Summer is market season in Toronto and there are several in the city where you can buy everything from vintage finds to gourmet goodies. Some markets take place for extended periods, while others last only a weekend and offer a relaxing way to spend an afternoon outdoors in the city. So, in addition to the many farmers markets currently in full swing, here are 10 other summer markets to shop for in Toronto this season.
Union summer
Starting June 27, Union Station will once again host a lively summer market covering 7,500 square feet at Sir John A. Macdonald Plaza on Front Street. Here we focus on food and drink, with 20 anchor vendors, as well as rotating mobile carts. The lineup is subject to change and some of the anchor vendors will be billed within five weeks, but you can expect to see (and eat) treats from Loaded Pierogi, Mad Mexican, Fancy Franks, Urban Herbivore, Burgers Priest, Oats & Ivy, Heirloom and more.
The market runs until September 5 from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to sunset. The licensed bar area is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 9 pm
Toronto flower market
What is summer without a lot of pretty flowers? You can easily get your flower arrangement courtesy of the Toronto Flower Market, which operates various dates during the summer and into the fall, including July 9, August 20, September 10, and October 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. pm The market takes place in Shaw Park and some of this year’s vendors include Flower Power, Pink Twig, Wild North Flowers, Boho Petals, and Pioneer Flower Farm to name a few. The focus here is on local flowers and plants grown in Ontario.
Sunday Market Distillery
Visit the Distillery District on a Sunday this summer to visit the Distillery Sunday Market, which runs through September 25 in Trinity Square. Everything for sale comes within a 100 mile radius of the market, making it easy to shop locally. The range of artisan products includes flowers, honey, sweets, hand-painted paper products, local preserves and much more. Some vendors to look out for are Bee Hamlin Honey, Doug McNish Vegan, Field Guide Botanicals, House of Empanadas, Lee’s Ghee, Holy Cannoli, and Cross Wind Farm.
Just keep in mind that not all vendors will be available for the entire market season.
Flea leslieville
This monthly market takes place at the Ashbridge Estate on the third Sunday of each month from June to October, including July 17, August 21, September 18, and October 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, there will be a special off-site flea in the Distillery District on Saturday, June 25 from 2 to 9 p.m. Depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll find all kinds of things at the Leslieville Flea, from clothing to household items (much of the which are vintage), more rescued and recycled items, as well as furniture, antiques, collectibles and artisan items.
Cafeteria del Mundo
Harbourfront Center hosts numerous cultural-themed events throughout the summer and World Café is a market of food-focused vendors that complement those events. World Café takes place on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer from July 1 to September 5 and offers people the opportunity to sample cuisines from around the world in conjunction with whatever festival takes place.
Lakeview Market
Harbourfront Center is also where you’ll find Lakeview Market, which also happens in conjunction with the local weekend festivals. Like World Café, the vendors at Lakeview Market are also themed for each festival. Expect artisan products, clothing, household items, and more. The market takes place on weekends from July 1 to September 5.
Front Street Foods
As the name suggests, this culinary-themed market originated on Front Street, but has since moved to Adelaide Place. If you’re in the area, you can stock up on a slew of delicious treats through August 5, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. And no matter what you fancy, from tacos to breakfast sandwiches, the variety at La Offer must mean that you find what you crave. Some of the vendors on the site include Brock Sandwich, Fred’s Bread, Kaboom Chicken, Little Fin, Station Cold Brew, Fresh, Tacos 101, and The Mighty Cob.
Artisan market in front of the sea
Waterfront Artisan Market takes place over six weekends this summer and into the fall, including June 18 and 19, July 1-3, July 30-August 1, September 3-5 and 8- October 10th. The eclectic open-air market is located in HTO Park on Toronto’s waterfront, and runs on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Not all vendors participate in all markets, but some Some to look for include Boreal Gelato, Cook’s Gourmet, Jamie Kennedy Kitchens, La Fiesta, Teppan Ice Cream, and Dundee Pottery and Stained Glass among many others.
The CM market
Located outside of Club Monaco’s iconic Bloor St. location, it’s where you’ll find the charming CM Market, which runs through September 3, seven days a week. Here you’ll find beautiful hand-tied bouquets from Sweet Woodruff, as well as all-natural popsicles courtesy of The Pop Stand, sandwiches and salads from Delica Kitchen, candy from The Bake Shoppe, espresso-based drinks from Sam James Coffee, and juice-pressed. cold and shakes from Evolution Food Co.
Night market in front of the sea
Head to Toronto’s Port Lands July 22-24 for an evening Asian market experience complete with a variety of street food-style meals on offer to stroll through the open-air market, and over 100 vendors to buy. There will also be entertainment throughout the weekend, including live music, a dance competition, interactive sports zone, performances by buskers and more. The popular market is a great way to experience Toronto’s diversity through food, music, and entertainment. Visit Friday 22 from 6 pm to midnight, Saturday 23 from 4 pm to midnight and Sunday 24 from 4 to 10 pm
