Is the St. Lawrence Market Worth Visiting?

(Spoiler: Yes. And Here’s How to Do It Like a Local.)

If you're planning a trip to Toronto and wondering, “Is St. Lawrence Market worth visiting?”—the answer is a loud, mustard-drenched yes. One of the most famous food markets in Canada (and once named the best in the world by National Geographic Traveler), St. Lawrence Market is a must-do for food lovers, history buffs, and anyone hunting for the best local eats in Toronto.

This isn’t your average food court. It’s part historic site, part sensory overload, and part choose-your-own-adventure of incredible food, drink, and local flavours.

A view of the upper level of the St Lawrence Market South Building from the event gallery

Why Visit St. Lawrence Market?

• History: This Toronto food market has been feeding the city since 1803—older than Canada itself.

• Variety: You’ll find everything from Ukrainian perogies to Portuguese custard tarts, smoked salmon, peameal bacon sandwiches, and dozens of local food vendors.

• Atmosphere: Lively, loud, and wonderfully chaotic in the best way. Vendors remember your name, and regulars know where to stand.

• Reputation: National Geographic Traveler called it the best food market in the world back in 2012—and Torontonians are still bragging about it.

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What’s the Difference Between the South and North Market?

St. Lawrence Market isn’t just one building—it’s two.

🏛️ South Market (The Main Event)

The red-brick historic market is home to 100+ permanent vendors. You’ll find all the iconic eats here: bagels, bacon, butter tarts, cheese, wine, mustard, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday—and now Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

🏗️ North Market (Saturdays Only)

Right across the street, the newly rebuilt North Market with orange panels hosts Toronto’s Saturday Farmers Market. Think local produce, honey, meats, maple syrup, and freshly baked bread.

Open: Saturdays, 5am to 3pm.TL;DR: 

South = prepared foods + stalls.

North = local farmers + early morning charm.

When Is the Best Time to Visit St. Lawrence Market?

• Best time to go: Tuesday to Friday mornings for fewer crowds and fresher goods.

• Avoid: Saturdays after 11am—it’s shoulder-to-shoulder. Unless you want to hit the Farmer's market in the North Building, then go before the lunch rush.

• Bonus: Yes, the South Market is open Sundays, 10am to 5pm. It’s quieter than Saturdays and a great time to go.

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What to Eat at St. Lawrence Market (Local Guide Picks)

🥓 Peameal Bacon Sandwich

• Carousel Bakery – The classic. Celebrity chefs love it. Add the maple mustard.

• Paddington’s Pump – Full pub version. Sit down, grab a beer, and get it with fries or salad.It’s a coin toss. I love both. Grab-and-go or slow-and-savour—it’s your call.

🧁 Butter Tarts (Try All 3)

• Carousel Bakery – Sweet and sticky

• Future Bakery – Firmer filling, pie-like structure

• Scheffler’s Bakery (Downstairs) – Often stocks Dufflet tarts. Refined and rich.

🐟 Maple Glazed Salmon

• Found at Scheffler’s caviar counter downstairs. No samples. Just trust.

🥪 Mustachio’s Italian Sandwiches

• Not part of any tour, but 100% part of my diet. Veal parm, eggplant, steak, or chicken.They’re huge. You will need napkins. Plural.

☕ Coffee at Everyday Gourmet

• Roasted on-site. Smells like heaven. You’re welcome.

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Bonus Local Tips (From Someone Who Actually Shops Here)

🍷 Wine?

I buy mine at Wine Country Merchants (upper level).Pro tip: Ask for Baco Noir—a hybrid grape grown in Ontario and Upstate New York. Rich, earthy, and full of dark fruit and smoky notes. Great with cheddar or anything off the BBQ.

🧀 Cheese?

I buy all mine at Olympic Cheese Mart.I ran with the Olympic torch in 2010, but I visit this place when I run out of Ontario sharp cheddar.

🥯 Bagels?

Always from St. Urbain.I get one with cream cheese. The type of bagel and cheese? Depends on my mood.

The Mustard That Changed Everything

I used to treat mustard like a condiment. Now I build recipes around it—thanks to Kozlik’s.

• Rosemary mustard in mashed potatoes? Game changer.

• Fig and date mustard in grilled cheese? Don’t knock it.

• Maple mustard with peameal? Obviously.

You’ll leave with more jars than you meant to—and zero regrets.

Don’t Want to Navigate the Market Alone?

🍴 Urban Adventures: St. Lawrence Market Canadian Food Tour

Join us for a guided tasting of the best bites, secret stalls, and local food stories. You’ll skip the guesswork and eat like you’ve been here for years. Book it here for 4 or more people or here for less than four.

🕰️ Tour Guys: Old Town Toronto History Tour

We end right at the market—just in time for lunch. You’ll learn the wild backstory of Toronto and get tips on what to eat based on your cravings. Book it here!

TL;DR

Yes, St. Lawrence Market is worth it.Go early. Come hungry. Don’t wear white.

📝 Your Local’s St. Lawrence Market Checklist

✅ Plan Your Visit – South Market (Tue–Sun), North Market (Saturdays only)

✅ Peameal Bacon Sandwich – Carousel or Paddington’s Pump

✅ Butter Tart – Try all three: Carousel, Future Bakery, Scheffler’s

✅ Maple Salmon – Caviar vendor downstairs

✅ Mustachio’s Sandwich – Go hungry

✅ Bagel with Cream Cheese – St. Urbain

✅ Coffee – Everyday Gourmet

✅ Wine – Wine Country Merchants (ask for Baco Noir)

✅ Cheese – Olympic Cheese Mart

✅ Mustard – Kozlik’s (fig & date, rosemary, maple)