Private Canadian Food Discovery at the St Lawrence Market

Toronto , Canada

Private Canadian Food Discovery at the St Lawrence Market

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Join a food-loving local guide, head to one of the city’s most beloved food markets and learn all about some of Canada’s best culinary creations – from poutine to the iconic peameal bacon sandwich. In between bites, your guide will share insights into everything you’re tasting, giving you an inside look at how and what Canadians love to eat!

Available options

Private Tour

What's included

Tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay

Pierogis and maple candy

Famous Canadian soft drink

Local English-speaking guide

Piece of peameal bacon sandwich

1 butter tart, piece of Montreal-style bagel, apple cake

Locally roasted coffee (or tea)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is where we meet the guide

Stop 2

After a brief introduction to Old Town Toronto (the neighbourhood where this tour takes place), your guide will walk you past Berczy Park which features a stunning new fountain, on the way to one of their favourite coffee shops for a brew of your choice (coffee or tea), and then to a little sandwich shop nearby which is reputed to have the very best apple cake in the world. You can decide for yourself after a taste of it! It’s a truly local spot we love introducing our guests to.

From there, you’ll make your way to St. Lawrence Market - National Geographic once declared it the “Best Food Market in the World” - where you will learn about the origin of Toronto’s official signature food: the peameal bacon sandwich, which is a must-try food in the market. Celebrity chefs from Emeril to Anthony Bourdain have bitten into one of these, and now it’s your turn.

Time will be spent inside St. Lawrence Market visiting vendors on the two retail levels and sampling foods that have played an important role in the cultures of immigrants who settled here over the past two centuries, as well as foods which have become so common in this region it’s often a shock for locals to learn some of their favourites are virtually unknown outside of Ontario!

Each stop is a chance for your guide to tell you a little piece of Canadian history and about how the food fits into the cultural landscape of Canada and within their own lives. Each stop also offers the opportunity to interact with vendors, ask questions, and learn even more from the experts!

Foods of your tour can include butter tarts, mustard and pretzel sticks, ginger ale, Montreal-style bagels, cheese curds, pierogis, maple candy, and more!

The final stop on the tour will be a local pub which has been around for decades. This spot not only serves the popular French-Canadian dish known as poutine; they do a variation on it which shows the creativity that comes with being unbeholden to any specific culinary tradition!

By the end of this tour, you will not only have a better understanding of what Canadian food is, but also a little bit about about what it means to be Canadian!

What's not included

Additional food and drinks

Tips/gratuities for your guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Additional Information: The St. Lawrence Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so the tour does not run on those days.

Dietary Notes We can accommodate vegetarians, but much of the food featured has one or more of gluten, butter, refined sugar, eggs, and/or cheese. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests, but other than vegetarians, we do not recommend this tour for people with other dietary restrictions as adequate food substitutions may not be possible

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the sidewalk outside the Hockey Hall of Fame Building on the NW corner of Front St. and Yonge St.

Important notes

Dress Code
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking.

Additional Information
The St. Lawrence Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so the tour does not run on those days.

Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians, but much of the food featured has one or more of gluten, butter, refined sugar, eggs, and/or cheese. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests, but other than vegetarians, we do not recommend this tour for people with other dietary restrictions as adequate food substitutions may not be possible

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About Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city and a vibrant multicultural hub known for its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene. It's a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a dynamic urban experience with a welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

CN Tower

The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.

Architecture 1-2 hours $38 CAD for general admission

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art.

Museum 2-3 hours $23 CAD for adults

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and stunning views of the skyline, it's a perfect spot for picnics, cycling, and relaxation.

Nature Half-day to full day $8.25 CAD round trip ferry ticket

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. It's an exciting and educational experience for all ages.

Attraction 1-2 hours $42.99 CAD for adults

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic and charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant arts scene. It's a great place for shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, varies for shops and restaurants

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poutine

A classic Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Main Dish Contains dairy and gluten

Butter Tarts

A sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and sometimes raisins or pecans.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

A Toronto specialty featuring peameal bacon (back bacon rolled in cornmeal) served on a bun.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains pork

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake dessert square with a crumb base, a light custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate layer on top.

Dessert Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Canoeing Spas Yoga Meditation Museums Art Galleries

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the best time to visit Toronto for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and events.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Toronto is generally considered a safe city, but like any major urban center, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport • 22.5 km from city center
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport • 3 km from city center

By train

Toronto Union Station

By bus

Toronto Coach Terminal, Union Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The TTC subway system is efficient and widely used. It consists of four lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Toronto Kensington Market Chinatown The Annex Leslieville

Day trips

Niagara Falls

130 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, offering breathtaking views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

135 km from Toronto • Full day

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its historic sites, wineries, and beautiful architecture.

Blue Mountain

150 km from Toronto • Full day or overnight

Blue Mountain is a popular year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a charming village with shops and restaurants.

Festivals

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) • September Pride Toronto • June Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) • August

Pro tips

Visit the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle
Explore the Distillery District for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene
Try local craft beers at one of the city's many breweries
Visit during the Toronto Christmas Market for a magical and festive experience
Take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the city skyline