Kensington Market

Photo Credit: Brad Saunders

The Kensington Market is local landmark that celebrates a history of almost 100 years. Located between Dundas and College St, the Kensington Market was once known as the Jewish Market. Today, it represents the city of Toronto's rich multicultural society. Many of the shops in the market contain goods from Asia, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East as well as authentic Canadian flaire.

Once at the Kensington Market, visitors will stroll through busy lanes full of fishmongers, eclectic shoppers, musicians and more. During the 1920's, Kensington Market was known as the "Jewish Market" because about 80% of Toronto's Jewish community lived in the area. The market began as many of these residents placed pushcarts and stands in front of their homes from which they sold goods. Once the businesses grew and began to spill onto their lawns and even take up floors of their homes, the Kensington Market had begun. As the years went by, the original Jewish community eventually began moving to other area in the city and were replaced by new immigrants from a variety of backgrounds. This is what comprises the market today.

The Kensington area is a maze of streets and alleys lined with brightly painted Victorian houses. People are attracted to the area by both great prices and the variety of shops. The Kensington Market is home to some of the best clothing stores in the city.

During the holiday season, every December 21, The Kensington Market celebrates the solstice with a colourful parade called the Kensington Karnival. This parade is a great place to take the family for an outing.

For those visiting by TTC, get to the Queen's Park Station and then take a streetcar westbound to the market.