Here are 5 things to do in Toronto’s Kensington Market, Canada Reviews

Kensington Market has long been considered one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in downtown Toronto, with a super diverse food scene showcasing the city’s melting pot of cultures (it’s no surprise that it was recently dubbed one of the world’s best foodie finds), as well as vintage shops, and tons of historical elements. To help you navigate your way around your next visit, here are five cool and unique things to do and see in Kensington Market:

Go vintage shopping on Augusta Ave.

There are so many eclectic and vintage boutiques along Augusta Ave. and within the market itself, giving patrons a glimpse into the city’s cultural mosaic.  Bungalow sells an array of modern styles as well as premium vintage and retro classics. It’s also a perfect place for those interested in Scandinavian furniture, classic totes, and unique home accessories​. Courage My Love specializes in antiques, jewelry, and remade vintage items like 1990s-inspired glass beaded daisy chains and vintage polka dot 1980s bandanas. Exile Vintage is all things vintage — everything from 1960s military trousers and 1970s-inspired J.C Penny cardigans.  Blue Banana Market is the perfect place to find gifts, souvenirs, and greeting cards from small producers in Ontario, including Drake prayer candles and even Canadian ketchup chip socks!

Visit a gallery or craft shop

The market is a perfect place for art enthusiasts and allows patrons to support local artists. Yarns Untangled is a craft boutique that carries a wide selection of the best yarns and hand-dyed yarns from Canadian artists. Gallery 78 Arts Inc. is known as Kensington Market’s esoteric books and artworks emporium (it’s the perfect venue to enjoy local literature in a cozy setting​!) Kensington Flea is not so much a gallery but vendors offer unique and artisanal handmade goods from local businesses and artists, including, handmade crafts, soaps, body care products, jewelry, art, crystals, candles, and stationery. Kid Icarus is filled with Canadian handmade goods, stationary, and screen-printed posters from Vancouver to Halifax, with the majority of products coming from neighbourhoods in the GTA.

Check out the Al Waxman statue at Bellevue Square Park

Bellevue Square Park is a small green space within the market area with a playground, a wading pool, and an iconic life-sized bronze statue of Toronto-born actor and director Al Waxman. The legendary actor is best known for his role as Larry King in the Canadian television series “King of Kensington”. After he passed in 2001, a statue of him was aptly placed in Kensington Market. Visitors can also check out Sonya’s Parkette for a quieter spot in the neighbourhood (a perfect area if you want to escape the business of downtown Toronto). And, last but not least, one quirky installation you won’t want to miss is The Garden Car—a car covered in murals with a full-grown garden sprouting from it. It’s unofficially known as Toronto’s smallest public park!

Go on a foodie tour of the market

One of the top things that visitors at the market do is check out the food scene — there are tons of international flavours. Some of our fav restaurants in the market include Rasta Pasta (61 Kensington Ave.) — this Jamaican-Italian fusion shop serves up authentic Caribbean cuisine and Italian eats and has been a staple in the neighbourhood for the last decade. For some of the best tacos in the city, check out Seven Lives (72 Augusta Ave.). Try their specialty taco with smoked marlin, grilled shrimp, and cheese. Grey Gardens (199 Augusta Ave.) received Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide. Patrons can dine on delicious dishes like 7-layer trout roe dip or the panzotti made with chicken, garlic, and vinegar. Hawker (291 Augusta Ave.) is an upscale spot for plant-based small plates, helmed by chefs Jeff Merkel and Leah Steduto. Try everything from the biryani–smoked poblano meal or Romano beans, pepper paste, and pine nut dish.  Visit Sunnys Chinese (60 Kensington Ave.) for delicious Chinese cuisine, they offer a diverse menu, from perfected American-Chinese classics like orange chicken to deep dives into China’s culinary culture (like Husband and Wife Beef). Complete your meal with a Chinese-inspired cocktail! For good coffee, Kensington Market’s Tapestry, situated on Augusta Street, is a must-visit bar and music venue owned by Armenian-Canadian brothers Shaunt Raffi and Raz Tchakmak.

Shop at a fresh market vendor

Kensington Market is a treasure trove of unique food finds, offering a global feast in the heart of Toronto. You’ll find everything from freshly made empanadas and tacos to gourmet vegan treats and fusion dishes. Specialty shops sell spices from around the world, artisan cheeses, and freshly baked bread. Sanagan’s Meat Locker is one of the best butcher shops in Toronto. Check out the Kensington Fruit Market at Kensington and St. Andrew for locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables year-round! This family-owned and operated space has been around for over 40 years. You’ll find everything from leafy greens and fresh herbs to colourful fruits, like sweet, yellow Ataúlfo mangos.