St Lawrence Market for mouthwatering eats in a historic building

Find out where to pick up rare vintage antiques, locally grown organic produce and handcrafted jewelry with this guide to the 10 best markets in Toronto.
Toronto’s markets are what they are because of the people who run them. You’ll find all the usual market goods, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find out that the artist who made those earrings also has an exhibition on at the Daniel Faria Gallery, or that the farmer who grew those carrots quit their day job to set up sustainable farms across Ontario. Toronto’s markets aren’t just a place to shop, but also a place where you can learn more about the stories that form the colorful tapestry of the city’s diverse population.
On a more practical note, while artisan crafts dominate Downtown, you’ll find the real bargains further afield, at flea markets north and west of the city, where you can also escape to greener surrounds and try cuisines that can’t be had in the Downtown core. Here’s a guide to Toronto’s markets.
The Evergreen Brick Works are a trek to get to, but well worth the visit. Located in a former quarry and brick-manufacturing facility along the wooded Don Valley, the weekend market is a chance to indulge in organic groceries and fresh air. The Saturday Farmers’ Market, which bills itself as the city’s largest, sells sustainably grown, or foraged, organic fruit and veg. End your excursion with a baked treat and a beverage. A shuttle bus operates from Broadview Station, but cycling is a much more picturesque way to get here. Shop at the Evergreen Brick Works every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.