St. Lawrence Market: explore both floors
Food stalls, maple treats and a historic market worth browsing slowly.
St. Lawrence Market was a very successful stop for us. We enjoyed wandering between food stalls, seeing what was on offer and treating the visit as more than a quick meal.
Trading in this area dates to 1803, when Toronto was still called York. Part of the 1845 city hall is incorporated into the South Market building, so the setting connects the city’s early civic life with its commercial history.
We explored two levels of the South Market: the entrance level and the floor below. Food, sweets and maple products made the browsing varied, and it was worth looking beyond the first row of stalls.
The pleasure is in combining a walk with small purchases and tastings. You do not need to choose a single restaurant in advance and ignore everything else around it.
Do go downstairs. It is easy to assume that the whole market is on the entrance level and miss part of the experience.
We recommend combining the market with Berczy Park’s fountain. They fit naturally into the same part of a Toronto day.
Practical notes
Explore the lower floor as well as the entrance level.
Check current opening hours before planning a meal around the market.
Current opening, ticket or visitor information
Planning and booking
More from our Canada trip
Berczy Park: a cheerful little stop in downtown Toronto
Toronto’s Distillery District: brick streets and a lively atmosphere
Kensington Market: colourful streets and a café break