If you’re looking for an organized and convenient way of checking out the wealth of Delta’s food, farms and restaurants, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets has it figured out for you.
It’s offering a self-guided Delta Tour on its new mobile app called the Tasting Passport.
The tour lists the times and places of local farmers’ markets, along with farm-to-table restaurants, cultural attractions and activities.
The Delta Tour begins with the Ladner Village Market with a link to its website and its operating days for 2024, which are for the remainder of the summer, July 14 and 28, Aug. 11 and 25, and Sept. 8.
But there’s also the Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market, which runs every other Saturday, starting from June 8 to Nov. 9, in Market Square in Southlands.
Other activities provide residents, and tourists, a wide range and a good taste of what Delta has to offer.
The locations listed on the Delta Tour include Barnside Brewing, run by local farm families and “where good beer is grown right on the farm,” while there is also a good meal at Mario’s Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant located in Tsawwassen.
When it comes for things to do, Deas Island Regional Park, offers walks and picnics, while a glimpse of the huge Burns Bog can be had at the Delta Nature Reserve, at 10388 Nordel Crt.
For some firsthand views of farm life, the Schoolhouse Farm, at 6395 - 60th Ave., offers farm-to-table experiences, and a community hub.
For the green thumb gardeners, West Coast Seeds farm tour is available at West Coast Seeds, 5300 – 34B Ave.
Visitors can explore the garden and learn about sustainable, organic farming practices. There is also a variety trial farm where people can check out possible new products.
And just for some fun and relaxation, the tour includes South Delta Watersports, which offers paddle board and kayak rentals at Centennial Beach.
As well, the tour lists the Watershed Artworks Society at 11415 — 84th Ave. as a place to check out pottery, glasswork and paintings.
If all that sounds tiring, the tour lists Coast Tsawwassen Inn and Delta Hotels Vancouver Delta as places to rest up.
The content for the Delta tour has been gathered with support from Tourism Delta and Destination BC’s Co-operative Marketing Partnership Program, said a release from the farmers’ markets association.
The association announced the Tasting Passport app last week as a means of getting local residents and visitors to “tour, taste and play at farmers’ market destinations across the province this summer,” said a release June 18.
The app allows locals and visitors to share their food experiences and get rewarded for visiting markets around the province.
“Enjoying local food and drink enriches the experience that travellers have when visiting B.C.,” said Alison McKay, vice-president of destination management at Destination B.C.
“Having awe-inspiring local food and drink content to power up this innovative passport app from the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is a great way to expand the opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and engage with the diverse food offerings in B.C.”
Prizes and bonus badges are offered by the app for those who check in at farmers’ market destinations.
“B.C. is a fantastic destination for foodies, and our farmers’ markets are a shining example of the culinary abundance of the province,” said Heather O’Hara, executive-director of the B.C. Association of Farmers Markets.
“Food brings people together and our new Tasting Passport app aims to unite fellow foodies through vibrant ‘taste and do’ experiences.
“Assemble your tasting team … where you can earn rewards, challenge fellow foodies, and share your adventures!” she said.
According to the association, almost a million tourists visit farmers’ markets yearly, while the markets contribute $233 million to the economy.
