New Brunswick farmers' markets

Surrounded by water on three sides and flanking rich fishing grounds including the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait, food markets in New Brunswick are a seafood lover's dream. Across the province, fresh fish, including arctic char, salmon and trout are available year-round along with clams, blue mussels and the famous Bay of Fundy scallops. Late spring and early summer are great times to pick up flavourful local fiddleheads as a delicious accompaniment to your fish dishes.

Here are some of the best places to take advantage of New Brunswick's fresh food offerings:

Dieppe Market
M232 Gauvin Rd.
Dieppe, E1A 1M1
Phone: 506-382-5750
Fax number: 506-877-7910
E-mail Address: info@marchedieppemarket.com
Web Site: www.marchedieppemarket.com Open: Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round.

There are countless options at Dieppe Market. Choose from fruits and vegetables from Moncton and Dieppe farms, sausage and barbecue meat from butchers, bread and pastries, including gluten-free goodies and wines from local wineries. Don't want to devise your own menu? There are many ready-made options here, ranging from Acadian to Lebanese cuisine and everything in between. Magicians, musicians and sketch artists keep things lively.

Perth-Andover Farmers' Market
11 School Street
Perth-Andover, E7H 4T4
Phone: 506 273-2014/506 273-6861
Web Site: www.perth-andover.com

Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June to September.

Browse antiques, collectibles, stained glass, woodworking and crafts to the tune of live music from local entertainers. When you've worked up an appetite, head over to the ethnic and local cooking stalls. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat and fish here.

Saint John City Market
47 Charlotte Street
Saint John, E2L 2H8
506-658-2820
Fax number: 506-649-7966
E-mail Address: hayesm@nb.aibn.com
Web Site: www.sjcitymarket.com

Open: Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (year-round)

Every morning and every night, the Saint John's Market bell rings to signify the opening and closing of the day's business and it's a long-standing tradition in the city. Taking up an entire city block, this is a market and much more. Visitors and locals can peruse the food stalls, with butchers, bakers, cheesemakers and fishermen who sell their wares alongside farm-fresh produce. Cafes and bistros are nestled among the stalls, offering a place to sip a hot drink and regroup. A candy shop, soapery, and gift shops featuring the works of Maritime artisans round out a full day of shopping.

W. W. Boyce Farmers Market
685 George Street
Fredericton
Phone: 506-451-1815
Fax number: 506-455-6451
E-mail Address: bycfrmmk@nbnet.nb.ca
Web Site: www.boycefarmersmarket.com

Open: Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round)

Lauded as one of the best farmer's markets in Canada by the Globe and Mail, the W.W. Boyce has been a central attraction in Fredericton since it opened in 1951. Along with organic produce, eggs, smoked and fresh meats, you'll find gourmet treats such as pesto, low-fat cheesecake and imported coffee beans -- you can even find all-natural dog treats for Fido. Arts and crafts are well represented with photographers, potters, candlemakers, and jewelers from the Fredericton area.

The Water Street Farmers Market
1 Ellis Street
Miramichi
Phone: 506-773-7709

Open: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April – December)

The Water Street Farmers Market is a small-town farmers' market that offers a variety of baked goods, canned and pickled fruits and vegetables, and locally produced organic meats and poultry. Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast from the onsite kitchen or sample from the food vendors. Find gift ideas from the handicrafts stalls, including knitting, crochet, toll-painting, handmade soap and bath products and quilts. In-season produce and bedding plants are available as well.

What's in season during the summer
Sweet corn, berries, wax beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and field tomatoes are in abundance at New Brunswick farmers' markets during July and August. Take advantage of the offerings of the province's rich Acadian heritage: use fresh ingredients to create your own version of local Acadian dishes, such as Fricot a la Poule or Poutine Rappee, or sample ready-made versions at the food stalls.