The idea of the St. Lawrence Market was conceived as early as 1803. At that time, Governor Peter Hunter proclaimed that the "land bound by Front, Jarvis, King and Church Street be designated the ‘Market Block’". Since 1901, the South St. Lawrence Market has been known for the sale of its fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese. Over the years, original buildings have been revitalized and new additions have been built to incorporate three separate buildings of the Market.

The South Market contains over 50 specialty vendors, selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, grain, baked good, dairy products, as well as non-food items, such as plants and specialty coffee and teas. Shoppers are definitely guaranteed a wide assortment of selections to choose from. The second floor of the South Market is home to the Market Gallery, the official exhibition center for the City of Toronto Archives. It is here that paintings, artifacts, photographs, maps, and other documents from the City of Toronto’s extensive archival and fine art auction are displayed for public viewing. The North Market is well known for its extensive Saturday Farmer’s Market. Producers from all over southern Ontario bring their fresh seasonal produce to set up for sale to customers who arrive at The Market, often as early as dawn. Shoppers will experience over 1,000 aromas to tantalize their senses, all while being serenaded by the saxophone. A complimentary Children’s Activity Center is located in the South Market on Saturday, where children are watched and can play, leaving parents free to browse on their own.

Located at 95 Front Street East, from Union Station, walk along or drive down Front Street east for three blocks until you reach the St. Lawrence Hall.

There is plenty of paid parking surrounding the entire Market. The best day to visit to experience the entire Market is on Saturday from 5am until 5pm. Antique lovers may wish to visit on Sundays when over 80 antique dealers fill the North Market and surrounding the plaza as early as 5am.