Thing to do
Kensington Market
A National Historic Site of narrow streets west of Spadina Avenue, known for independent food shops, vintage clothing, cafés and a long history as an immigrant…
St. Lawrence Market
Toronto's historic food market on Front Street East, with food stalls in the South Market, part of the 1845 city hall, and a Saturday farmers' market.
At a glance
- Type
- Food market
- Area
- St. Lawrence, Toronto, Canada
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Monday)
- Official site
- stlawrencemarket.com
Good to know
- Saturday farmers' market
- Sunday antiques market
- Market Gallery
- Food stalls
Why we recommend it
St. Lawrence Market is the city's best-known food market and one of its oldest institutions. Its origins go back to 1803, when Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter set a weekly market day for the town of York, and the South Market building incorporates part of the structure built in 1845 as Toronto's city hall, which served as city hall until 1899. In 2012 National Geographic named it the best food market in the world.
The market is in two parts on either side of Front Street East. The South Market is the permanent hall, open from Tuesday to Sunday, with food stalls, restaurants and the Market Gallery. The new North Market building opened in 2025, with the Saturday farmers' market on its ground floor and a courthouse and underground parking in the same four-storey building.
Opening hours suit an early start. The South Market is open from 9am to 7pm from Tuesday to Friday, from 7am to 5pm on Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, and it is closed on Monday. The North Market farmers' market runs on Saturdays from 5am to 3pm, and antiques markets are held on Sundays, with dates listed on the market's community events page.
Saturday is the day to come if you want to see the farmers' market as well as the South Market, and early risers can arrive from 5am. On weekdays only the South Market is trading. Allow an hour or two, longer if you plan to eat lunch here.
Inside the South Market, the Market Gallery occupies the former Toronto City Council chamber, a reminder that this building was once the seat of the city's government. The market describes its traders as a mix of tenants, farmers and arts vendors, and its website also lists the Market Kitchen, St. Lawrence Hall and walking tours alongside the markets. The present South Market took shape in 1904, when part of the old city hall was incorporated into a new market building, so the market has been trading on this corner in one form or another for well over a century.
The market suits food lovers, families and anyone self-catering. It stands at Front Street East and Jarvis Street in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. If you are driving, the new North Market building has underground parking.
St. Lawrence Market FAQs
When is the South Market open?
Tuesday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 7am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Monday.
When is the farmers' market?
On Saturdays from 5am to 3pm in the North Market.
Is there an antiques market?
Yes. Antiques markets are held on Sundays; check the community events page for dates.
How old is the market?
A market day was set here in 1803, and the South Market incorporates part of the 1845 city hall.
What is the Market Gallery?
An exhibition space in the former city council chamber inside the South Market.
When is the best time to visit?
Saturday, when the farmers' market runs alongside the South Market.
Where is it?
At Front Street East and Jarvis Street in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
Is it closed on Mondays?
Yes. The South Market is closed on Mondays.