NOVEMBER 18, 2025

Discover Life in Kensington Market

Few places in Toronto capture the city’s creative energy quite like Kensington Market.

Vibrant, walkable, and full of history and personality, Kensington Market is a neighbourhood that feels alive in every sense. Just steps from MRKT Alexandra Park, this part of the city invites you to slow down, explore, and experience something new every day.

Where History Lives On

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Kensington Market has been shaped by generations of people who made Toronto their home. In the early 1900s, this was the city’s Jewish immigrant corridor, lined with kosher delis and tailor shops. Over time, it grew into one of Toronto’s most diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods, now recognized by UNESCO as a site of cultural heritage.

You can still feel that history everywhere you look, in the colourful Peace Mural, the quirky Garden Car, and the historic Victorian homes that have been transformed into cafés, boutiques, and bakeries. Every street has a story, and every corner reveals something unexpected.

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A Taste of the World in a Few Short Blocks

Every part of Kensington tells a story through its food. Grab a coffee at FIKA Café, a cozy spot tucked inside a converted house. Wander down Augusta Avenue and you will find dishes from around the globe, like Baja fish tacos from Seven Lives, Jamaican patties from Golden Patty, and Chilean comfort food from Jumbo Empanadas. You can also stop by Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for something sweet, explore the incredible selection at Cheese Magic, or visit Sanagan’s Meat Locker, a neighbourhood favourite known for its high-quality, locally sourced meats.

In just a few blocks, you can taste flavours from more than 50 cultures. It is this mix of culinary creativity and global influence that gives Kensington its distinct character.

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A Neighbourhood That Moves to Its Own Beat

Kensington is best explored on foot. Step inside Courage My Love, a vintage treasure trove that has been part of the community since the 1970s, or stop by Good Egg, a beloved local shop filled with cookbooks, kitchen treasures, and gifts.

At Bellevue Square Park, neighbours gather under the trees while buskers and musicians fill the air with sound. Each September, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival transforms the streets into stages, celebrating local talent and community spirit. As evening arrives, spots like Supermarket and Handlebar keep the energy going with craft cocktails, music, and local charm.

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Life at MRKT Alexandra Park

For residents of MRKT Alexandra Park, Kensington Market is not just a nearby destination. It is an extension of their everyday life. Morning coffees, afternoon walks, and spontaneous dinners with friends all happen within a few short blocks.

MRKT is part of a larger story of renewal in the Alexandra Park community. Tridel has been proud to play a role in this transformation through its partnership with Toronto Community Housing, helping revitalize the neighbourhood while honouring its character. The redevelopment includes new parks, multi-sport and basketball courts, and thoughtfully designed homes that bring people together.

For those who call MRKT home, Kensington Market’s art, culture, and character are just part of the everyday landscape. It is a neighbourhood that embodies the best of city living, full of heart, diversity, and daily discovery.

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