Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market

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A neighbourhood in Toronto, Kensington Market is adjacent to Chinatown, and a National Historic Site of Canada. It became a Jewish neighbourhood in the early 1900s, as the Jews weren’t allowed to do business in other parts of the city. Over time, waves of immigrants moved in and then out, creating a dynamic feel to the area. Now the market is full of South American, Caribbean, and Chinese populations and the narrow streets are lined with Victorian row houses, eclectic cafes and vintage stores. The community is strongly opposed to multinational chair stores, and successfully prevented Starbucks, Nike, and Walmart from opening in or nearby the neighbourhood. Now, Kensington Market is a haven to all sorts, from Rastafarians and artists to punk crusties and Hippies. It all makes for a vibrant community.

Since 2004, on the last Sunday of the month from May through October, Kensington Market becomes a pedestrian paradise. Most streets are closed to cars to allow pedestrians, food stalls, buskers and musicians to take over. This summer has been super busy for us, so the first Pedestrian Sunday I was able to visit was at the end of August. Tomiko, Donatello, and I tasted fresh cinnamon-coated churros, oysters that tasted like the sea, instant CO2 ice cream, and local bagels. Everything was delicious, and everyone was happy to be out in this beautiful summer day!