The St. Lawrence Market/East Waterfront neighbourhood is a historic and vibrant area located in Toronto. Bounded by Front St to the north, the waterfront to the south, Yonge St to the west and Don Valley Pkwy to the east, it is known for its vigorous market, lively atmosphere, and stunning waterfront views.
A large part of this area is referred to as the “St. Lawrence Market”, which is a large retail vendor market serving as the neighbourhood’s focal point and is a historic landmark that dates back to the 19th century. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. The South Market has recently opened its doors on Sundays and expanded its hours, making its beloved vendors more accessible to the public.
In addition to the market, the St. Lawrence neighbourhood is home to several historic buildings and landmarks like The St. Lawrence Hall built in 1849, which today houses the “North Market” of the St. Lawrence Market. The North Market building is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that is set to be completed in Summer of 2023. The construction includes a new 5-Storey, multi-use building that will house court rooms and offices on the upper floors, preserve the traditional market on the ground floor and add four levels of below grade parking. All of the St Lawrence Market buildings will be connected via a modern atrium, maximizing the full potential of the St Lawrence Market complex.
Other prominent landmarks in the area include Gooderham Building, which is commonly known as the “Flatiron Building” due to its unique shape, as well as both the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts and the Meridian Centre for the Performing Arts.
Just east of the St Lawrence Market is The Distillery District. The history of the area can still be felt in its present-day form, as more than forty buildings of the original district remain. They are considered to be some of the best-preserved among those constructed during the Victorian Industrial era in North America. Today, the area is known for its many art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, artist studios and workshops. The Distillery District is home to it’s famous annual Distillery Winter Village, often referred to as “The Christmas Market”. The creators of the Distillery District described their vision as creating a space where “people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs and new ways of living and working.” Like many areas in Toronto, it’s being expanded with new condo developments, creating more of a quiet neighbourhood environment.
The East Waterfront area, which is adjacent to the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and several major waterfront attractions, including Sugar Beach and the Sherbourne Common. The area has undergone major revitalization in recent years, with several new condo buildings and public spaces added to the waterfront. One of the more prominent additions to the waterfront will be the new LRT line that is currently in the works.
The St. Lawrence Market/East Waterfront neighbourhood is also well-served by public transportation, with transit routes passing through the area, including the King streetcar and several bus routes. The neighbourhood is also accessible via the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway.
Overall, the St. Lawrence Market/East Waterfront neighbourhood is a charismatic area that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and waterfront living. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Toronto’s historic scene.
