When it comes down to it, there are a lot of things that makes this part of the world special. Whether it’s our culture, our food or simply what’s available to do!
One thing that is known is that almost all of the cities or small towns have some kind of market, either running all year or one time stops.
The problem we’ve encountered is that there are no guides or specific list out there that list all of the major ones artists, crafters & small business owners can attend to grow their business.
To get the most bang for your buck, going to the big and well known market is a great way to get visibility. It does come at a price, but it can give you lifelong loyal customers if you play your cards right. It’s not always about the sales made the day off, but the spin-off ones that can bring you a more constant revenue in the long run.
Think of it as an investment, it has a direct impact on your finances at first, but you will see the benefit the longer you stay in the game.
You will have good and bad ones, whether you pay a hefty price or not. It’s a trial and error. Unless you try it yourself, you won’t really know if it’s going to work.
Here’s our list of the best markets to attend in 2022:
Halifax’s Seaport Farmer’s Market ı NS
If you want to get continuous growth in a more than well known market, the Halifax’s Seaport Farmer’s Market is your best bet. As the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in North America, since 1750, people all across the world visiting this city are making it a go to attraction.
We’ve known of many small business owners who’ve seen exponential growth by just attending these kind of market. The key thing to remember is consistency. If your customers know they can find you at a certain place each Saturday of the month (for example), they will become returning customers and therefore, constant income revenue streams.
Charlottetown’s Farm Day In The City ı PEI
One thing we appreciate about the Maritime’s is the buy local movement. One beautiful example is PEI capital, Charlottetown. With the celebration of the harvest season, they organise an open-air market that takes over the lower Queen Street (from Grafton to Water) and Victoria Row. All of that in the heart of this historic downtown. With multiple activities like a petting zoo, kid’s activities, live music & much more, this event attracts lots of families in early October of each years.
With over 180 vendors, they have a wide range of artists, crafters, farmers, producers to make it a one stop shop it all for the people of Prince Edward Island.
Fredericton’s Boyce Market ı NB
There are plenty of community markets to attend in the Maritimes. Some are good and some are just outstanding. One of them would have to be Fredericton’s Boyce Market with more than 250 outdoor and indoor vendors. Nominated as one of the top 10 Canada’s best farmers market, they provide a great atmosphere for vendors & visitors alike.
Fredericton is a known city to be more on the creative sides of things. That means a lot of artists & crafters attend events in the city simply because there is a great market for it.
Wolfville Farmer’s Market ı NS
This is a lesser known market to the general public, but have grown quite a lot since the beginning. With what started in 1992 with three vendors in a parking lot, now has over 65 vendors year round every Saturday’s.
Back in 2010, they have transformed a century old apple warehouse into their 9000 square foot Market. With over a thousand visitors each week, they surely bring the community together in their promotion of buying local.
Moncton’s Turner Christmas Market ı NB
Who can talk about the markets without mentioning one of the best Holiday Markets! Running at their 35th year, it brings visitors from all over the Maritimes. With an ideal location in Moncton, which is kind of in the middle of the 3 Maritime Provinces, they bring thousands of people over the course of a weekend.
Is it one of the pricier ones to attend, but the outcome of it can be more than worth it. After all, you have to invest money to make money.
Boost for the local
The good thing is that there is a movement to buy local and it’s showing every single day. That means that there are a lot more markets growing each year that could easily be added to this list.
That being said, it’s always a good thing to look at what’s available. Sometimes, smaller ones might make a lot of sense (and profit) to you, simply because the competition is low or non existent.
It’s always good practice to analyse and get actual data about the ones you would like to attend. Most will have available data to share if requested. Business is business and if they want to attract the vendors, sharing their statistic with you will greatly help to make a decision.
