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.