Kensington Market

Kensington Market is probably Toronto's most unique neighbourhood, and in some ways, the soul of the city. It's a jumble of cheese shops, vintage clothing stores, multicultural food restaurants, art galleries and street festivals in the heart of the city, just west of Chinatown.

Originally a working class neighbourhood of narrow, crowded houses that attracted various waves of immigrants, Kensington Market has always been known for diversity and multiculturalism. Over the years it evolved into a partially outdoor market with an eclectic mix of cafes, shops, stalls and attractions. In 2006 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The market is also known to be a defiantly independent, counterculture hub for artists and activists, and there are many galleries, theatre spaces and live music cafes. Don't miss Jumbo Empanadas for spicy Latino food, Courage My Love for vintage clothing finds and Moonbean Coffee for a London Fog. Kensington Market is well worth exploring.