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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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St. Lawrence Market Summary
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| Public website: | www.stlawrencemarket.com |
Canada – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Canadian Dollar (CAD) £1 ≈ CA$1.87 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others. |
| Canada Day (July) |
The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations. |
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| Thanksgiving (October) |
A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas. |
| Christmas (December) |
Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Other: | Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for St. Lawrence Market, Canada
South Market is closed Sunday and Monday, Saturday is busiest with the farmers' market
Don't miss
- 🥪 Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery
- 🍅 Browse artisanal goods and fresh local produce
- 🕰️ Explore the Sunday Antique Market for unique treasures
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! St. Lawrence Market boasts over 200 years of history as a vital food and community hub. It offers more than 120 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to specialty cheeses, meats, baked goods and international delicacies. The market’s lively atmosphere reflects Toronto’s rich cultural mosaic.
The market complex includes the historic St. Lawrence Hall, the North Market known for its bustling Monday and Saturday farmers’ markets and the South Market featuring a wide array of prepared foods and specialty retailers. Sundays transform parts of the market into a lively antique and collectibles show.
While the market is generally safe and family-friendly, weekends and peak hours can be crowded, leading to narrow aisles and slower browsing. Some vendors only accept cash, so visitors should come prepared. Parking near the market is limited, so public transit or walking is recommended for convenience.
Year-round events and festivals animate the market with culinary shows, cultural celebrations and live performances, enriching the visitor experience. It remains a must-visit spot for food lovers seeking authentic Toronto flavor.
Knowledge before you go
- Visit South Market weekdays. North closed Mondays, weekends only.
- Arrive early morning for freshest produce, pastries and peameal bacon sandwiches.
- Bring cash for small vendors; sample cheeses, olives and ethnic specialties.
- Established 1803 on original Toronto market site; world's top food market by National Geographic.
How to travel to St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is situated at 93 Front St E, Toronto. Visitors can reach it easily by public transit with nearby stops at Union Station and multiple streetcar lines on King and Queen Streets. Toronto Pearson International Airport serves most international visitors, followed by transit options to downtown Toronto. Walking from surrounding downtown hotels is also convenient.
Access summary
- From Toronto Pearson (YYZ): UP Express to Union, then walk/TTC, 35–45 minutes.
- From downtown Toronto hotels: Walk or short TTC ride, around 5–20 minutes.
- From Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ): Ferry or tunnel plus TTC/ride-share, about 25–35 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near St. Lawrence Market
Downtown Toronto offers a variety of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels, all within walking distance of St. Lawrence Market and other city landmarks.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
One King West Hotel and Residence
Fairmont Royal York
Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre
The Novotel Toronto Center Hotel
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre By IHG
Hilton Toronto
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Comfort Opulence Suites & Residence
Packing recommendations for St. Lawrence Market
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
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Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🛍️
Foldable shopping bag
👛
Cash in small denominations
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 1% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CAD) is 10% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market is generally very safe, with a strong police presence and frequent security patrols. Tourists should stay aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, avoid isolated back alleys after dark and follow local advisories for a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
St‑Lawrence Market in Toronto offers mixed accessibility: wide, level entrances and elevators serve most stalls, but narrow aisles and uneven flooring can challenge mobility aids. Signage is clear, yet some vendors lack ramps. Plan ahead for wheelchair users.
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