Things to Do in Kensington Market Toronto
Kensington Market is Toronto’s most unique neighbourhood. Colourful, creative and chaotic in the best way, it’s the city’s ultimate multicultural hub. Here, you can experience the world in one place with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia.
From vintage shops and global eats to street art and seasonal festivals, it’s a must-see spot for travellers looking to explore beyond the CN Tower. Forget big-box stores. Kensington Market is all about funky finds, offbeat eats and vibes you can’t fake. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Toronto’s most unique neighbourhood.
What makes Kensington Market special?
International chains get scoffed at here. Instead, you’ll find mom-and-pop shops, vintage stores, and food from every corner of the world. Young and old hang out together, creating the perfect mix of Toronto’s multicultural spirit.
Victorian houses from the 1920s still line the streets. Plans to tear them down faced fierce local opposition. The neighbourhood’s rebel spirit won, and these historic gems remain.
Where is Kensington Market and how to get there
Kensington Market sits in downtown Toronto, just west of University Avenue. It’s a maze of little streets and alleys. Each street tends to have different shopping options that make up a practical shopping layout.
Main streets to know:
- Augusta Avenue – the biggest street with clothes, army surplus and restaurants
- Baldwin Street – food shops, fishmongers, butchers, cheese stores
- Kensington Avenue – groceries, bakeries, second-hand clothing
- College Street – discount electronics and computer shops
Getting there:
- TTC: Take the subway to Spadina or St. Patrick stations, then walk 5-10 minutes
- Streetcar: College (#506) or Spadina (#510) streetcars stop nearby
- Driving: There is a paid parking garage, but in general, parking is tricky and fills up fast on weekends
Brief history of Kensington Market
The market started in the 1920s. In those days, it was known as the Jewish Market, thanks to the immigrant families who used to set up stands and sell goods to one another. As waves of immigrants came and went, the market changed too.
Eastern Europeans came next. Then, Italians, Portuguese, Caribbean, Latin American and Southeast Asian families. Each group added their own flavour. Today, you’ll see people from everywhere calling this place home. Each wave brought a unique flavour to Kensington Market.
Many of the Victorian-style houses from that time remain here. At one point, there were plans to demolish them all in favour of new housing, but like the true spirit of the area, fierce opposition prevailed
Things to do in Kensington Market
Go vintage shopping
If vintage and thrift shops are your thing, you’ll find plenty of them here. Kensington Market has it all, from tacky and straight-out hideous to decent finds and one-of-a-kind items. The selection changes with the seasons – perfect for Halloween costumes or ugly Christmas sweaters. Hunt through racks of second-hand clothes on Kensington Avenue. You can’t miss the stores – they spill onto the sidewalks.
Come for the food options
From vegan food, specialty and fusion to everything in between, the culinary options get better and better all the time. Kensington Market has it all, from tacos, churros and waffles to cannabis cafés and boutiques.
Must-try spots:
- Rasta Pasta – Jamaican-Italian fusion you didn’t know you needed.
- Moonbean Cafe – makes the best London Fog in the city
- Jimmy’s Coffee – Instagram-worthy coffee and ambiance
- Kensington Brewery – local craft beer
- Trinity Common – more beer options
Discover street art and public art
Art is something of a staple in Kensington Market. From lively street art covering the walls of small alleys to funky galleries and metal statues. One of the staples here is the Garden Car. It is exactly what it sounds like. Each May, an old graffiti-covered car takes its spot on Augusta Avenue, where it transforms into a community garden. Local volunteers turn it into a community garden. Kids and adults love watching it grow all summer.
Discover specialty shops
Like any other market, Kensington offers a variety of shopping options. Many Torontonians flock here for fresh produce, specialty cheeses, spices, meats and seafood. There are also many health food stores that draw the health-conscious crowd. The chances are that if you’re looking for some exotic and rare-to-find food items, you will likely find them in Kensington Market rather than anywhere else in the city.
Book your Toronto Kensington Market and Chinatown walking tour today
Come for the festivities
During the summer months, you’re likely to find street musicians entertaining the visitors as they pass by. Quite often, various restaurants and cafes organize live music at different times of the day. Check the neighbourhood site before your visit.
- Pedestrian Sundays: Streets are closed to cars during the summer months. Only pedestrians are allowed. Perfect time to explore without dodging traffic.
- Kensington Market Festival of Lights: Designed to celebrate the winter solstice in December. You can partake in the Winter Solstice Parade or just come by to support the local merchants.
- Kensington Market Jazz Festival: The festival has been around since 2016. It consists of 400 Canadian jazz musicians and 170 performances across 24 venues over three days in September.
Tips for visiting Kensington Market
- Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons during summer for Pedestrian Sundays. Weekdays are less crowded.
- Visit during the day: Some shops close by early evening. Mornings are best for fresh market goods.
- Skip the car: Parking is a nightmare. Take the TTC instead.
- Dress comfortably: You’ll do lots of walking on uneven sidewalks and cobblestones.
- Come hungry: With so many food options, you’ll want to try multiple spots.
Why Kensington Market belongs on your Toronto itinerary
What started as a Jewish neighbourhood became home to the world. Today’s Kensington Market shows Toronto’s true multicultural spirit better than any other place in the city.
It’s gritty and polished, old and new, global and local all at once. You won’t find this mix anywhere else. Planning your Toronto trip? Save this post and make Kensington Market your first stop for authentic Toronto culture.
