Abounding with vintage finds, international eats, and other treasures, Toronto’s vibrant markets are as diverse as the city itself.
Toronto’s Best Markets
If you’re visiting Canada’s largest city, you’ll discover a variety of flea markets and food markets within a quick walk or subway ride of your IHG hotel in Toronto. Five of Toronto’s finest markets are below.
Kensington Market
Image via Flickr by UnTapping The World
One of Canada’s national historic landmarks, Kensington Market isn’t just a market — it’s an entire district of funky vintage shops, international eateries, greengrocers, and street stalls. Meander the narrow streets of Kensington Market to shop the best vintage selection in the city. Stock up on fresh pickles, imported cheeses, and Russian rye breads.
Then grab a bite from one of the many international food joints. One of the best times to visit Kensington Market is on a Sunday from May to October, when the neighborhood closes off its roads to cars and welcomes food vendors, street performers, and live music.
St. Lawrence Market
Heralded as one of the best food markets in the world by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market is a centuries-old institution of Toronto’s Old Town neighborhood. In the South Market area, more than 120 vendors hawk everything from organic produce to homemade pickles to Toronto’s beloved peameal bacon sandwiches.
On the second floor, you can check out a rotating gallery of art, culture, and history exhibits. On Saturdays, the North Market building houses a 200-year-old farmers market with fresh produce and homemade goodies from local Canadian farmers. Note that the St. Lawrence Market is closed Sunday and Monday.
Merchants’ Flea Market
A sprawling 45,000-square-foot indoor marketplace, Merchants’ Flea Market is a treasure trove of bargain finds from around the world. The market has been a staple of Toronto’s Scarborough neighborhood since 1998, drawing more than 250 vendors each weekend — including food outlets, a nail salon, a pet store, and even a psychic. Merchant’s Flea Market is open Saturday and Sunday.
Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market
Trying to choose a top Toronto farmers market is like trying to pick a favorite star in the sky. The Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market sets itself apart as one of the few Toronto farmers markets open all year. The weekly market comes to life every Thursday evening when the area fills with the aroma of fresh baked goods and vendors sell local produce, meats, dairy items, and more. Local businesses join the fun, selling ready-to-eat treats, specialty foods, and wine and cider.
Downsview Park Merchants Market
Part flea market, part farmers market, part international food court, the Downsview Park Merchants Market could take you an entire day to shop and explore. The hybrid market hosts more than 500 vendors showcasing goodies from around the world. After rifling through fashion, furniture, antiques, and collectibles, you can refuel with tacos, samosas, and other international treats in the food court. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday.
Visiting Toronto’s bright, busy, colorful markets is more than just a shopping experience — it’s a dive into the city’s rich diversity, history, culture, and culinary scenes. Whether you’re seeking a quirky T-shirt, vintage jewelry, or freshly baked baklava, you’re bound to find it and much more in one of the city’s fascinating markets. Happy shopping!
