How to Shop Seasonal Produce in Canada: A Guide to Eating Fresh, Local, and with Love

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Apr 29
3 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Image of brown shopping bags with colourful produce. Text overlay "Shopping Seasonally; Read on"

At With Love From Jamey, food is more than fuel. It’s a source of nourishment, connection, and healing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, choosing what goes on your plate is one of the most powerful decisions you make each day. One of the most beautiful ways to honour that decision? Shopping seasonally.

Living in Canada, we’re lucky to experience distinct seasons that bring their own vibrant bounty of fruits and vegetables. By learning to eat with the rhythm of the seasons—and sourcing locally whenever possible—we support our farmers, reduce our environmental impact, and enjoy food at its absolute peak in flavour and nutrition.

Let’s take a walk through how to shop seasonal produce in Canada, with love, intention, and purpose.

WHY EAT SEASONALLY?

Seasonal eating is a return to simplicity. It means choosing what’s naturally growing in your area, when it’s at its freshest. Not only does that lead to better-tasting meals, but it also:

Supports Local Farmers: Buying from nearby growers keeps your food dollars close to home and supports small-scale agriculture.
Reduces Carbon Footprint: Less transportation means less environmental impact.
Improves Nutrition: Produce begins to lose nutrients once harvested—seasonal food reaches your table quicker and fresher.
Saves Money: In-season food is usually more abundant and less expensive than imported, out-of-season alternatives.

WHAT PRODUCE IS IN SEASON ACROSS CANADA?

Canada’s growing regions are diverse—from the Okanagan orchards of B.C. to the fertile prairies of Alberta and beyond. While harvest times vary slightly by region, most seasonal produce follows a consistent pattern.

To make it easy for you, I’ve created a free Seasonal Produce Guide for Canada—a beautifully designed chart that breaks down what fruits and vegetables are in season month by month.

You can print it, pin it on your fridge, or bring it with you on your next trip to the farmers’ market.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING SEASONAL & LOCAL IN CANADA

1. Visit Farmers’ Markets: Markets in cities like Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Edmonton are bursting with seasonal produce. Chat with your farmers - they’ll tell you what’s in season and how to use it.

2. Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): CSA programs allow you to buy a "share" in a local farm and receive weekly or bi-weekly boxes of fresh, seasonal produce (and sometimes eggs, meat, or bread, too).

3. Check Labels at Grocery Stores: Even at big retailers, many items are marked with “Product of Canada.” Choose local over imported when possible.

4. Preserve the Season: Stock up on peak produce and freeze, pickle, or can it for the colder months. This is a great way to eat local, even when snow is on the ground.

5. Be Flexible with Recipes: Swap ingredients based on what’s in season. Instead of zucchini in December, try squash or sweet potatoes. Let the produce inspire the meal - not the other way around.

EATING SUSTAINABLY, WITH LOVE

While I still lean into a mostly plant-forward way of eating, I’ve recently reintroduced thoughtfully sourced meat into my meals. What hasn’t changed is my commitment to food that’s sustainable, organic when possible, and full of love.

Choosing seasonal produce is one of the easiest ways to eat sustainably—whether roasting carrots, blending a fresh summer soup, or building a nourishing meal for your family. It’s not about perfection. It’s about paying attention, listening to your body, and honouring where your food comes from.