Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market

On weekends, the old waterfront smells of fresh bread, coffee and smoked fish, and thousands of people come to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market to buy breakfast, produce and presents. The market traces its roots to 1750, the year after Halifax was founded, when the colonial governor allowed farmers to sell their produce on the town's streets. It is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in North America, and although it has moved around the city and changed buildings several times, its tradition of direct sales from grower to buyer has never lapsed.

Since 2010 the market has had a permanent home in a modern building on the waterfront at 961 Marginal Road, in Pavilion 23 of the Halifax Seaport. The building was designed with sustainability in mind, with a green roof, natural light and efficient heating and cooling, and it stands next to Pier 21 and the cruise terminal, so the market also draws passengers from the ships. The harbour is just outside the doors, and a short walk along the boardwalk leads to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Historic Properties.

Visitors will find the stalls arranged around a central space with seating. Vendors sell vegetables, fruit and flowers from farms in the Annapolis Valley and elsewhere in Nova Scotia's countryside, along with eggs, meat, cheese, honey, maple syrup and baked goods. Seafood is a speciality, with smoked salmon, scallops and fresh fish, and prepared foods range from Lebanese pastries and Acadian rappie pie to dumplings, waffles and coffee. Craft makers offer pottery, jewellery, knitwear, soap and candles, and the mix changes with the seasons, with berries in summer and apples, pumpkins and cider in autumn. Musicians play in the aisles on many weekends.

The market is open on weekends, with hours that may change, and some weekday and seasonal openings are added from time to time, so check the website. Mornings are busiest, and the best time for a quieter look is just after opening or later in the day. Admission is free, and cash and cards are usually accepted.

The market sits near the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk and is reachable by bus, on foot from downtown or by car with parking nearby. Foodies, families and travellers wanting a taste of Nova Scotia will enjoy it.