A Toronto Favourite: Kensington Market

Kensington Market Toronto (not to be mistaken with the one in London, England), remains a favourite haunt for residents, despite, or perhaps because, of its constant transformation.

Oh, how it has changed over the years. The Kensington Market of this week will not be the same Kensington Market a year from now. It’s almost artistic in the way that it changes, and each of these changes tends to reflect back the wider picture of what is happening to the city itself. While this is true to some extent of most places, here it is especially so.

neon welcome sign of kensington mi amor — (South American influence: “Kensington Mi Amor.”)

Kensington Market’s Rich History

Walking through this colourful neighbourhood brings back old memories. There is an undeniable nostalgia for us whenever we go there as it is a place loaded with memories. What happened to all the stores long gone? And really, why did the bulk bean store and fresh fish stores have to go?

This place is filled with history. Members from Toronto’s Jewish community began the market in the early 1900s, with new immigrant groups also settling into the market. Growing up, it was filled with Jewish, Italian and Portuguese shops. Little remains of that history now, replaced with stores that reflect the arrival of newer immigrant groups. It’s as if the market is a live history book.

We thought we’d share with you what we liked most about Kensington Market Toronto from this visit.

Take a look.

Spend a Day in Kensington Market Toronto

welcome to kensington mural — (Welcome to Kensington Market Toronto)

The Kensington Market neighbourhood extends to include residential areas, and even the elementary school, Kensington Community School. It is downtown, near the University of Toronto, and right next to Chinatown.

According to The Canadian Encyclopedia,

“Kensington Market sits on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and the Huron-Wendat.”

a statue on college near Augusta — (Statue of Jesus begging called, “Whatsoever you do.” outside the Church of St. Stephen-in-the-Fields. Incidentally, in 2013 the statue was stolen for a brief period of time, and then return with a note of apology. There is a homeless encampment in the church’s front yard, but we did not take a photo out of respect for the people living there.)

row houses near park in kensington market — (When our dad first came to Canada in the 1960s, he rented a room in one of these row houses. That house was valued at $12,000 CAD.)

art vendors in kensington market — (In this trendy neighborhood, there is a combination of residential and business housing.)

A Nod to Lisbon

The market itself, specifically where the main stores are, has expanded from the times of our childhoods. Still, the Main Street remains the same: it’s Augusta Avenue (we think this is a nod to the popular Rua Augusta in Lisbon’s Chiado neighbourhood). It was at the market that our family would run into the newest arrivals from back in Portugal, and meet old friends, find Portuguese newspapers, get traditional food like cod fish, and clothes (practical and inexpensive). The Portuguese bookstore had outside speakers, turned on to an impossibly high volume with Portuguese news and often, men would gather around to meet up with friends to catch up on news. You’d probably do more socializing than shopping on a Saturday.

an alleyway with panted murals — (The whole area is a canvas.)

kensington market wall mural — (Bikes are a favourite mode of transportation. In warm weather, they take back the street from cars.)

heart painted on a sidewalk in downtown toronto — (For the joy of art.)

king of kensington al waxman statue — (The small Bellevue Square park has probably gone through a dozen main changes since Isabel, who is the eldest, played there. It was more child-friendly before, but it’s always been a place for everyone to enjoy. There is a more recent edition of a statue of Canadian actor, Al Waxman, who for many years starred on the Canadian show, “King of Kensington.” He was a beloved Canadian icon, who mentored students later in life. Isabel remembers him as a kind and devoted family man, who delighted in the craft of acting.)

wanda's pies — (Wanda’s Pie in the Sky is a neighborhood favourite for homestyle pies, cakes and other goodies.)

fruit market in kensingon market — (Once upon a time, this sight was common here, but not it’s the only store with outside displays of fruit and vegetables.)

bikes against a white picket fence — (Bicycles everywhere throughout the neighbourhood.)

This special neighbourhood is also not a very big. It’s confined to a few streets, and it can get crowded in warm weather. The people watching is fun too since there’s an assortment of people.

Most Torontonians engage in a type of friendly distance, so you probably won’t be engaging in small talk with the people you meet as can happen in some other places. Torontonians are generally nice people–we have grown up here and Marilyn was born here, so we can attest to that, and we like to think we’re nice people ourselves. But there is a reserved quality to how most Torontonians interact. This may take some getting used to if you are accustomed to more friendliness, but it’s how Toronto is and has always been for us. Ask for directions and you will see the friendly side of Torontonians–we want you to enjoy our city because there is so much to like here.

Yellow building cheese store in Kensington Market Toronto — (The various buildings’ colours are fun.)

Despite the hype about Kensington Market, you must know that it is a very chill, low-key, bohemian place. There’s something sombre about it too, especially in the winter months. This happens more so as evening approaches and the stores begin to close. It tends to have a very unique vibe to other Toronto landmarks. It’s really a place to walk through, grab something to eat (there is plenty of variety), and choose something unique from one of the unique stores.

While there are a few vintage clothing stores, Courage My Love, is our favourite. It has some fun finds in good condition.