One of the world's great food markets, operating since 1803 in the heart of Old Toronto. Over 120 vendors sell fresh produce, artisan cheese, cured meats, baked goods, and prepared foods. Famous for peameal bacon sandwiches.
St. Lawrence Market at 92–95 Front Street East is one of the most celebrated food markets in Canada and consistently ranked among the world's great food halls. Operating since 1803 in the heart of Old Toronto, the South Market building is the hub of activity, sheltering over 120 vendors across two floors of stalls. The market specialises in artisanal and locally sourced foods rather than mass-produced goods: expect Ontario farmstead cheeses, cured meats from European-style butchers, fresh pasta, Caribbean spices, imported olives, and a remarkable selection of smoked fish.
The upper level houses a small museum dedicated to Toronto's civic history, while the ground floor is devoted entirely to food vendors. Saturday mornings from 5 AM draw the biggest crowds, when the South Market is joined by the farmers' market in the adjacent North Market building, bringing fresh-picked Ontario produce and heritage varieties rarely found in supermarkets. Friday afternoons are lively but manageable, while Tuesday through Thursday offer a calmer browsing experience.
The most iconic purchase at St. Lawrence Market is the peameal bacon sandwich—thick-cut back bacon rolled in cornmeal, served on a kaiser roll from Carousel Bakery on the ground floor. The line for this sandwich often stretches past neighbouring stalls and is widely considered a mandatory Toronto food experience. Beyond the sandwich, visitors seek out artisan sourdough from European bakeries, aged Ontario cheddar, Quebec Oka cheese, maple products, and freshly shucked oysters.
Payment is accepted at virtually every stall by card or cash, and there is no formal bargaining culture—prices are fixed. Tax on most grocery items in Ontario is minimal or exempt under provincial food exemptions. The market building itself is a heritage structure with high ceilings and a central atrium, and the atmosphere transitions from bustling to frenzied on Saturday mornings. A small café area near the lower entrance offers seating, but most visitors eat standing at vendor counters. The neighbourhood surrounding the market—Old Toronto and the St. Lawrence neighbourhood—is dense with additional bakeries, wine shops, and restaurants that complement a full market visit.
Highlights
- Peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery, a Toronto institution operating since the 1970s
- Over 120 vendors selling Ontario cheeses, cured meats, smoked fish, and artisan bread
- Saturday farmers' market in the North Market building with fresh Ontario produce from 5 AM
- Heritage building dating to 1803, with a civic history museum on the upper level
- Wide selection of maple products, imported olives, and international specialty foods
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 AM on Saturday to beat the crowds and access the widest produce selection
- The Carousel Bakery peameal sandwich line is longest between 10 AM and noon; arrive early or late to minimise waiting
- Most vendors prefer cash for small purchases; bring some CAD to speed up transactions at busier stalls
- The North Market Saturday farmers' market typically runs from 5 AM to 3 PM—visit early to find heritage varieties before stock runs out
- Take the 503 or 504 streetcar to King and Jarvis, or walk south from Union Station; downtown parking is expensive and limited
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Lawrence Market open every day?
The South Market is open Tuesday through Saturday and is closed Sunday and Monday. The Saturday farmers' market in the North Market building runs weekly from approximately 5 AM to 3 PM.
Is there an entrance fee for St. Lawrence Market?
Entry is free. Vendors set their own prices for goods, and there is no general admission charge.
Can visitors find vegetarian or vegan options at the market?
Yes. Fresh produce vendors, bakeries, and prepared food stalls include plenty of plant-based options, including dips, pastries, and seasonal vegetables.
What is the best way to reach St. Lawrence Market?
The market is a short walk from Union Station via the King or Front Street exit. Streetcar lines 503 and 504 stop nearby. Parking is available but limited and costly in this part of downtown Toronto.
Are dogs permitted inside the market building?
Dogs are generally not permitted inside the covered market building. Service animals are welcome throughout.