Spring: Since the West Coast is less prone to frost than other parts of the country, B.C. residents are usually the first to enjoy the spring bounty. But no matter whether you’re from the coast or the Prairie provinces, late March and April is when you will begin to see the first fresh produce of the year – delights like asparagus and rhubarb.

Early Summer: Fresh produce becomes more abundant from May to June, with British Columbia generally seeing seasonal vegetables and fruits on grocery store shelves the earliest. The first berries make an appearance and a wide variety of leafy greens is available. This is also the peak time for sweet summer peas.

Summer: This is prime season in our Prairie and western provinces for fresh produce. In B.C., sunny July and August bring cherries and raspberries ripened to perfection. Across the west, grocery aisles are piled high with colourful, ripe field-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

Early Fall: September, with its warm days and cooler nights, is a great month for fruits such as grapes, apples and pears. This is jelly- and tart-making season! Hearty squashes and pumpkins are available in abundance now.

Fall: This is the last chance to get many of the summer-peaking vegetables, such as tomatoes and corn, in season. Root vegetables like carrots and beets sweeten up with a touch of frost, and fresh cranberries appear in time for Thanksgiving.

Winter: The colder months are the best time to take advantage of fruits and vegetables that store well, such as apples, cabbage, carrots and potatoes – all ingredients that shine in soups and stews.

More Seasonal Produce Guides

Get more info on seasonal produce (and farms to visit) in your region at these websites:

British Columbia:

FarmFolk City Folk southwestern B.C. produce guide (PDF)
We Heart Local B.C. produce guide

Alberta:

Government of Alberta seasonal fresh food guide (PDF)

Saskatchewan:

Saskatchewan Vegetable Growers’ Association (PDF)

Manitoba:

Manitoba local produce guide (PDF)

http://www.getlocalbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MetroVan-Seasonal-Chart.pdf +
http://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide

Region	Seasonal Produce Guides
British Columbia	We Heart Local B.C. produce guide
Alberta	Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association – Fruits Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association – Vegetables
Saskatchewan	Saskatchewan Vegetable Growers’ Association (PDF)
Manitoba	Manitoba local produce guide

View Ontario or Atlantic produce guides.