Halifax Farmer's Market
Halifax Farmer's Market: The oldest farmer's market in North America
The Halifax Farmers' Market was produced by Royal Proclamation in June of 1750, a year after the founding of Halifax. The Governor and Council designated a site for the Market - today day Bank of Montreal building. For 50 years this flesh, meat or livestock market, as it was understood, sold produce as well as livestock provided from Acadian farms in the Annapolis Valley and from local farm production. In 1848 the City of Halifax was included and the original City Charter communicated the Country Market home to the city "for the public and typical benefit and use of the City of Halifax according to the true interest and meaning of the initial grant."
The marketplace has run in a number of locations throughout the city because its creation in 1750, but transferred to the Halifax Seaport in 2010 where it is now known as the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market - the longest continually running Market in North America and proudly hosting over 250 suppliers! Halifax Seaport The Halifax Seaport is a lively arts and cultural district found at the south end of the Halifax waterfront. Extending from Piers 19 to 23, you will find artisans, sellers, cruise terminals, event facilities, cafes, galleries, offices, a museum, a university and the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market. This district has been redeveloped to showcase regional skill and is now a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
The Halifax Farmers' Market is the oldest continually running farmer's market in North America having actually been founded in 1750. Over the years the marketplace has been kept in lots of locations around Halifax, Nova Scotia, including Keith's Brewery Building on 1496 Lower Water Street.
In 2010 the majority of the cooperative members of the marketplace relocated to a new building which becomes part of the Halifax Seaport and took on the name 'Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market'. A small number of suppliers picked to remain in the old area and rebranded themselves as the 'Historic Farmers Market'. The Seaport market celebrated 265 years in October of 2015.
The new Seaport Farmers Market building was designed by regional architecture company Lydon Lynch. It is LEED Gold accredited. Located in a transformed storage facility, the structure incorporates energy- and water-saving steps in addition to a green roofing that is open as a publicly available rooftop garden.
Although the name and place have changed throughout the years, the tradition of a weekly trek to the Halifax Farmers' Market has stayed consistent from one generation to the next. For many, a journey to the marketplace is just as essential today as it was during colonial times.
If you’re planning a trip to the Halifax Farmer's Market, there are a few resources that can help you make the most of your visit. The Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre is a great place to start. They have six locations throughout the province, including one in Halifax, where you can drop in for information on Nova Scotia’s travel experiences. Their friendly and knowledgeable travel counsellors and tourism ambassadors can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Halifax.
Another useful resource is the Tourism Nova Scotia website. Here you can find information on visitor centres, travel guides, and top attractions and experiences throughout the province.