St. Lawrence Market South

St. Lawrence Market South, a historic market

The Toronto audio-guided tour leads you to St. Lawrence Market South, the southern part of the giant St. Lawrence Market complex, completed by two other structures. It is a more than two-hundred-year-old market, now a city landmark.

From a city hall to a great market

The building first served as the first permanent city hall, then as the site of Toronto's first prison, before the idea of a great market arose in 1803. Threatened with demolition several times, the site not only remained standing but gained in fame, to the point of becoming one of the largest markets of its kind in the south of the region.

What there is to see

The market gathers about two hundred vendors offering fresh produce, local specialities and treats. It is a lively place, loved by the people of Toronto as much as by visitors, where you sample the atmosphere and flavours of the city. The history-laden building adds to the interest of strolling among the stalls.

Practical information

St. Lawrence Market South is on Front Street East, in downtown Toronto. The market usually opens Tuesday to Saturday, with hours specific to each day; it is closed on certain days early in the week. It is best to check the opening hours before visiting.

How long has the market existed?

The idea of a great market arose in 1803. The site, more than two centuries old, was first a city hall and a prison before becoming a major market.

What can you find there?

The market gathers about two hundred vendors offering fresh produce, local specialities and treats, in a historic setting in the heart of Toronto.