Cool destination on a Saturday morning. This is more of a flea market than farmer's market to me although I did pick up some killer garlic spread from the Garlic King. There are a few one-off stands that sell defunct car chargers and other odds and ends. Various ethnic foods.

Went here early October.. And the weather was suddenly a lot colder than just a few days ago but there was still SO MANY PEOPLE! I came here in the summer once before one of the main buildings burned down, and even with the warm weather then, it seemed like there was less people back then than now..not sure why, maybe harvesting time in October?

Anyways, this is a great place to visit if... more

Some wonderful vendors amid many Food Terminal Frauds who are allocated the best locations from which they continue to undercut real farmers, e.g. Washington State cherries, California strawberries, apricots, plums, asparagus... trucked clear across the continent & priced below Niagara, Holland Marsh, Norfolk & Wellington Co produce being sold by growers. Lots of Ontario fruit & veg,... more

Friendly people and Fresh produce. Great place to take the family on a weekend morning

Its quite big!

Well if you are looking for fresh produce, this is the place. The market is divided into 3 parts... A flee market, tuesday market and open flour local produce.

The flee market is covered and has lot of leather stores and much more. Where as the Tuesday market section has Cheese, Meat, Baked goods and much more. Whereas the open market has Fresh Vegetables. Fruits, Baked... more

Awesome

Its what you would expect, such politness!! Thank you for allowing our visit. Yummy apricots!!! Yumm yummm

Very busy

Lots of booths.
Very crowded, with parking difficult to find (early afternoon). Might be better to go in the morning, and followup with trip to the village instead of vice versa.

City girl discovers REAL apple fritters at St. Jacobs Market

Just over an hour drive from Toronto, this market was a fun visit. Great produce at very reasonable prices. My best two finds were the sweetest peaches I have ever had (fresh from Niagara), and REAL apple fritters. After you try this thick slice of fresh apple dipped in batter and fried, you will never be able to enjoy a... more

Too crowded on Saturday

We visited this large open air market on a Saturday around noon after driving from London. It was nearly impossible to find parking. Once inside we had to line up for the washrooms for 10 minutes- there are only 3 stalls and there were thousands of people at the market. There are lots of vendors inside and out selling fresh... more

Lots of fresh produce, quality & bargains

You can spend the better part of a day strolling through the St.Jacob's Farmers Market. We purchased some tasty fresh apricots . Most items are discounted after 11am in the morning. There's also a factory outlet where we bought a useful drying mat for our kitchen. Lots of nice places to eat lunch in the town.

Quick weekend trip

It was a beautiful day last Saturday although rain threatened. It held off giving us a chance to meander through the aisles in the outdoor area then slog through the crowds indoors. Prices vary from one vendor to the other so see the whole place first then remember where you want go back to. Overall pretty clean and organized.

Bigger & better than ever

I had been here in the early 90's a lot. Apparently it burned down & has been rebuilt. I went this past weekend and WOW! Lots of outdoor and indoor booths with a huge variety of stuff from lovely homemade and handmade items to the stalls full of junks - and everything in between! The apple fritters are as good... more

Loved it since I was a kid

I always loved this place ever since I was a kid... We still go here several times a year for the farmers market and flea markets. Its worth the money just for the experiences!

Fun place to walk through - lots to see

Busy marketplace - especially for a Thursday! Plenty of outside vendors and indoors too. Great prices on fresh produce and baked goods. Known for their meats and quality mennonıte products (maple syrup)....Mennonite horse/buggy tour available - worth the time and money - very informative and fun.

Love this place

We go here several times a year from the Toronto area. Farmers market and flea market, open Thursday and Saturday, Tuesdays also in the summer. Some fine food places inside the two buildings as well. Used books, coins, calendars, trinkets, you name it they have it.
Happily they have recovered nicely from the fire in 2013. My only concern is... more

back in time

Love farmers markets!!!! Great time strolling through all the interesting food stalls and trying different kinds of ethic foods. The people are very kind and they all have great stories. Its definitely a place everyone should see and experience. You wont be disappointed.

