The lore of Kensington Market Toronto
Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most diverse neighbourhoods, grew on an old estate cut into lots, with shops built onto its row houses.
Tap a year to see where it happened, or press Play.
1815
War of 1812 veteran George Taylor Denison buys 156 acres, building a house called Belle Vue. Much of today's market stands there.
Kensington Market Historical SocietyThe Canadian Encyclopedia, 2017City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)
c. 1822
Landowner William Warren Baldwin lays out Spadina Avenue at twice the usual width, about 40 metres. It becomes the market's eastern edge.
City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)Parks Canada, Directory of Federal Heritage DesignationsWikipedia
c. 1854
By 1854 the Denison estate is cut into lots. By the late 1890s most are built on, cottages even along back lanes.
City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2017
1899
Belle Vue is demolished. In the 1890s Denison's heirs give its front square, his drill ground, to the City as a park.
City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)Kensington Market Historical Society
c. 1918
A weekly market runs along Kensington Avenue and Baldwin Street. In the 1920s, stalls in front of houses replace handcarts.
City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2017
1967
The City cancels its plan to redevelop the market, partly after local opposition. Parking lots on two streets are all it builds.
1977
Food sellers fall from 67% of the market's businesses in 1964 to 39%. Newer shops sell hardware and clothing.
1988
A local arts group starts the Festival of Lights. Each 21 December, lanterns and fire now light up the year’s longest night.
2004
Pedestrian Sundays begin. Once a month in summer, parts of Augusta Avenue, Baldwin Street and Kensington Avenue close to cars.
2006
Canada names the 27-hectare market a National Historic Site. Its listed features include shops built onto mostly Victorian row houses.
Parks Canada, Directory of Federal Heritage DesignationsCity of Toronto, City Planning (2026)
2016
Singer Molly Johnson, raised in the market, starts its jazz festival: over 200 musicians play nine of its venues.
2025
Toronto City Council adopts a plan to conserve the market district's 717 properties. The Ontario Land Tribunal approves it in 2026.
City of TorontoOntario Heritage Trust, Ontario Heritage Act RegisterCity of Toronto, City Planning (2026)
OUR PICK2026
On Kensington Avenue, Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos. Our pick for the best fish tacos in Toronto.
Fodor'sToronto Life, 23 August 2013Sherman's Food Adventures, 7 August 2025
Today
Today Kensington Market is famous for its vintage shops, its street art and its food from around the world.
SOURCES
- Kensington Market Heritage Conservation District Plan, Volume 1City of Toronto, City Planning (2026)
- Kensington Market National Historic Site of CanadaParks Canada, Directory of Federal Heritage Designations
- George Taylor DenisonKensington Market Historical Society
- Kensington Market (Bruce Beaton)The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2017
- Overview: Kensington Market HCD Study and PlanCity of Toronto
- Kensington Market Heritage Conservation DistrictOntario Heritage Trust, Ontario Heritage Act Register
- Kensington MarketWikipedia
- Seven Lives Tacos y MariscosFodor's
- Review: Seven LivesToronto Life, 23 August 2013
- Seven Lives Tacos y MariscosSherman's Food Adventures, 7 August 2025
- Guide to Kensington MarketDestination Toronto (official tourism)
- Winter Solstice FestivalblogTO
- Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade: 25 years of revelryLiving Toronto Journal
- Kensington Market Jazz FestivalThe WholeNote
- Kensington Market Jazz Festival returns for its 9th yearJAZZ.FM91
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. The print of Kensington Market