by José Gonzalez
Who wants to shop indoors when the sun is out? Outdoor markets are a staple of the city, and many of the markets listed below take place in the urban outdoors in some of Toronto's loveliest neighbourhoods. Check many of the local shops, vendors and restaurants the city has on offer, specially chosen for the season. [Photo credit: courtesy of the Distillery Historic District]
Market 707
This market is uniquely features shipping container food stalls, each offering its own brand of food, like a bakery offering freshly made macrons and espresso, Latin street foods like empanadas, and one spot selling some of best poutine in the city. If you're looking for more than food, there are a few shops here as well, and if you miss it this summer, the market is open year-round.
Toronto Flower Market
Summer brings with the blooming of many fragrant flowers, and a lovely arrangement may be just what you need to brighten up your day. This market includes 26 vendors offering a variety of flower arrangements for special occasions like weddings and parties, or to place somewhere in your home.
Artfest at the Distillery
Spruce up your home with some new works of art you can find at this market, selling paintings, sculptures, photos and other items. While shopping, you can enjoy the sights of the Distillery District and live music performed throughout the weekend.
Distillery District Sunday Market
One of the city's most beloved neighbourhoods is the perfect setting for an outdoor market. This market includes fresh items, from flowers and produce to baked bread. There are also artisanal items for sale, prepared food you can eat on the spot, and sometimes a live musical performance.
Adelaide Eats
Billing itself as the original outdoor food market, it first popped up two years ago on Front Street, under the name Front Street Foods. Its success spawned more street food markets in the following years, and the market itself moved to Adelaide Place, where it continues to pull in hungry office tower workers in the downtown core.
Yorkville Village Summer Market
With a name that's so straightforward, you can be sure to expect delicious food from fresh produce to baked goods to VQA wines. In addition to the meals on offer, you can also shop at vendors from many of the stores in Yorkville.
Leslieville Flea
The popular east end flea market is set to return with unique handcrafted art, jewellery, and other goods. Vendors also offer vintage items, such as furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques. This year, in addition to the regular market at Ashbridges Estate, there are also special pop-up markets in the Distillery District.
Kensington Flea
One of Toronto's trendiest neighbourhoods is opening a special flea market on select weekends throughout the summer. Vendors have yet to be finalized, but they're expected to include many food vendors offering cool summer treats (think ice cream) alongside vendors selling vintage items and handmade crafts.
Lisgar Park Market
Details are still slim, but this market is scheduled to debut on June 24 with a lineup of 20 to 30 vendors. This number might grow to as many as 50 by the end of the summer, although it's difficult to know for sure until it gets going. The lineup is expected to be made of local businesses, and should brighten up the humble west end park.
Pan Am Food Festival
The Americas have a variety of different flavours, and this market gives you a taste of them with vendors from Canada to Argentina. The vendors include a mix of stalls and food trucks, and there are a host of performers in the area to entertain you throughout the day.
