St. Lawrence Market

GO HERE: to check a Toronto institution off your list. The historic market, which has been operating at its current site since 1803, is the city’s largest gathering of butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, and gourmet specialists under one vaulted roof, where they sell tomahawk rib eyes, tins of foie gras, fresh tofu, seafood, spices, nuts, and kitchen gadgets. The adjacent farmers’ market is a showcase of Ontario’s best seasonal produce.

ORDER THE: Peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery, which is to Toronto what the Vienna beef sandwich is to Chicago (i.e., worth trying once. Just be sure to load up on peppers and mustard). But don’t stop there: The Italian sandwiches from Uno Mustachio are sensationally sloppy; St. Urbain’s bagels are as good as they make them in Montreal; and the assorted canned goods and by-the-pound antipasti from Scheffler’s Delicatessen & Cheese are picnic-ready.

THE VIBE IS: hectic, but pleasantly so. It’s usually a 70-30 mix of locals out shopping for specialty goods or picking up a market lunch, and busloads of tour groups who do more gawking than eating. The people watching is top-notch—just watch out for the strollers.

PRACTICAL STUFF: Market hours are Tuesday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.