New Buildings Too Small - Over Crowded

Liked: Farm Fresh Fruits and Vegitables.
Not worth coming too. New buildings are too small and very over crowded. Not a place to go to with young children as they will get bumped and pushed. So many line ups in the buildings and people standing around looking blocking the walk ways shoulder to shoulder that I am sure, it there... more

Love this place

Have been coming here since I was a little kid. It is harder now that we live further away but now we plan accordingly! We pack a cooler to hold all of the fresh meats and goodies that need to be kept cold! This time was our first trip since the fire. It was nice to see the new building.... more

Go For Fresh Produce

We have been going to St Jacobs Farmers Market for years. If you want fresh local produce, then go and that is why I go back but all that flea market items that have been added really takes away from the old time market. I miss the more local crafts and local specialities. I find the baked items overpriced and... more

WHY have I never been here before?!?!? I've definitely been missing out! Since this was my first time I don't know what it was like before the fire but I had so much fun strolling through the fruit and veggie stands while drinking fresh OJ and munching on scrumptious apple fritters, veal sandwiches, fish on bun, amongst other goodies. I love to cook as much as I love to eat so this was heaven... more

Clear value for locals, little interest for tourists

I dare say that this market is of little interest for the urbane tourist. The parts not devoted to produce are reserved for selling houseware (clothing, kitchen utensils, home storage equipment, leather products, etc.) and food (meat, cheese, jams). There is little representation of the local Mennonite community’s craft tradition, which was our main reason for stopping here on our... more

St. Jacobs - the Village and the Market

About an hour and a half from Toronto you can find St. Jacobs. A small little village where you can learn all about the Mennonite story at the visitor centre.
Please take a few minutes to ask for help and you can also get the instructions and map for a "20 minut" tour in the area.
But first they have... more

Big, with a mix of options

Multiple buildings with outdoor tents set up in the parking lot as well. There were a variety of options from homemade to commercial to upscale flea-market. International foods, mom&pop stands, fruits and veggies, leather jackets, Birkenstocks ... The works! Open also on Tuesdays during the summer, it was a nice change from the retirement strip mall of a downtown. Lots... more

Always Something For Everyone

We went on a Saturday and yes, it was crowded but manageable. It's great to see familiar vendors there after the tragic fire last year. There were vendors outside as usual and instead of the barn, there is a giant white dome structure, which is probably temporary until they re-build. The cold bubble tea was served in massive cups and... more

not the same

We haven't been to the market for a few years so thought would be a great weekend activity. Well, I was a little disappointed because the "home made" aspect of it had disappeared and now its just like every other flea market. Sunglasses, dresses and discounted socks in every aisle. The only savior was the town. Still quaint and lovely.

Always Amazing

Have been going here for 25 years and even after the devastating fire the community and everyone who goes has kept it going strong and amazing. Always something for everyone. Produce can not be beat - prices are amazing too. You will not be disappointed here. Bernie at the Leather booth - thank you for the stunning custom leather ranger... more

If you beed to buy fruits or vegetables go

Fruits and vegetables lookied like they were out of a magazine. Baked goods and cheeses. We were on motorbike so just went to check it out

A great place for fresh produce and meats

We enjoyed strolling around looking at the various vendors, sampling an assortment of treats and picking up some fresh fruit for our up coming trip. It is a place that we would frequent often if we lived in the area.

