Kensington Market

First a Jewish neighbourhood, then Portuguese, Kensington Market today reveals the influence of dozens of cultures. Caribbean fish markets stand next to cannabis culture shops. Chinese vegetable vendors sell their produce opposite Middle Eastern grocers. The southern end of Kensington Avenue is Toronto’s destination for vintage clothing. And the aroma of roasting coffee beans draws caffeine junkies from all over the city to Ideal Coffee on Nassau Street.

Major Event
The Festival of Lights is Kensington Market’s answer to December’s dark days. It’s a glowing parade that celebrates the area’s many cultures. The lantern-lit musicians, singers, stilt-walkers and dancers make their way around the market near the winter solstice.

Interesting Fact
The No. 8 Hose Station is a Kensington landmark, sitting at the corner of College and Bellevue. Built in 1878 to keep up with a growing city, it was the first Toronto fire station to get a motorized fire engine. In the 1970s, an arsonist set the station on fire, severely damaging it. Ignoring calls to tear it down and build anew, the Toronto Fire Department carefully restored the historical structure. Today its clock tower is used as a reference point by locals.