St. Lawrence Market has been around since the 1800s and is referred to as one of the best locations for fresh meals in the world. Today, the location consists of over 120 vendors, selling produce, baked goods and more. However, the location was once known for carrying out public punishments such as flogging (whipping).

When it first opened in 1803, the market solely operated on Saturdays as a way for farmers and fishers to sell their weekly production, but has since turned into a year-round market. In 1849, a fire spread throughout the city of Toronto, leaving the market section of the building with extensive damages.

The then-called North Market was renamed St. Lawrence Hall after Canada’s patron saint and underwent extensive redesigns to allow for concerts, lectures, and public meetings to take place throughout the property. Today, this portion of the building makes up the ground floor’s retail space, as well as a third floor Great Hall that can be rented out for weddings and other special events. The building’s North Market is highly reminiscent of the market’s past, containing antique sales on Sundays with free admission to everyone. Lastly, the South Market is primarily used to sell produce and meat products, with space allocated for cultural exhibits.