St. Lawrence Market Food Tours

Since the early 1800s, when Toronto was named York, a public market has stood on Front Street in the city’s original downtown. It started as an open-air space where farmers brought their horse-drawn wagons loaded with produce to use as selling stalls. 

The market has undergone multiple renovations and rebuilds, and today the all-indoor St. Lawrence Market is an energetic emporium of culinary goodness. More than 120 independent food purveyors, from farmers and fishmongers to bakers and butchers, are located across two levels. Many are family-owned enterprises that have operated at the market for generations.

The St. Lawrence Market Food Tour by Culinary Adventure Co. dishes out generous market tastings combined with artful storytelling about the city and its foodie culture. Experienced, entertaining guides lead the small-group tours, which start at 11 a.m. (just in time for lunch) and last about two and a half hours.

One tasty favorite is peameal bacon, an Ontario sandwich staple that features cured and sliced pork loin on a soft country roll. It’s called peameal bacon because in the days before refrigeration, the meat was coated with a layer of ground yellow peas to act as a preservative. Cornmeal was later substituted for the peas, but the original name stuck. Other items on the menu include artisanal cheeses, smoked salmon, seasonal fruit and sweets. Merchants are often happy to chat about their family heritage and passion for their work.

A separate experience, the VIP Early Access Food Tour of St. Lawrence Market, starts at
8:30 a.m. before the market opens. Guests indulge in freshly brewed coffee and gourmet pastries while watching the merchants gear up for the day. This tour also includes expanded tastings and a gift. No matter the tour you choose, bring your appetite because your stomach will be full by the end. 93 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1C3, 877/317-4870, culinaryadventureco.com