Toronto Attractions: St Lawrence Market
St Lawrence Market is another of the many Toronto attractions and it's also one of the oldest institutions in the city, being founded in 1803. As such, it's part of the 'Old Town Toronto 1793' network, more details
here.
The market was once also at the centre of city government. It shared its building with City Hall, something that made sense in those days but seems strange now.
The market has two floors in the south building, a lower floor of smaller stalls selling everything from the usual food items to New Zealand jewellery. The lower floor is tightly packed with shoppers and stalls, which gives it a real 'hustling' feel.
A favourite spot for eating, and the only sit down to eat place in the hall, is the Paddington Pump, which does an excellent breakfast as well as later day meals. It also serves beer so it really is an all day sort of place, not fine dining -- just good honest food.
Lack of seating inside isn't a problem, however, there are picnic benches outside on a balcony that runs round three sides of the building. Buying a little from many stalls and retiring to eat outdoors is a pleasant a way of spending an hour on a warm Toronto day.
St Lawrence Market is only open on Saturday at the weekend and it's really busy - a great shopping experience for those who like the 'cut-and-thrust' of commerce. Weekdays are best if, like me, you want to browse comfortably. Saturday is also the day the market has 'street entertainment', like this jazz band. There's a north building too, just across Front Street, for smaller traders, mainly folks selling vegetables and baked goods. Things small farms can produce. They're also where you'll find the more intriguing items, things only a small grower can afford to try, curled cucumbers for example.
If you've enjoyed this market page, you may want to visit our page for
Kensington Market.
Return to Home Page from St Lawrence Market |
The upper floor is just as busy and has larger, more established-looking, stores - if anything at a market can said to be established - selling fine foods. Some stores have been there over a hundred years, Brown Brothers Butchers, for example.
