Farm to Table in the Alberni Valley

Vancouver Island Farms, Farmers’ Markets & Local Food in the Alberni Valley.

Fresh, locally grown produce at the Port Alberni Farmers’ Market on Cherry Creek Road.

Fall brings a different pace to the Alberni Valley. Farm stands shift toward the later harvest, Saturday markets continue through the cooler weather, and local growers and producers offer plenty of reasons to bring an extra shopping bag along for the day.

Some of the best places to find local food in the Alberni Valley include the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at Harbour Quay, the Port Alberni Farmers’ Market on Cherry Creek Rd, Naesgaard’s Farm & Market, Coleman Meadows Farm and Collins Farm at Arrowvale.

If you’re visiting Port Alberni this October—or you live here and haven’t made the rounds lately—set aside a Saturday to see what’s growing, raised and made close to home.

Start Saturday Morning at the Market

Two year-round farmers’ markets in Port Alberni make Saturday the ideal day to plan your local food outing.

At Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at Harbour Quay, vendors gather Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Depending on the week and season, you may find locally grown vegetables and fruit, locally raised meats, baking, preserves and handmade goods. Grab a coffee and take some time to enjoy the waterfront while you’re at Harbour Quay.

Seasonal produce and locally grown flowers at Spirit Square Farmers’ Market at Harbour Quay.

Across town, the Port Alberni Farmers’ Market at Cherry Creek runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farmers, bakers, makers and other small businesses gather here year-round, making it an easy place to meet some of the people behind the Valley’s local food.

Market offerings change with the season, so part of the fun is seeing what’s available that morning.

Make a Fall Stop at Naesgaard’s

Next, head to Naesgaard’s Farm & Market on River Road, a longtime Alberni Valley farm market.

Fresh produce and plants on display at Naesgaard’s Farm & Market on River Road.

Fresh produce from Naesgaard’s fields and other local suppliers changes throughout the growing season. By fall, later-season produce brings an autumn feel to the market, making October a good time to stop in and see what has come in from the harvest.

Naesgaard’s is open beyond the Saturday market schedule, making it an easy addition if your Alberni Valley visit doesn’t fall on a weekend. You can read more about Naesgaard’s Farm & Market on Alberni Valley Tourism.

Water Buffalo at Coleman Meadows Farm

One of the more unusual agricultural operations in the Valley can be found at Coleman Meadows Farm, home to a grass-fed water buffalo herd.

Water buffalo at Coleman Meadows Farm in the Alberni Valley. Source: Coleman Meadows Farm

The farm produces water buffalo meat and dairy products, showing just how varied agriculture in the Alberni Valley can be. Availability and farmstand hours can change with the season, so check the Alberni Valley Farm-Fish-Forage Producer’s Directory before planning your stop.

Pumpkins and Seasonal Produce at Collins Farm

Collins Farm at Arrowvale, along the Somass River, produces grass-fed beef, honey, pumpkins and other seasonal farm products. The property is also home to Half Acre Garden, which grows fresh produce sold through the farm and at local farmers’ markets.

Pumpkin picking at Collins Farm at Arrowvale in the Alberni Valley.

October availability can depend on the harvest and growing conditions, so it’s worth checking what’s happening at Collins Farm before heading out.

The same advice applies to smaller farm stands around the Valley. Some operate on limited days, some sell by appointment, and others bring their products to local farmers’ markets rather than maintaining regular farm-gate hours.

Meet More of the Alberni Valley’s Growers

The local food story goes well beyond the stops listed here. Farms and food producers throughout the Alberni Valley raise livestock, grow fruits and vegetables, harvest seafood and create locally made products that change throughout the seasons.

The Alberni Valley Food Security Society is a useful place to learn more about local food initiatives, growers and producers across the Valley.

Planning Your Alberni Valley Farm & Market Stops

• Best day to go: Saturday, when both Port Alberni farmers’ markets are operating.
• What to bring: Reusable shopping bags and a cooler for meat or dairy products.
• Before you leave: Check individual farm and market hours, as seasonal availability can change.
• Good to know: Many smaller Alberni Valley producers sell at farmers’ markets or by arrangement rather than keeping regular farm-gate hours.

Plan Your Farm-to-Table Day

Bring reusable bags, a cooler if you’re buying meat or dairy, and a little flexibility. Farm and market selections depend on the season, the weather and what’s ready that week. Checking hours directly with individual farms before heading out is always a good idea, especially during the fall shoulder season.

Most importantly, take the opportunity to talk with the people behind the tables and farm stands. Ask what’s in season, where something was grown or raised, or how they like to prepare it.

You may head home with vegetables, cheese, baking or a pumpkin in the back seat—but you’ll also leave knowing a little more about the people who help put food on Alberni Valley tables.

Looking for more ideas while you’re here? Find more places to eat, drink and shop in the Alberni Valley.