(Updated June 2026) Farmer’s Markets … the new Saturday (or Sunday or Wednesday) morning ritual, especially for those shopping within the 100-mile radius of home. Until my tomato plants start blooming, I’m heading to the farmers’ market with my dog.

We first published this list almost a decade ago, and a lot has changed in the world since then. First, my little black spaniel cross (featured here) is no longer with us, although he’s the one who first visited many of these farmers’ markets with me.

Since first researching this topic, I’ve taken my current spaniel crosse (a sprocker!) to several of these markets and more. Also, Ontario’s largest farmers’ market in St. Jacob, Ontario, is no longer pet dog-friendly; however, the town sure is. (More on that soon).

Here is the (updated) dog-friendly list of dog-friendly Southern Ontario Farmers Markets:

1. Peterborough Farmers Market, Peterborough, Ontario

The original Peterborough Farmers Market in Peterborough, Ontario, runs every Saturday morning from 7 am to 1 pm, May to October, at the Morrow Building near downtown. We spent an afternoon there several years ago (check it out here), meeting and greeting dogs and even one pig – however, pets are not allowed inside the building, only around the outdoor vendors selling produce, soap, honey, plants, and dog bowls.

Since our visit, the city added a second downtown market on Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm and Wednesdays, 8 am to 1 pm, on Charlotte Street. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome, according to organizers, who started this market to ensure all vendors feature fresh local foods.

Charlotte Street between George and Aylmer Streets, Saturdays and Wednesdays 8 am to 1 pm, May to October.

2. Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market, Toronto, Ontario

Brick Works Farmers Market is not your garden-variety Farmers’ Market – this bougie urban hotspot is an afternoon event that includes market shopping, dining, and nearby off-leash dog walking. You’ll find gluten-free baked goods, beer-baked bread, wild foraged rice, organic greens, alpaca socks, and even ostrich products, including raw dog food. Sure, fish, seasonal vegetables, and mushrooms are available at the Evergreen Brick Works Farmer’s Market, but why settle for the basics when you can buy dehydrated lamb lung treats for your crazy mutt?

Dogs aren’t allowed in the building, prepared food area, or café, but metal rings on the patio fence allow you to hook your dog on one side while you sip espresso on the other.

Open all year, Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm. 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto.

3. ByWard Market, Ottawa, Ontario

The place to go in Ottawa. Within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market is open to pets and so are many adjacent stores. We strolled the outdoor vendors easily, stopping at water bowls along the way, though crowds had me occasionally carrying my dog.

The ByWard Market is the one place you can buy farm-fresh veggies, eggs, and maple syrup, along with third-world crafts and locally made jewelry. Pick up a bottle of wine to complete dinner and, of course, a patriotic cookie, Beaver Tail, or classic Canadian Poutine. My pup was exceptionally welcomed among the outdoor vendors.

Open 7 days a week, all year, 6 am to 6 pm. Downtown Ottawa.

4. Sudbury Market, Sudbury, Ontario

The Sudbury Market was once an outdoor flea market combined with artisan fare – or it was when I first visited with my previous aging pup in a stroller. However, the Sudbury Farmers’ Market has now evolved into three permanent markets: an indoor market October to May, Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm at 40 Elm Street (not pet dog friendly); an Outdoor Market June to October, Thursdays, 2 pm to 6 pm on the corner of York and Paris Streets; a Hybrid Market, June to October, Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm at 40 Elm Street.

I visited the Hybrid Market with my current pup, and she did well, but it is crowded and tight, so she needed to be carried a bit. We did pick up dehydrated dog treats from a local vendor. The Sudbury Market outdoor events, which include 100+ vendors from the Greater Sudbury area, attract many dog walkers, families, and others looking for local produce and more. (Check out our dog-friendly Sudbury guide here).

Note that well-behaved pet dogs are only permitted at the outdoor Sudbury Markets, not the winter season indoor-only market.

Saturdays, June 1 to October 26, 8 am to 2 pm; Thursdays, June 6 to October 10, 2 to 7 pm.

5. Mill Market, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

The indoor Mill Market – open Thursdays and Saturdays – isn’t pet-friendly, but according to Market manager Rebekah Verdone, volunteers often look after the dog at the front desk. I tested this theory on a Thursday, and staff did oblige, but less than half the vendors attend early season on Thursday, so it’s quiet.

Better to go Saturdays – like everyone else – because then you can get smoked white fish from both Awaga Fishery and Sayers Fishery. Even better, pick up fish skin dog treats from the latter and make it worth your pup’s wait. (Check out for our Sault Ste. Marie dog-friendly guide).

35 Canal Drive. Sault St. Marie, Wednesday, 12 to 4 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm. June to October.

6. Carp Farmers’ Market, Carp (near Ottawa), Ontario

Located at the Carp Fair Grounds, the Carp Farmers’ Market is incredibly popular – with both people and pets. Many pups stroll the grounds – so many that a sign at the entrance announces rules to customers. Dogs aren’t allowed in the one building, which contains mostly artisans (including a quilter featuring animal prints) and a maple syrup producer.

But it’s the unique outdoor vendors which are most interesting – strawberry wine, ready-made jarred soup, dehydrated beef lung treats from Conrad Farms, and homemade dog baked goods from Dirty Dog Gourmet Bakery. There’s plenty of room between stalls, which makes walking with the pup easier. And both my dogs have had the privilege of visiting – we included it in our trip to Kanata, Ontario here.

3790 Carp Road, Carp, Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm, May to October.

Additional Dog-friendly Farmers’ Markets

Visiting markets with my dog is one of my favourite things to do when visiting new places, especially smaller towns. Here are some we’ve researched that are promoted as pet dog-friendly, but we haven’t visited yet. All are on our list … possibly for our 2026 summer travel adventure.

Amherstburg Farmers’ Market

The Amherstburg Farmers’ Market welcomes pets at the outdoor farmers’ market. Many water bowls are provided, and the GL Heritage Patio hosts dogs, and there are plenty of grassy areas nearby. Expect vendors (of course), live entertainment and prepared food. The market runs rain or shine, every Sunday from June to October from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.

Location: 8728 Howard Ave., Amherstburg, Ontario

Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair

The Aurora Farmers’ Market focuses on both traditional farm produce and arts and crafts. The fair hosts different themes and events throughout the summer. Pets are welcome on leash, but there’s a list of rules, including dogs must be well-behaved and not be near food or produce. The market runs Saturday, May to October from 8 am to 1 pm.

Location: 49 Wells Street, Aurora, Ontario

Creemore Farmers’ Market

Creemore Farmers’ Market is dog-friendly for well-socialized, leashed pups and their people. The market features produce, artisans, and wine and beer vendors. The market runs from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm in Simcoe County.

Location: Station on the Green, 10 Caroline Street East, Creemore, Ontario

Uxbridge Farmers’ Market

The Uxbridge Farmers’ Market is a traditional market with one difference: it’s hosted at a brewery. Held outdoors from May to October every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, this market includes several themed days, including Paw-Palooza on September 27, 2026. The entire market is open to leashed dogs, and special vendors arrive during the pet-themed day.

Location: The Second Wedge Brewery, 14 Victoria Street, Uxbridge, Ontario

Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market

Sponsored by the Wallaceburg BIA, the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market offers a balance of city and country – food producers and artisans make up the vendors here. The outdoor market is pet dog-friendly and runs every second Saturday from June to Thanksgiving. Specific dates: June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 15, 29; October 10, 2026.

Location: 603 James Street, Wallaceburg, Ontario

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria.Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!