Ontario has some of the greatest food markets in the world. From Asian night market-inspired food halls to a century-old daily market, there’s a food market ready to be explored for every palate. While some are open year-round, many run for just the summer – or just one special weekend! Here are five exciting food markets to visit this summer.
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SMORGASBURG
7 Queens Quay E., Toronto
This massive outdoor food market has been a staple in cities across the U.S. since 2011, and now it’s arriving in Toronto for the summer. Dubbed the “Woodstock of Eating” by The New York Times, Toronto’s version of Smorgasburg will run on Saturdays from July 23 to September 8 and will feature more than 50 local vendors like Afrobeat Kitchen, Sunny’s Chinese and Spice Girl Eats.
SUPERFRESH
384 Bloor Street W, Toronto
Superfresh is a new 4,000-square-foot Asian night market-inspired food hall located in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto. Styled after the look and feel of an outdoor night market in East Asia, Superfresh serves up food from Asian-led and owned businesses across the city, including noodles from Big Beef Bowl and baked goods from The Good Goods.
COVENT GARDEN MARKET
130 King Street, London
Covent Garden Market in London has been around since 1845. Open seven days a week, this massive market offers up food, services, cultural festivals and events. Plus, every Saturday, there’s a farmers market where you can find local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and prepared foods from all around southwestern Ontario. It’s the perfect place to pick up your park hang must-haves.
NIGHT IT UP!
179 Enterprise Boulevard, Markham
Night it Up! lights up Markham for just one special weekend in August. The festival is the longest-running night market in the GTA and offers up a mosaic of delicious Asian street foods and performances from local talents. And, after a two-year hiatus, this year’s festival is slated to be the biggest yet. Night it Up! is influenced by night markets like the ones in Taiwan, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. This year’s Night it Up! takes place from August 5 to 7.
Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market
Springer Market Square, 216 Ontario Street, Kingston
This market in downtown Kingston will feature Indigenous performers and vendors selling food, as well as art, jewelry, mugs and clothing. There will also be live performances from talented people from across Turtle Island. Check it out on Sundays throughout the summer.
Discover more uniquely local markets across our great province by downloading passports from the Great Taste of Ontario!
This piece was originally published in the June 24th Edition of the Great Taste of Ontario Special Report in the Globe and Mail.
