The St. Lawrence Market Complex consists of three buildings, St. Lawrence Hall, the South Market and the North Market:

St. Lawrence Hall was built in 1850 after the great fire of 1849, and the hall quickly became the social and cultural centre for Toronto, playing host to grand balls, public lectures and concerts.

North St. Lawrence Market was established in 1803 after Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter declared this area the 'official market block.' The new North Market Building is currently under development.

The front of the South St. Lawrence Market dates to 1845 and was built as the first official City Hall in Toronto. The police station, holding cell, market and council chamber were located inside. As Toronto’s population grew, council left this building in 1899 for ‘Old City Hall,’ located at Queen and Bay Streets. The second floor features the Market Gallery, an art gallery and museum located in the former council chamber - we will discuss there about William Lyon Mackenzie, a political reformer and first mayor of Toronto.

Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveller, backpacker, part of a small groups of friends, or a newcomer.
ABOUT
Beginning in front of St. Lawrence Hall, the interactive tour hosted by your guides Alex RascanuLisa Elaschuk will cover key aspects of St. Lawrence Market's history and will place special emphasis on William Lyon Mackenzie, a political reformer and first mayor of Toronto. The tour will conclude at Balzac's Market Street coffee shop.