My favorite shopping destination

I go every month or so, sometimes more to St. Jacobs in the summer/spring on Thursdays and I am never disappointed. There is something for everything here from beautifully crafted artwork and quilts to a variety of baked goods, even gluten free which my stomach agrees to! It can be busy here especially at food concessions so be prepared. I... more

A little bit of everything

There is so much to do in this area if you are from out of town or local. The market has more than you can imagine due to it's size and number of vendors, from produce, to dog bones, tee shirts, antiques, etc. And there is an outlet mall across the road, Jack's Restaurant - lots of food, good prices.... more

Since I work every Saturdays, I never have a chance to visit St Jacob's Farmer's Market till now. I am not really sure what I missed since I never experienced the way it used to be, before the fire that completely destroyed the main building on Sept 2013.

But I still have an enjoyable time. The new building of course is a lot more modern with such high ceiling and skylights. The washroom is... more

Busy, busy, busy

What a busy place. But there is more than a little bit of (almost) everything you can imagine. Fresh fruit, vegies, meat, baking (even gluten free if you look for it), and flowers. Food trucks and stalls. T-Shirts, sunglasses, dresses, skirts, pants, outer-wear, footwear, tablecloths, and bedding. I know I'm leaving out lots of things---just go and see for yourself.

St Jacobs farmers market --Waterloo. On

St. Jacobs Farmers market.
Lots of food stalls offering fresh baked goods, vegetables and interesting faces. Mennonite vendors with their horses offers some local flavour . Spend an enjoyable morning observing a wide variety of farm fare.
Fresh meats abound.
Animal farm action is also located on this site. A worthwhile place to visit.

Lovely Market

I was so saddened to hear about the fire that leveled the place earlier this year. They have put up a temporary building on the same site but it is not the same I am sorry to say. I hope that they are able to get things in order soon to rebuild and that they make it a little larger... more

Fabulous

Thank goodness I live 5 minutes for here. The St. Jacobs Farmers market is the best. Fresh local produce, meat and other specialties are wonderful. I love love walking around outside and seeing all the vendors with their wares to sell. Prices are usually good especially if you go later in the day. Sometimes produce us picked over. Thankfully I... more

see the colours of the season at the market

the Farmer's Market is a wonderful place to sample local food and traditions. It's great to shop for local meats, produce, baking, and so much more...a definite must do.

Everything you'll ever need and more

I've been to a lot of Farmer's markets in my time, but this one is the Premier! Wonderful products, wonderful people, great setting. Go Go Go!

Great Market

Lots to see at this market. Huge line for apple fritters but worth it. The market gets very busy from 10 am Saturdays. I prefer going tues or Thursday in the summer. Tues market runs from May 24 wkd- sept long wkd !!!

Exceptional

It's so good, even the locals shop here. I prefer going on Thursdays (and/or Tuesday during summer months) to beat the crowds. If you go around 3 p.m. the prices are better as the vendors want to clear stuff out rather than taking it home with them.

St. Jacobs Market - Best of the Best

My family and I try to visit the St. Jacobs Farmers Market at least once a month. The atmosphere is great with many people gathering for an amazing Apple Fritter or for any other fresh cooked goodies offered by the many food vendors. The meat offered there is second to none and is fresh cut, not like grocery stores that... more

wonderful fresh produce

As i am from Waterloo i don't tend to go to the market as much as i should. It has gotten a bit to commercial over the years but still a wonderful place to visit if from out of town or a local wanting fresh produce. Apple Fritter's are to die for.A busy place with lots of people which might... more

a must see

This is one of the best if not THE best farmers markets in Canada. Great place to mingle and savor the smells from all of the fruits and veggies.
Youll love it, dont liss it.

