St. Lawrence Market: A Vibrant Public Attraction in Toronto
Overview
St. Lawrence Market, located in the heart of Toronto, is a lively public marketplace with roots tracing back to 1803. Originally designated as Market Block by Lt. Governor Peter Hunter, this renowned market features three primary buildings: St. Lawrence Hall, the North Market, and the South Market. The historic St. Lawrence Hall, constructed in 1850, operates retail businesses on the ground floor, while city offices occupy the second floor. A must-visit is the North Market, known for its popular Saturday Farmers’ Market, showcasing produce from Southern Ontario and hosting antique dealers on Sundays. The South Market boasts 120 specialty vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, and unique items. Don’t miss the Market Gallery on the second floor, an exhibition space for the city's Cultural Services. With a schedule filled with exciting events, St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Reviews
St. Lawrence Market is an absolute gem in Toronto a must-visit for food lovers and anyone who enjoys a vibrant market experience. The variety of fresh, high-quality food is incredible, from artisanal cheeses and baked goods to fresh seafood and gourmet delicacies. Every stall offers something unique, and you can truly taste the passion in every bite. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly vendors who are always happy to share their knowledge and recommendations. The market is well maintained, clean, and full of energy, making it a wonderful place to explore. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, picking up specialty ingredients, or just soaking in the experience, St. Lawrence Market never disappoints. A true Toronto treasure. A great place to spend the day. Free entry is epic.
I enjoyed visiting the St. Lawrence Market for the 1st time. I had a great time trying some delicious food and stores. There are lots of shops with a variety of products. Interesting market and something fun to do during winter. Get all types of meat... literally many different types.
Highly recommend this market, opened Tuesday through Sunday, the fresh fruits and vegetable stands are great. Meats, breads, prepared foods/restaurants can be found here too! Spring and Summer come with extra outdoor local farmed vegetables and fruit which is nice.
This market makes you want to become a chef at a fancy local restaurant just to come here every day before your shift to get fresh ingredients. Awesome diverse array of every culture, cuisine, and product. We went on a weekend so it was popping, but if you don't mind going with the flow this place is incredible. Love the vibes.
The historic St. Lawrence Market, a striking red brick two-storey building, hosts a large marketplace with over 100 vendors, bakers, butchers, and artisans, offering a diverse selection of produce and antiques. The South Market maintains daily hours, with the exception of Mondays, whereas the Farmer's Market (North) is only open on Saturdays. Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive with an empty stomach, enabling them to fully enjoy the diverse and vibrant food vendors. The market offers an impressive range of options, including fresh sushi, bento boxes, Portuguese specialties, freshly baked bagels, handmade pasta, lasagna, pizza, briskets, and many other delights. For those who wish to dine within the market, indoor seating is available on both the lower level and main floor, supplemented by outdoor picnic tables and chairs during favorable weather (excluding winter months). Last year's visit taught me a crucial lesson about staying safe in the sun. While enjoying a pizza at a picnic table (without any sun umbrella) on the patio, I began to feel the effects of heat stroke. Fortunately, I knew what to do and quickly moved indoors to cool off and drink plenty of water. It's a valuable reminder to be mindful of our surroundings and take care of ourselves, especially during hot summer days. St. Lawrence Market is a veritable paradise for gastronomes. The market features a multitude of local businesses selling fresh produce, meats, pasta, seafood, and baked goods. It's a great place to visit for local and fresh food shopping. Furthermore, there are numerous options for a quick meal, including pasta, bagels, fish and chips, sushi, and more. All products are fairly priced, and the market offers a wealth of exciting products to discover. It's a wonderful spot to explore, grab a bite, and bask in the vibrant atmosphere, where many fascinating things await. Visitors can easily spend over an hour exploring, shopping, and enjoying delicious food in the market. It's indeed an awesome diverse array of every culture, cuisine, and product. The market has fantastic vibes. Notably, St. Lawrence Market features two bakery stands worthy of exploration. Both bakeries boast an extensive array of cakes, pastries, cookies, tarts, and more. Also, a small reminder: most visitors tend to confine their exploration to the first floor, thereby missing the basement stores. A staircase leads down to the basement, where numerous stores await discovery. In essence, St. Lawrence Market is a valuable resource for locals and tourists alike. I find it akin to traversing a gastronomic labyrinth, with novel discoveries waiting around every corner. Additionally, St. Lawrence Market evokes similarities with Vancouver's Granville Island Public Market, which I reviewed earlier last year, albeit with a more expansive footprint.