Stroll through Toronto's St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence market is renowned throughout the country. The hundred or so vendors are divided between the North Market, the South Market and the art gallery. Every week, the market hosts unique events and welcomes visitors from all over the region.

As well as being a meeting place for tourists, locals, foodies and farmers, the heritage site is a must-see in downtown Toronto. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat, do your shopping or have a drink with friends.

History of the St. Lawrence district

Before it became the best market in the world according to National Geographics, the building was Toronto's city hall and state prison from 1854 to 1899. Before Toronto City Hall moved in, the Market Halls served as a police station and also as a council chamber. It was a highly administrative building.

Years later, in 1899, architect John William Siddall was chosen to renovate and transform the premises into market halls. He completely redesigned the structure to make it welcoming and bright. The roof was completely redesigned to give it greater height and natural light.

The market as we know it today opened its doors in 1902. It was later renovated in 1970.

The atypical architecture of the brick building

The building was designed by English architect Henry Bowyer Lane. For the façade, he chose orange brick and white stone, two materials typical of Georgian architecture. A large dome decorated with a clock dominates the building. The two wings on either side of the building have two storeys and the centre has three. At the time, the centre wing housed the Toronto police on the top floor and a prison in the basement. They have since been demolished during renovations.

The South Market is a must for food lovers. On either side of the building, you'll find local specialities to try and ingredients to take home. Above all, explore the aisles of St. Lawrence Market on an empty stomach and let your nose be your guide...

Among the vendors you can find:

• Kozlik's Mustard: the mustard professional. Ideas, recipes and surprises.
• Pasta Mia: a typical Italian café.
• Paddington's Pump: for breakfast on the terrace.
• Olympic Cheese Mart: a cheese shop worthy of the finest gourmet markets.
• DiLiso's Fine Meats: for top-quality meat.
• Cruda Café: a small organic café for raw food lovers.
• Urban Fresh Produce: for quality, locally sourced fruit and vegetables.
• Aren't We Sweet: a giant sweet shop.

You can find all the vendors at the St. Lawrence Market directly on the ****market website.

Every Saturday, the North Market welcomes local producers. For several generations now, it has been the sales outlet for the region's farmers. They sell fruit, vegetables, dairy products and more.

A trip to the market is an authentic and delicious experience. On Sundays, the vegetables make way for the antique market, held in the north wing of the market every Sunday. At the end of summer 2022, the north wing of the market will still be under construction. Soon, the modern glass building will offer visitors a sumptuous view of the St. Lawrence district.

The market art gallery and museum are located on the second floor. These are spaces where art and tradition have long blended harmoniously. Paintings, artefacts, photos and other works of art are showcased in the former Toronto City Council chambers.

The museum tells the story of the market, from the 1800s to the present day.