Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most well-known and loved neighbourhoods. Many diverse cultures and unique stores call this area home, so you’ll be sure to find something you love in Kensington. Here are some of the things you can do in this part of the city, and where to do them.
1. Shop
Image Credit: subrosavintage-blog tumblr
16 Kensington Avenue
Sub Rosa is a vintage clothing store known for its great style. While it may not be the cheapest, you know you’ll find some hand-picked greatness here.
14 Kensington Avenue
This place is packed with items that make it super easy to get lost inside. Spend hours browsing craft supplies, jewelry, and clothes of all different styles. If you’re looking for something niche you haven’t been able to find anywhere else, Courage is a great bet.
250 Augusta Avenue
This quirky gift store is my favourite place to shop the day away. I recomend it to everyone when they aren’t sure exactly what to buy someone. They have so many cute one-of-a-kind and unique options- you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift.
2. Grab a tasty treat
Image Credit: Bunner’s Bake Shop – Facebook
244 Augusta Avenue
Bunner’s Bake Shop is a 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery selling delicious cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and other made to order sweet treats! You can find the home of their original location here in Kensington, with another in the Junction and one on Ossington.
225 Augusta Avenue
Sweet Olenka’s has some of the best looking gourmet ice cream, cakes, and chocolates that you’ll ever see. There is something for everyone, including vegans, at this small but mighty dessert café.
287 Augusta Avenue
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky sells pie, as you can imagine, but also has a variety of tarts, cakes, and even a special lunch menu! This spot has the signature Kensington vibe- fun, cozy, and usually packed full of people, including the outdoor patio.
3. Explore culture
192 Augusta Avenue
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian who misses meat, or a meat-eater who is curious about options without animals, this Chinese restaurant is a MUST. They only serve items made fresh from scratch, and they even have recipes on their website.
6 St Andrew Street
Saigon Lotus is a Vietnamese and Thai vegetarian restaurant featuring plenty of tasteful dishes you’ll be excited to try. According to their website, they craft dishes “with fresh ingredients from the market, on location, and [with] a commitment to cook with less MSG (monosodium glutamate) and oil.”
4. Spend some time outdoors
Image Credit: BlogTO
Bellevue Square Park
One of Kensington Market’s parks was under construction for a while, but has recently opened back up again! It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the outdoors.
Pedestrian Sundays
Pedestrian Sundays run in Kensington Market every spring. On a designated Pedestrian Sunday, all car traffic in and out of Kensington will be blocked and city goers can explore the streets (literally!)
There are many things to do in Kensington Market all year round- from warming up with some pie and warm thrifted clothes in the winter, to grabbing an ice cream and relaxing in the park in the summer. Enjoy!
Posted by: Nicolina Moscati
