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St. Lawrence Market
The St. Lawrence Market dates back to 1803 when farmer's gathered at the site of the North Market to sell their produce. In 2012 the market was listed as one of the world's top ten markets in the National Geographic book Food Journeys of a Lifetime.
The St. Lawrence Market has seen many changes over the years. Today the market consists of three main buildings, The North Market, the South Market and St. Lawrence Hall.
The North Market functions today much like it did over 200 years ago. Every Saturday, farmers from all over Ontario bring their produce to the market. On Sunday from dawn until 5 p.m. the North Market becomes an antique market.
The South Market houses over a hundred vendors selling all sorts of food items from nuts and grain to fish and meat. The second floor of the South Market is called the Market Gallery and features exhibitions of the art, culture and history of Toronto.
St. Lawrence Hall was built in 1850 and named after Canada's patron saint. St. Lawrence Hall was Toronto's first meeting hall. From 1834 until 1844 St. Lawrence Hall was used as Toronto's City Hall until a new City Hall was built nearby. Today this part of St. Lawrence Market houses retail businesses on the first floor and City of Toronto offices on the second floor. In 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations the third floor was restored to it's former grandeur.
Admission to St. Lawrence Market is free.
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St. Lawrence Market. N. Market, 1888. Front St. E., n. side, between Market & Jarvis Streets.
Courtesy of the Toronto Public Library
