Kensington Market BIA — Local services in Toronto

The reason for 4 stars is the plethora of garbage cans. They regularly make the sidewalks impassable, and many are in desperate need of cleaning. (Yes, garbage cans can actually need cleaned.)

Kensington Market has a wonderful array of merchants. From spices to cheeses, and veggies to meat or fish, it's all in the Market. Plus restaurants, clothing, dentists, and a soup kitchen.

Prices are pretty much the same as anywhere else. I'm done cases, they are higher. You can occasionally find a bargain. I like the spice shop on Augusta South of Baldwin, and Sanagan's on Baldwin.

As of May 2024, the main parking lot is still closed for repairs. So there is no designated handicapped parking, and very little parking of any kind in the Market. The only accessibility for sidewalks is at intersections. Most of the buildings are so old there are no door openers either. That's supposing you can get up the steps in the first place. But many shops do have street...

Kensington Market is one-of-a-kind in this country—an institution really. You walk through it, not into it, and the whole place opens up around you. History, culture, food, art, vintage shops—it’s all packed into quite a few vibrant blocks.

There’s no jerk store, but there is a jerk spot. A shop named after the “King of Kensington” (a 70’s TV show for you kids) it made me smile, and also names like “People Hair Salon” (in case you wanted a cut for your puppy). It all provides a sense of the character around here—clever, offbeat, and full of charm.

If you’ve got the time to poke around, you’ll find real gems. Vintage 501s, throwback tees, and odd little treasures you didn’t know you were looking for.

Nowhere else in Canada quite like this market. Just a great walk through one of Toronto’s most iconic...

I love this place...No one ever told me how effing cool Kensington is. The market runs from I think May or June until November, every Sunday, with vendors selling all kinda of cool things...anyone can come abd set up, I don't believe the vendors have to pay...There are DJ's, live music, hip hop...the place is lit!!! There are Raccoons, Rats, skunk...some of the creatures that graced me with their presence while I was in Kennsington..such a frigging awesome market....graffiti everywhere, establishments, houses, back alleyways..you name it..there is graffiti...it is literally on the rainbow spectrum of my faveourite places on the earth. I heart Kennsington..Also some really good vegan food options...and super awesome tattoo establishment LA Galeria Ink..I love love love love it. So Vibrant, Rich,...