stomach if you can — there’s plenty of food to graze on as you shop.
What to buy: Local cheese, early-season vegetables like peas and lettuce in June, freshly baked pastries, and locally roasted coffee. The market also has strong representation from artisan producers, so it’s a great stop for handmade preserves and condiments to bring home.
Dieppe Market — Dieppe
When: Saturdays (year-round)
Just across from Moncton, the Dieppe Market has its own personality — bilingual, community-focused, and with a strong lineup of Acadian food traditions mixed in alongside produce and crafts. It’s worth making the short trip over if you’re already in the Greater Moncton area.
What to buy: Ployes (traditional Acadian buckwheat pancakes) are a staple here and not to be missed. Pick up some buckwheat flour to make them at home, or just enjoy them fresh at the market. Also look for locally made rapé pie and other Acadian specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
Hartland Farmers’ Market — Hartland
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | June through October
Hartland is home to the world’s longest covered bridge, and the Saturday market matches the charm of its surroundings. Set with a view of the Saint John River, this is the kind of small-town market where you’ll actually get to talk to the person who grew your food. It’s relaxed, friendly, and genuinely connected to the agricultural heritage of the region.
What to buy: This is potato country — New Brunswick produces some of the best potatoes in the world, and you’ll find them here in varieties you won’t see at any grocery store. Also look for locally grown berries, homemade jams, and fresh herbs.
Florenceville-Bristol Outdoor Summer Market — Florenceville-Bristol
When: Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | July and August
This one runs only in the heart of summer, making it feel especially worth the trip while it lasts. Set in Riverside Park along the Saint John River, it combines fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment into a genuinely lovely afternoon outing. Florenceville-Bristol bills itself as the “french fry capital of the world” (McCain Foods got its start here), so potatoes are naturally well-represented.
What to buy: Organic produce, fresh flowers, maple products, and locally raised meats. The live music and food vendors make this as much an experience as a shopping trip.
Grand Falls Farmers’ Market — Grand Falls / Grand-Sault
When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | May through September
Situated near the famous falls, this bilingual market is known for its festive atmosphere — music, local food, and a friendly crowd that reflects the Francophone character of the region. If you’re passing through on a summer road trip, it’s an easy and rewarding detour.
What to buy: Seasonal vegetables, locally baked goods, and if you’re lucky, wild blueberries later in the summer. New Brunswick wild blueberries are genuinely one of the great agricultural treasures of Atlantic Canada — smaller, more intensely flavoured than cultivated varieties, and worth buying in quantity to freeze.
Sackville Farmers’ Market — Sackville
When: Thursdays, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | June through September
The evening timing makes this one feel different from the usual Saturday morning routine — it’s a great after-work stop, with a laid-back energy and a loyal local following. Sackville is a small university town with a big arts community, and that shows in the market’s vendor mix.
What to buy: Fresh produce, homemade baked goods, crafts, and locally made food products. The Thursday evening slot also makes it easy to pick up fresh ingredients for a summer dinner on your way home.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Bring cash. Many vendors at smaller markets still prefer it, and you’ll move through the stalls faster.
Go early for produce, late for deals. The best selection of fresh vegetables and baked goods goes quickly in the first hour. But if you’re flexible, vendors sometimes reduce prices near closing time rather than pack things up.
Bring a bag — or five. Markets rarely have great bag situations, and you’ll inevitably buy more than you planned.
Ask questions. Farmers love talking about what they grow. You’ll learn something, and you might end up with a better product as a result — or a tip on the best way to cook something you’ve never tried.
Look for the weird stuff. Heirloom tomatoes in eight colours, unusual squash varieties, heritage grain flour, fermented hot sauce — the most interesting things at any farmers’ market are the ones that aren’t at the grocery store. That’s the whole point.
New Brunswick’s farmers’ market scene is one of the province’s quiet strengths — deeply rooted, genuinely local, and still discovering what it can be. This summer, skip the supermarket at least once and see what’s growing around you. You might be surprised.
