As Toronto welcomes the season of autumn in full swing, the city’s beloved St. Lawrence Market steps into one of its most vibrant times of the year.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, the historic marketplace transforms into more than just a shopping destination – it becomes the heart of holiday preparation, where the flavours of the season meet tradition and community.
A MARKET STEEPED IN HISTORY AND COMMUNITY
For more than two centuries, St. Lawrence Market has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s food culture. Its reputation stretches beyond the city, but for locals and visitors alike, it remains a place where generations have come to gather ingredients and connect with the vendors who produce them.
Home to over 120 vendors, the market offers an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere: rows of farm-fresh produce, counters filled with specialty meats, the scent of artisanal breads straight from the oven, and displays of handcrafted goods that reflect the city’s rich diversity.
Every visit is a chance to support local farmers and small businesses, while also discovering the freshest ingredients Toronto has to offer.
CELEBRATING THE SEASON WITH STORIES AND FLAVOURS
Thanksgiving is a time when tables are filled with family, friends, and meaningful meals, and St. Lawrence Market positions itself as the go-to destination for everything needed to make that occasion memorable.
The stalls are brimming with fresh turkeys from trusted butchers, colourful root vegetables and leafy greens from Ontario farms, a blend of different cheeses crafted in small batches, and handmade pies and desserts that capture the spirit of the holiday season.
What sets the market apart is not just the variety, but the stories behind it.
Many of the vendors are family-run businesses that have been a part of the market’s fabric for decades, passing down recipes, techniques and a deep commitment to quality.
A butcher might share advice on how to prepare the perfect holiday turkey, while a cheesemaker offers samples of a unique local creation, and a baker reminds you to place an order early for their coveted pumpkin or apple pies.
These connections turn a shopping trip into a personal experience, rooted in trust and tradition.
For those planning a holiday feast, the market offers both convenience and inspiration. Seasonal produce guides the menu, encouraging dishes that reflect the best of autumn.
With everything found under one roof, preparing for Thanksgiving feels less like a chore and more like an experience to savour.
Ultimately, visiting St. Lawrence Market during the harvest season is about more than shopping, it’s about embracing a tradition that has shaped Toronto’s food culture for over 200 years.
The sights, sounds, and tastes of the market tell a story of community, resilience, and celebration. As Thanksgiving approaches, the market invites Torontonians and visitors alike to gather, give thanks, and bring home a piece of the city’s history to share at their own tables.
SUPPORT LOCAL
At the heart of St. Lawrence Market are the vendors whose dedication, craft, and passion bring the space to life.
Many are family-run businesses that have been part of Toronto’s food story for decades, while others bring fresh perspectives rooted in sustainable practices and global traditions.
Alex Farm Products
Upper Level 23
For more than 30 years, Alex Farm has built a reputation as one of the city’s most trusted cheesemongers. Their stalls showcase an unparalleled variety of imported and domestic cheeses, sourced weekly from across Europe and North America, alongside standout Canadian selections. Beyond cheese, the shop offers gourmet specialties like aged balsamic vinegars, truffle oils, foie gras, and beautifully crafted platters and gift baskets that make any occasion memorable.
Brown Brothers Meats
Upper Level 19
As the Market’s oldest butcher, Brown Brothers Meats has been a fixture for years. Anthony, who took over the business in the 1970s, modernized its approach while honouring its roots, introducing innovations like displaying cuts in cases and bringing peameal bacon — now a Market staple — to the public. Today, Brown Brothers continues to serve premium beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and veal, offering everything from roasts and steaks to handmade sausages and souvlaki.
Colwell Farms
The Esplanade, A54–56, 73–75
Supplying the Market community since 1929, Colwell Farms is a family-run operation that has been feeding generations of Torontonians. Every Saturday, they arrive with freshly harvested vegetables that reflect the season’s best. Known for their warm hospitality, they’ve built lasting relationships with regulars and newcomers — always offering quality produce with a smile and often a joke.
De La Terre Bakery
The Esplanade
Founded by Chef Jan Campbell-Luxton, De La Terre Bakery brings together fine culinary training and a commitment to sustainability. With roots in both professional kitchens and international development studies, Campbell-Luxton has built a bakery that champions organic farming and local producers. Every loaf and pastry reflects that ethos, with the bakery also embracing compostable packaging and environmentally conscious practices.
La Boucherie
Upper Level 3
La Boucherie is known for its premium selection of meats, from tender lamb and pork to flavourful beef and poultry. Their specialty lies in oven-ready roasts, chops, and steaks, seasoned with house spices that make holiday preparation effortless. With a focus on custom orders and personalized service, La Boucherie ensures that every cut meets the needs of its customers.
St. Lawrence Market welcomes visitors throughout the week, with the South Market open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the historic Saturday Farmers Market runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plan your visit and find more information on the market here.
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