Kensington Market: colourful streets and a café break
A neighbourhood to wander through, not one enclosed market building.
We reached Kensington Market by streetcar after visiting the islands. It was an enjoyable change from the open waterfront to a neighbourhood full of small shops and food places.
Despite the name, Kensington is not a single covered market. Its character comes from streets, independent businesses and a mixture of food and cultures.
That diversity reflects more than a century of immigration. Houses adapted for commercial use and successive communities helped shape the neighbourhood, making its variety part of its history rather than a themed design.
Leave time to browse rather than heading for one address and leaving. Looking into shops and noticing details along the street is the point.
We stopped for coffee with strawberry and blueberry cakes. It was a pleasant pause in the walk, not a reason to create a separate restaurant itinerary.
From here, Chinatown and Spadina Avenue are a natural continuation. We liked experiencing the two areas together.
Practical notes
We explored independently.
Combine the neighbourhood with nearby Chinatown.
Planning and booking
More from our Canada trip
Toronto Islands: quiet corners and a walk between Ward’s and Centre Island
Toronto Chinatown and Spadina Avenue