St. Lawrence Market

About

St. Lawrence Market is a historic Toronto institution where families can explore one of the world's best food markets in a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Kids will love sampling fresh treats, watching vendors prepare food, and experiencing the sights and smells of a traditional market hall. This year-round destination offers an authentic taste of Toronto's culinary scene while teaching children about fresh food, local producers, and cultural diversity.

What to Expect

Families will find themselves in a spacious historic building filled with over 120 specialty vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to international delicacies and prepared foods. The atmosphere is lively but manageable, with wide aisles accommodating strollers and crowds. Saturday mornings feature a farmers market in the North building with additional local producers. Children can watch bakers kneading dough, butchers preparing cuts, and cheesemongers offering samples. The market encourages browsing and tasting, making it an interactive sensory experience for curious kids.

Highlights for Kids

• Sampling free cheese, olive, and baked goods from friendly vendors who love introducing kids to new flavors
• Watching the famous peameal bacon sandwiches being made at Carousel Bakery with lineups that create exciting anticipation
• Exploring the colorful fruit and vegetable displays with exotic items kids may never have seen before
• Discovering sweet treats like fresh stroopwafels, butter tarts, and maple syrup candies
• The Saturday farmers market where kids can meet actual farmers and sometimes see special demonstrations

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive early (8-9 AM) on Saturdays to experience the farmers market in the North building before crowds peak, or visit Tuesday/Wednesday mornings for the quietest experience with easy stroller navigation
2. Bring a wheeled shopping cart or wagon instead of carrying bags—many vendors sell fragile items and you'll want hands free for little ones; reusable bags are essential as plastic bags aren't provided
3. Start at the back of the market and work forward so kids can sample peameal bacon sandwiches at Carousel Bakery (a Toronto must-try) without being too full from other treats
4. Download Canadian dollars before arrival as some smaller vendors are cash-only, though most accept credit cards; ATMs are available inside but often have queues on busy days

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 AM) offer the most relaxed experience for families with young children, with smaller crowds and easier stroller access. Saturday mornings (8-10 AM) are ideal if you want the full farmers market experience in the North building, but expect larger crowds by 11 AM. Avoid Sunday afternoons when the market is busiest and closes early at 5 PM.

Food & Drinks

The market is essentially one giant food hall with endless options for hungry families. Kid favorites include fresh peameal bacon sandwiches (Toronto's signature), butter tarts, crepes, fresh fruit smoothies, and international options like empanadas and samosas. Most vendors offer samples, making it easy for picky eaters to try before buying. There's a designated seating area on the second floor of the South Market, though it fills quickly on weekends. Bring water bottles as drinks can be pricey, though fresh juice vendors are plentiful. Many families create a progressive meal by sampling from multiple vendors.

Parking & Access

Located in downtown Toronto's Old Town, the market is easily accessible via public transit—take the TTC subway to Union Station (5-minute walk) or King Station. Street parking is limited and metered; your best bet is the municipal parking lot at 150 The Esplanade (one block south) which charges approximately CAD $4-6 per hour. The market building is stroller-friendly with elevator access to the second floor, though Saturday crowds can make maneuvering challenging. International visitors can use UP Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station (25 minutes), making this an easy first-day activity. The market is wheelchair and stroller accessible with automatic doors and wide aisles.