Toronto's two essential market experiences. St. Lawrence Market (Front Street, open since 1803) is the anchor of Old Toronto — National Geographic's world's best market, with Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon sandwich (the 'Toronto breakfast') and fresh produce. Kensington Market (a National Historic Site) is the multicultural food crawl — Caribbean roti, Jamaican patties, Mexican tacos, and global spices in a Victorian residential neighborhood.
Why It Belongs on the List
St. Lawrence Market (since 1803, the peameal bacon sandwich is non-negotiable) anchors the Old Town. Kensington Market (vintage shops, global street food) is the city’s most bohemian neighborhood.
What Stands Out
- St. Lawrence Market: National Geographic's world's best market (2012) — open since 1803
- Carousel Bakery peameal bacon sandwich: Toronto's iconic breakfast food, CAD$5
- St. Lawrence: Saturday is best — full market day with farmer's produce
- Kensington Market: National Historic Site, Caribbean, Jamaican, Mexican, Portuguese
- Kensington Spice: the spice shop locals swear by
- Both free to browse, expect to spend CAD$15–30 on food grazing