I go every Thursday for Chicken on a bun

Any resident of Waterloo knows the market well. For visitors to the area it is great outing with lots of vendors and some great deals. In season produce is great quality and fresh and if you buy in bulk you can get some great savings. There are lots of vendors selling grass fed beef and chemical free meats. For lunch... more

Family Favorite

The St. Jacobs Market is, by far, our favorite country market. We are lucky enough to live close by and can spend a morning there on a regular basis. The new "tent building" contains a number of new vendors as well as old favorites. The food selection throughout the grounds is awesome and we are very happy to see that... more

Disappointing Destination

There were some things that were good about the market - variety in products with many friendly faces offering their wares.
There were many things that could've been improved - cigarette smoke was overwhelming in all outdoor areas. The parking and driving in the lot was chaotic. For families with small children especially those with a stroller, it was very... more

Awesome food and crafts

This place is awesome, lots of great food and tons of hand made crafts and clothes. I wish I had a chance to eat more, but only had the apple fritters which were amazing!!
I highly recommend a stop here if you're in Waterloo or just passing through. There are two new hotels within walking distance so it's even more... more

Amazing food, crafts, fresh produce

See the original post here: pickledpeas.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/...
We went to the St Jacobs Farmer’s Market at Waterloo before heading down to Niagara Falls one day after the UWaterloo grad visit day.
The Farmer’s Market was humongous! They had recently built the new building (since the last one burnt down a while back) so it operates even in the... more

Congrats market back in business

We came here with Short Trips Meet Up group bus tour. It was nice to see that the St. Jacobs market is back in full swing after the devastating fire on September 2, 2013. It is a unique indoor and outdoor shopping experience to stroll through the buildings then cross the street to St. Jacobs Outlet Mall. A well known... more

The market is outstanding! There is everything you can possibly imagine. There are two buildings full of crafts, food, clothing, home decor etc... as well as an out door market with other handcrafted goods, food and produce.

KW is surrounded by amazing farmland and you will find many farmers selling with produce and handcrafted items here weekly. This makes it a true farmer's market and not... more

A lovely way to spend a day

You can shop for all the produce and other things you need all at one location then visit their furniture store which is fabalous and so reasonably price. Plan to spend hours there and like me you will go back over and over again lovely people. After the fire it was amazing howthey got it all back and in a... more

The Market is still there

The recent fire may have caused a loss of a few vendors; the market is still operating. A new building has been erected, like a heated plastic covered greenhouse. It is probably temporary. The vendors have been changing locations since the fire, some left temporarily and are now back. The warmer weather will see the same market and maybe even... more

So happy they are back in business

After a rather short closure due to a devastating fire, the Market is back in almost full-swing. We liked the fact that the aisles are wider than in the old building. Nice to see the same vendors have returned. I'm sure once the nice weather returns, it will be better than ever. Congratulations!

Great Market for crafts and Veggies

We frequent the market quite often for fresh veggies and unique items and also meats. The prices are very good and the quality is excellent! Highly recommend to everyone!

The main building was burnt down in a tragic fire

A temporary building has been erected and most of the meat and produce vendors are back. It is a weekly stop for me to pick up my drug free meat and and produce directly from the local farmers. There is a Saturday and Thursday market and in the summer it runs on tuesday as well.

Fresh

You can get fresh vegetables and fruit from farmers in the area. Their is also baked goods, meat and pies. There is lots of crafts and wooden made items. It is a day event.

A lot of delicious food

So many delicious food~ cannot find a better place to eat so many local food~ meat balls~ apple cinnamon bread~ many sausages and apple pies~

Good for the Foodies, Retail options are nick nacks

Great options for fresh veggies, fruit, meats and pastries. Try the organic coffee too - yum! Don't forget about the apple fritters too, with ice cream is a must! Some retail options upstairs, these are nick-nack items, except the flannel pjs and fur stores :)

Best farmer's market around

I've seen a lot of markets across the world and the St. Jacobs one is the best, especially for local shoppers. Wide selection of everything. Love going there for the fruit, meats, seafood.

It pains me to write this as this is probably our absolute fav Farmers Market, but yesterday (Sept 2, 2013) a big fire destroyed the main building.

Latest news report is here --- cbc.ca/news/canada/kitch…

Not sure what they will do in the interim - but if you are intending to go out there, please be sure to check and make sure that some of the stalls are open.

