Toronto's historic market dating to 1803 with over 120 vendors. Saturday farmers market, Sunday antiques, and daily food vendors including peameal bacon sandwiches.
St. Lawrence Market on Front Street East in Toronto's Old Town neighbourhood has been a commercial and cultural anchor of the city since 1803, when its predecessor was established as Toronto's first town hall and market building. The current South Market building hosts more than 120 vendors on weekdays and Saturdays, selling fresh meat, fish, produce, baked goods, artisan cheese, deli specialties, and prepared foods. The peameal bacon sandwich — a thick slice of back bacon rolled in cornmeal and served on a bun, available from Carousel Bakery — is the market's most famous food item and is frequently cited as one of Toronto's essential eating experiences. The Saturday farmers' market, operated in the South Market building, brings additional fresh-produce vendors from across Ontario. The Sunday antiques market occupies the North Market building across the street, drawing collectors and browsers. The interior of the South Market features soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and a lively atmosphere that rewards unhurried exploration. National Geographic named St. Lawrence Market the world's best food market in 2012.
Signature dishes
- Peameal Bacon Sandwich — $8
Good to know
- Hours
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Location
93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
43.6487, -79.3716 View on map
Highlights
- Named world's best food market by National Geographic in 2012
- Operating since 1803 — one of Canada's oldest continuously active public markets
- Peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery is a Toronto food rite of passage
- More than 120 vendors selling meat, seafood, cheese, produce, and prepared foods
- Saturday farmers' market and Sunday antiques market add to the weekly offering
Tips for visiting
- Visit on Saturday for the farmers' market alongside the regular vendors — the best combination
- Carousel Bakery's peameal bacon sandwich queue moves fast; it is worth joining without hesitation
- Arrive before 10 AM on Saturdays for the freshest produce and shortest queues
- The basement level houses additional produce and specialty food vendors often overlooked by visitors
- Nearby street parking and the King Street TTC stop make the market easy to reach without a car
Accessibility
St. Lawrence Market is fully accessible. The South Market building has elevator access between floors, accessible entrances, and accessible washrooms. The Saturday outdoor farmers' market stalls are on paved surfaces. Staff and volunteers are available to assist visitors with mobility requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
What are St. Lawrence Market's opening hours?
The South Market is open Tuesday to Thursday 9 AM–6 PM, Friday 9 AM–7 PM, and Saturday 5 AM–3 PM. It is closed Sunday and Monday.
What is the peameal bacon sandwich?
A Toronto specialty: sliced back bacon rolled in cornmeal, cooked on a griddle, and served on a soft bun. Carousel Bakery inside the market is the most famous purveyor.
Is there a farmers' market at St. Lawrence?
Yes, an outdoor and indoor Saturday farmers' market runs from early morning until around 3 PM, featuring Ontario produce, honey, maple syrup, and seasonal goods.
Is the Sunday antiques market at the same location?
The Sunday antiques market operates in the North Market building directly across Front Street from the South Market, open from approximately 10 AM to 5 PM.
How old is St. Lawrence Market?
The market traces its origins to 1803, making it one of the oldest continuously operating market sites in Canada. The current South Market building dates to 1904.