Kensington Market Travel Guides

Kensington Market

Wander the narrow streets of this lively district to discover fashion and home décor stores, festivals, cafés and restaurants.

Visit Kensington Market to shop at fashion boutiques, sample food from around the world and enjoy free cultural events. The district started out in the 1920s when Jewish families would sell goods from stands set up outside of their homes. Walk along the narrow streets today and you’ll find influences from Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America, among other regions. You will also find elaborate street art and quirky humor on shop signs.

Vintage clothing lovers will enjoy shopping for alternative clothing with original prints on Kensington Avenue, where colorful Victorian houses double up as independent boutiques. Along nearby Augusta Avenue you’ll find more vintage shops as well as one-off jewelry items and home décor goods.

You can also visit Kensington Market to sample food from a range of cultures. Find everything from Mexican burritos and Indian tapas to Italian ice cream and coffee. Experience the sights and smells of exotic spices, fruits and vegetables in the covered fresh-produce market.

Go to Bellevue Square Park to truly appreciate the diversity of the district. Don’t be surprised to see an aging hippy chat to a Rastafarian while street performers execute their daily routines and children play on the swings and slides. Take a seat on a bench and enjoy this cultural melting pot.

Come back for cultural events such as free concerts and dance performances. Take cooking and yoga classes on Pedestrian Sundays, when culture spills out onto the streets without the disturbance of traffic. Dance to the beat of a samba parade during Kensington Karnival’s celebration of the winter solstice. Art enthusiasts will enjoy Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art festival that takes place in October. Find full event details on the market’s official website.

Located just west of downtown Toronto, Kensington Market is a 20-minute walk from the CN Tower. Parking is limited in the neighborhood, especially on weekends. Public transport, such as the bus and streetcar, is a more convenient option.

The Kensington Market is open daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Visit the market’s official website for the opening times of individual businesses.

Where to stay in Kensington Market

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Eaton Centre shopping, Queen's Park, and Toronto's thriving theater scene, with its famous Elgin Theatre, are all within 3 blocks of this stylish, family-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown.

33 Gerrard St W

Guest Rating: 3.8 out of 5

One King West Hotel & Residence

Conveniently located at the corner of King and Yonge streets, One King West connects you to Toronto’s downtown business, entertainment, and shopping districts.

1 King Street West

Guest Rating: 4.3 out of 5

The Fairmont Royal York

Set in the dynamic business district, The Fairmont Royal York hotel, built in 1929, is across the street from Union Station, 2 blocks from the convention center and Air Canada Centre, and 3 blocks from CN Tower.

100 Front St West

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto

Located just north of the city center, the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto is a quarter-mile from Eaton Centre Mall and University of Toronto and one mile from the theater district and SkyDome.

475 Yonge St

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Bond Place Hotel

Located in Downtown Toronto, this eco-friendly hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mackenzie House, University of Toronto, and Hockey Hall of Fame. Toronto Public Library and Canadian Broadcasting Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km).

65 Dundas St E

Guest Rating: 3.8 out of 5

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

This contemporary Toronto hotel is 1 block from the Art Gallery of Ontario, 3 blocks from both Eaton Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum, and 5 blocks from the harborfront.

108 Chestnut St

Guest Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Sheraton Gateway Hotel In Toronto International Airport

The Sheraton Gateway is the only hotel connected to Toronto's Pearson International Airport, with a skywalk link to Terminal 3 and an automated train to Terminal 1; the International Centre is 1 block away.

Terminal 3, Toronto AMFPO Box 3000, PO Box 3000

Guest Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Quality Suites Toronto Airport

Quality Suites Toronto Airport is a 5-minute drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport and less than 10 minutes from Woodbine Racetrack. Canada's Wonderland® theme park is a 20-minute drive, with downtown Toronto and the CN Tower just 10 minutes more.

262 Carlingview Dr

Guest Rating: 3.6 out of 5

Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites

Right by the terminals, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites is within a 5-minute drive of the International Centre and the Toronto Congress Centre. It's a 25-minute drive to downtown Toronto, where guests can ascend the cloud-busting CN Tower. Royal Woodbine Golf Club is 5 minutes by car.

5875 Airport Road

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Novotel Toronto Centre

Situated between Lake Ontario and the southern edge of downtown, this Toronto hotel is adjacent to the Sony Centre and within 4 blocks of the St Lawrence Market, the Air Canada Centre, and the CN Tower.

45 The Esplanade

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Centrally located downtown, many of Toronto's main attractions are within walking distance; PATH, the world's largest underground walkway network and shopping complex, is accessible below the hotel.

123 Queen St W

Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5

Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel

Situated near the airport, in Mississauga, this hotel is close to Mississauga Hershey Centre, Iceland Arena, and Hershey Sport Zone. Local attractions also include Red Rose Convention Centre and Mississauga Grand Banquet and Convention Centre.

5825 Dixie Rd

Guest Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Kensington Market