Kensington MarketAbout Kensington Market
Kensington Market is an older inner city neighbourhood whose identity is closely tied to street level retail, small grocers and an informal market atmosphere. Its mix of cultures and businesses has made it a long standing symbol of everyday Toronto.
The area is often described as a legend as much as a district, and it has been widely photographed. The character comes from its compact, walkable streets where shops and stalls spill towards the pavement and the feel changes from block to block.
In 2006 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada, recognising its importance to Toronto’s history and urban culture. Today it remains best experienced on foot, taking time to explore side streets and storefronts.
What to See at Kensington Market
- The market streets themselves, where the partly outdoor market feel is most evident.
- A mix of independent grocers and food shops reflecting the neighbourhood’s multicultural character.
- Street scenes and shopfronts, a classic subject for photographers in Toronto.
- Side streets and laneways around the main market area, which show the neighbourhood’s older fabric.
- Everyday local life: browsing, sampling snacks and watching the flow of people through the district.
Nearby Attractions to Kensington Market
Best Time to Visit Kensington Market
Daytime is best for browsing and photographing, when shops are open and the streets feel most like a market. Weekdays are usually calmer, while weekends tend to be busier and more lively.
Weather & Climate near Kensington Market
Kensington Market's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (835 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -1° | -11° | 54 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -1° | -10° | 49 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 4° | -4° | 56 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 11° | 4° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| June | Very Good | 14° - 24° | 19° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Excellent | 17° - 27° | 22° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Excellent | 16° - 26° | 21° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 12° - 21° | 17° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 67 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 8° | 1° | 78 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 2° | -7° | 65 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Kensington Market
Kensington Market is in downtown Toronto, and it is easiest to reach by public transport to the city centre, then walking into the market streets. If you are already downtown, it is a straightforward walk and you can combine it with nearby neighbourhoods and sights.
Driving is possible but parking can be limited and traffic can be slow, so public transport, walking or cycling are usually simpler.
Tips for Visiting Kensington Market
- Wear comfortable shoes, the best way to see it is on foot and you will likely wander.
- Bring cash and a reusable bag, some small shops and market style vendors may prefer simple transactions.
- Go with an appetite, food is a big part of the experience and sampling as you browse works well.
- Be considerate when photographing, it is a lived in neighbourhood as well as a visitor area.