Please note that some of the... more

I seriously do not understand the appeal of this place. Having gone to st.lawrence market, st. jacobs and CNE, i think i've had enough of these "touristy markets". Almost everything here is overpriced compared to a regular supermarkets. I sampled some of the meat and cheese, i really didn't think they were unique compared to the cheese section at zehrs. Also, most of the butcher stands seem... more

Huge farmer's market is rendered a bit difficult for Toronto late sleepers by its early opening and closing times on Saturdays. It is worth a trip however. There is a large assortment of local produce along with a lot of flea market stuff. Many of the produce vendors are bonneted Mennonite ladies. Despite the crowds parking seems more than adequate what with a rather sparse outlet mall next... more

We've been to a lot of neat Farmers Markets over the years in many locations.

But this is one of the best one's we've ever experienced.

Great farm produce, great food vendors, great layout.

Would love to return someday. Your Farmers Market sets the bar.

Job well-done

As with the farmers market in Kitchener, this place is MASSIVE. And with that, a claustrophobic's worst nightmare. The crowding is so intense, I'm surprised nobody has had a full-on meltdown in there. But enough about the only negative comment I could think of.

Oh sweet lord, the FOOD. They have so many delicious items here, it's ridiculous. From perogies to fresh and huge pastries, to fudge,... more

I love St Jacob's market primarily for the food. It's a decent size market and of course quite more enjoyable in summer when you can find organic fruits and veggies but even now there are goodies to eat and buy. To start with the Apple Fritter Co. I would give them 4 stars, my friends decided 6 stars, so we voted, I lost. 5 stars it is! If you are into meats boy oh boy, steaks and chicken,... more

I recently just relocated back to Waterloo and this is the one place I just had to go to again. My last residence had plenty of farmers markets but nothing like this one. St. Jacob's market being a tourist attraction is the largest market in Canada. It has everything you need, fresh fruits vegetables, meats, bakery items, candy, and more - along with a fantastic food court. I love that its... more

You'll never want to shop in a supermarket again. It has great produce and amazingly fresh meat.

I noticed that I have more money left over each month since I switched from shopping at supermarkets.

On days of the week when St. Jacob's is closed I go to Herrle's Country Farm Market, which is open 7 days/week in season. (That place is a store on a farm, not a market where many farmers compete.)

I just love farmers' market with all the fresh goodies but I always have a problem with waking up early enough on the weekend to actually make it. A few Saturday ago, I finally manage to wake up extra early to make a mini trip to St Jacobs Farmers' Market in Waterloo; it is Canada's largest year-round farmers' market. It was very packed, I assume it's because I went on a Saturday and also due... more

St. Jacob's Farmer's Market feels like a carnival for adults. And kids. WITH AN OPTION TO PONY RIDE!

Caps warranted, mmmk?

I can't believe that I've lived in easy drivable distance to the amazingness housed at 878 Weber Street N for so long without making it a regular destination. As I'm wont to do with enthusiastic reviews, I'm going to launch into some excited descriptive bullet points:

-... more

One of the nicest farmers markets I've been to. There are vendors outside in the parking lot and also many...many more inside the farm houses/barn style buildings. In one of the buildings they have a wide selection of food, supposedly pizza junction is pretty famous here, but since i didn't really feel like pizza, I had the sausage sandwich from the vendor right next to it and it was pretty... more

If you are a cook you have to check out the St. Jacob's Farmer's Market. There is an insane number of raw, fresh ingredients ranging from meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese, spices, and freshly baked bread. Not interested in cooking, the market has also has a large selection of goods. Either way, just make sure you are carrying cash, the preferred and easier payment method. While you are there,... more

You have not been to a Farmer's Market until you've been here. Amazing, fresh, Mennonite and European meats, baked goods, dairy products, and crafts as well antiques, furniture, freshly grown fruits and vegetables and standard flea-market fare. Go as early as possible to beat the crowds, but honestly, facing the throngs is part of the experience!