James MartinNot to toot our own horn, but Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is one of the best we’ve ever been to. What makes it extra special is its strong neighborhood vibe where bakers know your name and farmers gladly hand out freshly picked berries for kids to taste.
It’s this strong sense of community that draws locals back every weekend—perhaps ever since it opened in 1750. Of course, we also can’t get enough of the fresh produce, baked treats, and gourmet goods that abound here.
Lucky for you, we know the ins and outs of the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your first trip.
About the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Website: http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/
Location: 961 Marginal Road
Operating hours: SAT 8 am to 2 pm and SUN 10 am to 2 pm
Phone: +1 902 492 4043
The Halifax Farmers’ Market started in 1750, a year after Halifax was founded. It operated in several locations across the city before moving to the iconic location that we know today—Seaport.
Extending from Pier 19 to 23, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market pops up every weekend for a few hours, bringing you top-notch produce, fresh fish, prepared foods, and all sorts of artisanal crafts.
This indoor market also has stunning waterfront views and patio seating, where locals indulge in refreshing drinks and delicious meals while soaking up some sun.
Saturdays are for the early birds because the market opens at 8 in the morning, while Sundays are for the late risers because it opens at 10 am, just in time for brunch.
On both days, the market closes at 2 pm so don’t wake up too late or you’ll miss out on great food and a good time.
How to Get to Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Walk: Located along the waterfront, the Seaport Farmers’ Market can easily be accessed on foot from downtown. It should be a 25-minute walk from the Citadel if you follow Brunswick Street, Spring Garden Road, and then Barrington.
From there, take a left on Morris Street and a right on Hollis Street, which will take you to Terminal Road and then Marginal Road.
Car: The fastest and most convenient way to reach the farmers’ market from anywhere in Halifax is by car. It’s a short 7-minute drive from the Citadel via Queen Street and Terminal Road.
Bus: If you’re taking the bus, hop on the 29 at Hollis Street After Sackville Street and get off at Barrington Street Before Inglis Street. You’ll have to walk the rest of the way to the market, which should only take about 7 minutes.
What to Buy in Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Coffee, Freshly Baked Bread and Pastries
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
If you’re an early morning market-goer, just like me, it’s the best time to get coffee, freshly made bread, and pastries at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market. You’ll find everything from sourdough loaves and tarts to scones and cinnamon buns.
Right when the market opens, the lines won’t be long and the baked goodies on display are most likely going to be hot, coming straight out of the oven.
Some of the vendors that sell freshly baked goodies include Aly Mae’s Bread Basket, Boulangerie La Vendeenne, German Bakery and Sachsen Cafe, and Nico Bakes.
Prepared Food
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Aside from baked goods, there’s a variety of delicious and nutritious meals that you can pick up and munch on while scouring the stalls. You’ll find vegan smoothie bowls, kebabs, steamed buns, dumplings, and the list goes on.
Amin’s Indian Cuisine is an all-time favorite, which we hit up at least once a week. Serving Indian comfort foods like curries and samosas, everything is best enjoyed while hot and seated, so come early to find a table.
You can also find gourmet goods to add to your pantry, such as cheeses from That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm at stalls 88, 89, and 90 and homemade jams from Ripley’s Maple at stall 3.
Fresh Fish, Seasonal Produce, and Meats
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
This long-running market gives chefs a reason to wake up early on Saturdays. With stalls overflowing with newly-harvested produce, cleanly cut, freshly-packed meats, and locally sourced seafood, it’s no surprise restaurants want first dibs on the best food.
If you want to shop where the chefs do, visit Ocean to Plate Seafood at stalls 74 to 75 for shucked oysters, mussels, and salmon fillets. You can also get delicious shiitake and oyster mushrooms from Maritime Gourmet Mushrooms at stall 92, near the entrance.
Our go-to for in-season fruits and crisp veggies is Noggins Corner Farm Market. While you’re there, ask the farmers if it’s apple picking season, so you can get perfectly ripe fruits from one of the best U-pick apple farms in Halifax(apple picking Halifax).
Wine, Artisanal Spirits, and Craft Beer
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
From Canada’s most famous schooner, Blue Nose, to vodka made from local apples, you’ll have your next cocktail party sorted with a quick trip to Ironworks Distillery at stall 8. Now, you can get their fine spirits without driving all the way to Lunenberg.
But for people like me who can’t make a cocktail to save a life, good thing Barkeep Cocktails and Drink Sprizzi are around. They have ready-to-drink cocktails, perfect for a boozy brunch after an exhausting work week.
If you prefer cheap, yet great-tasting beer, Great Roads Brewing never fails to surprise us with their weekly concoctions. Chances are that you’ll find something new to taste every week at stall 13.
Pet Products
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Pets aren’t allowed in Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, but you can definitely buy your furry friends all-natural treats at Green Paw. From chicken liver to beef spleen, they’ve got healthy treats that will make your cats and dogs happy.
You can also gift your them some handmade soft balls and tug toys from Johnny Zee’s Only. Since they come in different sizes, you can pick a suitable toy for smaller and larger breeds.
Beauty and Self-Care Products
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Beyond the culinary delights, this farmers’ market has an assortment of locally made beauty and self-care products. From bath soaps and herbal scrubs to body oils, you can pick the necessary items to craft a self-care routine for your weekends.
Osha Mae is one of the brands you’ll find at the market, focused on organic, plant-based ingredients. Their clay masks, face balms, serums, and toners might finally get you to commit to a skincare regimen—whether it be 5 steps or 10.
If you’re looking for scented candles to relieve stress and perhaps to get rid of this year’s bad juju, you’ll find Lawrencetown Candle Co right in the middle rows, selling pina colada and blood orange marmalade-scented candles.
Art, Jewellery, Leatherwork, and Other Handmade Crafts
Media credit: hfxseaportmrkt
Tucked between the food stalls and the produce stands, you’ll often see handmade crafts, ranging from mugs and bowls to earrings and bracelets.
We come here to buy one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and loved ones. Two Crowes Pottery at stall 12 is a great place to start because they make small batches of ceramics, ideal for special gifts because no two pieces ever turn out exactly alike.
Another local artisanal shop you can support at Seaport Market is Wool Things at stall 66, which sells (as you might have guessed) wool items like sweaters, blankets, and cushions. Little Calico Clay also has tiny ceramic earrings inspired by cute rescue cats.
FAQs
Is Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market accessible?
Yes, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is accessible. It has designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities near the entrance of the building.
The market has a large, open floor space that can easily fit wheelchairs and strollers. Its public washrooms, which are in the same building, are also accessible.
Are dogs allowed in Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market?
Due to provincial food safety regulations, the Halifax Farmers’ Market in Seaport doesn’t allow dogs and other pets inside—except for service animals.
If you’re bringing a service animal to the market, it must be properly identified with the use of a special harness or a vest. You can also bring their certifications just in case.
Does Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market have free parking?
Yes, parking is free every Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find the parking lot right before the entrance to the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.
