Where to Find the Best Local Fruits and Vegetables in Ottawa
At CrossFit Actus, we talk a lot about consistency. And when it comes to nutrition, one of the easiest habits you can build is simply eating more fruits and vegetables. It isn’t sexy but highly effective. If you increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume you leave a lot less space for highly processed foods and treats.
The good news? Living in Ottawa gives us access to some incredible local options. The challenge is knowing where to go, what you’re actually buying, and how to make it fit your lifestyle.
Here are some of our favourite spots to find local produce around Ottawa — plus the pros and cons of each.
1. Farmers Markets: Best for Freshness and Supporting Local Farmers
If your goal is truly local produce, farmers markets are hard to beat. Many vendors are local growers and you’re often buying directly from the people who grew your food.
Our favourite markets:
- Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne
- Parkdale Market
- Carp Farmers’ Market
- Westboro Farmers’ Market
- Main Street Farmers’ Market
Pros:
✅ Often the freshest produce available
✅ Supports local farms and small businesses
✅ Seasonal eating usually means better flavour
✅ Great family activity or weekend routine
Cons:
❌ Usually more expensive than grocery stores
❌ Limited hours and days
❌ Selection changes with seasons
❌ Popular items sell out quickly
Actus Tip: Arrive early and bring reusable bags. If you wait until noon, the best strawberries, tomatoes, and greens are usually already gone.
2. Farm Boy: Best for Convenience + Consistent Quality
Farm Boy has become an Ottawa staple for a reason. Their produce departments are usually well-stocked, fresh, and easy to shop, making them a great option for busy families. We avoid buying anything else but the quality of the fruits and vegetables is bang on.
Pros:
✅ Great produce quality and freshness
✅ Convenient locations across Ottawa
✅ Good balance between quality and price
✅ Excellent selection year-round
✅ Easy one-stop shop for groceries
Cons:
❌ Not everything is locally grown
❌ Can cost more than some discount grocery stores
❌ Everything else aside from fruits and vegetables is marked up significantly
Actus Tip: Shop seasonally at Farm Boy for the best prices and best tasting produce.
3. Produce Stores: Best Balance of Price and Quality
Dedicated produce stores often give you much better pricing than premium grocery chains while maintaining strong quality.
Good local options:
- Produce Depot (2446 Bank St)
- Fruits Express ( a friend just turned me onto this local place located at 5310 Canotek Rd)
Pros:
✅ Better pricing than specialty grocery stores
✅ Larger selection year-round
✅ Convenient weekday shopping
✅ Often better quality produce turnover
Cons:
❌ Not everything is local
❌ Requires paying attention to labels and origin signs
❌ Can still be seasonal with some products
Actus Tip: Ask staff what came in locally that week. Most produce staff know.
4. ByWard Market: Best for Variety and Experience
The market remains an Ottawa staple and still offers produce vendors, but many locals now view it more as an experience destination than a pure farmers market.
Pros:
✅ Huge variety
✅ Open frequently
✅ Great atmosphere and local feel
✅ Easy to combine with other errands or outings
Cons:
❌ Not all produce is locally grown
❌ Can be crowded
❌ Parking and traffic can be frustrating
❌ More tourist-oriented than some neighbourhood markets
One important reminder: seeing produce at a market doesn’t automatically mean local. Ask vendors where food is grown and look for signage.
Organic or Not? Use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen
One question we hear all the time is:
“Do I need to buy organic?”
For most people, eating more fruits and vegetables matters far more than whether they are organic or conventional.
If you want to prioritize where to spend your money, the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen can help.
Consider Buying Organic More Often (Dirty Dozen)
These tend to have higher pesticide residue levels when conventionally grown:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Bell & Hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
Usually Lower Priority for Organic (Clean Fifteen)
These tend to have lower pesticide residues:
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew Melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Carrots
Actus Takeaway: If organic fits your budget, great. If not, wash your produce, eat more fruits and vegetables, and focus on consistency first.
What’s Actually in Season Right Now?
Early summer in Ottawa means you’ll usually start seeing:
- Strawberries
- Lettuce and leafy greens
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Asparagus
- Herbs
- Early peas
- Green onions
Tomatoes, corn, peaches, peppers, and berries really explode later in the summer.
The Bottom Line
You do not need perfect nutrition.
You do not need organic everything.
You do not need to drive across the city chasing the “best” tomato.
You simply need to make eating fruits and vegetables easier and more consistent.
Feel free to try out a couple of these spots. Build it into your routine.
Consistency is key.
If you need help and accountability incorporating these into your routine feel free to reach out here. We love to help