While the Bow Valley has dozens and dozens of shops in Banff and Canmore, you can also visit different kinds of markets. They have a jovial atmosphere, offer surprising products and come with enjoyable activities on the Banff and Canmore streets. Reasons enough to pay a visit, I’d say. Below you’ll find an overview of the markets the Bow Valley has to offer.
Strolling along the stalls on a nice sunny day, checking the various products. We’ve all been there. “Hey, what’s that item? Just what I was looking for.” “Oh, that’s nice to bring home for my little niece.”
Little discoveries and surprises make markets fun and Banff markets are no different. Besides, what can be more relaxing during your stay in the Rockies than that? Let’s have a look at what the Banff and Canmore markets have to offer.
Markets in Banff
Can’t go wrong with visiting a market in Banff. The places’ magical setting in the Rockies makes these markets the most beautiful markets you’ll have ever seen. Check them out; you won’t be disappointed.
Farmers Market
This traditional food market offers food produced by regional growers and caters to the Banff locals and tourists. It has existed since 2011 and its season runs from May 26 until October 6th.
The market is held every Wednesday in Banff’s Central Park, along Buffalo Street, close to the southern end of Banff Avenue.
You can buy regionally grown products from more than seventy vendors. They sell vegetables, fruits, artisan food, jewelry, clothing, artwork and pottery. You’ll also find some interesting food trucks.
Banff Farmers Market
Location: Banff Central Park
Hours: Wednesdays, from 10 am – 6 pm
Season: May 26 – October 6
Phone: +1 403 – 763 8772
Site: thebanfffarmersmarket.com
E-mail: manager@banffmarket.ca
Christmas Market
Every year, Banff sets the stage for several Christmas Market events. There’s plenty for everyone at this holiday market, which features 80 artisanal vendors, live music, an outdoor fire area with campfires, Santa’s House and Reindeer Stables, holiday sweets, cocktails and hot beverages. There is a tree lighting ceremony and the kids can have their picture taken with Santa himself!
You’ll find the market at the Banff Trail Riders’ Warner Stables, on 100 Sundance Road in Banff and you can park your car near the market. However, parking stalls are limited. If you’re staying in Banff, walking there is an option as it’s only 1.8 kilometers from the intersection of Banff Avenue with Wolf Street.
Tickets go on sale on the 1st of September. You can purchase your tickets online for a specific time slot. They cost CAD 7.50 (+ 5% GST). Kids until 12 years enter for free.
Banff Christmas Market
Location: Banff Trail Riders, Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Road, Banff
Dates: November 18-20, November 25-27, December 2-4
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am – 8pm; Sunday 10am – 4pm
Phone: –
Website: banffchristmasmarket.com
E-mail: banffchristmasmarket@gmail.com
Indigenous Virtual Market
Indeed, as the name of this market suggests, it’s virtual. So yes, probably not as exciting as being able to visit a market in person. However, on this webpage, you’ll find a variety of indigenous vendors featuring indigenous artisans and companies from Canada.
Surf the market’s website to find out what’s on offer. You might find some fantastic art to adorn your walls at home.
This market was created in collaboration with the governments of Canada and Alberta, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and The Banff Centre.
Indigenous Virtual Market
Phone: +1 403 – 762 6100
Website: banffcentre.ca/indigenous-virtual-market
E-mail: –
Markets in Canmore
Craving more markets? How about visiting the town of Canmore? It’s only a 25-minute away from the town of Banff and it has its own exciting markets. I listed the most interesting for your convenience.
Canmore Mountain Market
This market in a fantastic setting is held every spring and summer. It offers fresh fruits, veggies, meats, jams, coffee, and baked products from the Canmore area. The market is excellent for finding one-of-a-kind handiworks, vintage finds, and handmade accessories.
For instance, you’ll find artisans with innovative products from The Moonstone Creative. But also Belgian waffles from Calgary-based Wannawafel and handcrafted and locally made syrups and sodas from P.S. Modern Cuisine, to name just a few.
Parking at the new market on Elevation Place is quite limited, both at the market itself and in the gravel lot behind Home Hardware (which is NOT the main customer lot).
Canmore Mountain Market
Location: Elevation Place parking lot, 700 Railway Avenue
Hours: Thursdays from 10 am – 6 pm
Season: May 26 to October 6
Phone: +1 403 – 403-678-1500
Website: https://canmore.ca/residents/mountain-market
E-mail: canmoremountainmarket@gmail.com
Canmore Christmas Artisan’s Market
Like Banff, Canmore also has its own Christmas market. In 1996, the parent cooperative Canmore Preschool Society held the first market to raise money for Canmore Preschool. The event is held on the third weekend in November.
This market is known for its outstanding quality of handmade items. Every year, the community of Canmore gets together during this event to admire the work of local artists and artisans.
According to the market’s website, they ‘select artists and artisans for their creativity and craftsmanship’. For this, Bow Valley residents receive preference.
What’s nice to know is that all goods are handmade and sold by their maker.
Canmore Christmas Artisan’s Market
Location: Canmore Seniors Centre (600 9 Street, Canmore) AND the Canmore Civic Centre (902 7 Avenue, Canmore)
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
When: 3rd weekend of November
Phone: –
Website: canmoreartisansmarket.com
E-mail: canmoreartisansmarket@yahoo.ca
Mountain Made Market
This market is a community market in the Bow Valley and is a place for handmade goods made by local artisans and crafters.
Expect a great diversity of products, like oils by Made of Star Stuff Body Care, jewelry by Wonderland YYC, empanadas by Bow Valley Empanadas and much more.
The cool thing about this market is you’ll find locally made products not to be found anywhere else on the planet. If you’re visiting the Bow Valley as a tourist, this market is perfect for finding an extraordinary gift for your loved ones at home.
Location: Canmore Civic Centre (902 7 Avenue, Canmore)
When: Saturday, May 21, 2022 (10 am – 4 pm) and Friday, July 1 (9 am – 5 pm), Saturday, September 3 (10 am – 4 pm)
Phone: –
Website: mountainmademarketsite.wordpress.com
E-mail: mountainmademarket@gmail.com