Foodie Finds at the Gibsons Public Market

Hungry? Head to the Gibsons Public Market, a one-stop shop for all things food on the Sunshine Coast. With a popular market bistro and merchants selling everything from local seafood to specialty cheeses, this bustling community market has everything you need to fill your stomach and shopping bags. Read on for our essential must-eats.

Breakfast and Lunch Staples at Emelle's Market Bistro

The in-house market bistro, Emelle's, is located on the upper annex of the public market in a bright and airy open-concept space. For the morning crowd, the brunch menu serves up build-your-own omelettes, the fluffiest french toast stack, an egger sandwich, a plate of classic eggs-and-bacon, and more. Lunchtime draws a crowd for their selection of sandwiches, buddha bowls, salads, soups, and hearty burgers (arguably their most popular menu item). You can wash any meal down with a cup of coffee or a boozy brunch drink (the market is licensed). It also helps that Emelle's is a great spot to linger over meals; in summer, the garage-style windows open up to let the fresh air in, while a rotating selection of art decorates the walls year-round. When you're finished calorie-loading for the day ahead, wander the roughly six-feet over to the Tidepools Aquarium, a catch-and-release facility, to satiate your curiosity about the marine life of Howe Sound.
 

Frozen and Fresh Seafood at The Fisherman's Market

Located downstairs, Fisherman's Market is a full-service seafood store that serves up more than just the catch of the day. With both frozen and fresh seafood—ethically and sustainably sourced from Canadian waters—you can just as easily find a salmon to serve for six as you can delectable snacks perfect for a midday pick-me-up. Smoked and candied salmon is on offer (and we highly recommend grabbing a pack or two for your adventures), but if you're packing for a picnic, stock up on the crowd-pleasing smoked salmon dip to pair with crackers, vegetables, or to simply eat on its own.

Fresh Baked Breads at Crazy Red's Breads

With the scent of freshly baked bread wafting throughout the market, it's hard not to miss Crazy Red's Breads. This warm and inviting merchant bakes a variety of loaves (everything from sourdough to spelt to rye), rolls, and sweet treats daily. You'll have to get here early to get your hands on the potato and rosemary loaf, though. This popular Irish-potato-style loaf is hearty yet tender and holds its shape well, even when dunked repeatedly into a flavorful bowl of soup or stew (which we can't recommend enough). While there, snag yourself a treat or two and a coffee to enjoy outside on one of the patio tables.
 

Picnic Supplies and More at Plethora Fine Foods and Eatery

Plethora Fine Foods was a longtime staple of downtown Sechelt before making the move to the Gibsons Public Market. They still offer the same incredible array of picnic supplies they've always stocked. You can pick up everything from fine cheeses to locally-made charcuterie, along with oils and vinegars, preserves, rubs and marinades, olives, pickles, and more. Even better? Their in-house eatery brings you gourmet salads, paninis, pre-made picnic boxes, charcuterie boards, and other snacks and sweets—perfect for when you're short on time, but hungry for good food.

Filipino Favourites at Kitchen Classics

The crackly crust and perfectly cooked lechon from Kitchen Classics has a devoted local following, but that's not all this Filipino-forward food vendor serves. Here, you can dig into generously sized portions featuring classic Filipino staples, from adobo and sinigang (sour soup) to lumpia and noodles. The combo plates are ideal for lunch-on-the-go, or you can snag a few extra portions of lechon to feed a crowd later on. Don't miss the ​​Halo-Halo, a Filipino concoction of shaved ice, milk, and various sweet treats, all layered together to form one vibrant, technicolour dessert.
 

Grocery Supplies at Shaggy Jack's Market

Shaggy Jack's stocks a wide selection of local produce, bulk items, everyday essentials, and all things mushroom-related—from fresh and dried fungi to foraging guidebooks, mushroom-themed art, and more. The eponymous Shaggy Jack is one of the Sunshine Coast's preeminent mushroom educators and foragers, so if you've ever been curious about the world of wild and artisanal mushrooms, this fungi-themed stall is a must-visit. In need of a few essentials for your next hike? It's easy to grab a few apples or nuts for the trail or stock up on dairy products and canned goods for your next camp meal.