St Lawrence is located in historic downtown Toronto. The St Lawrence neighbourhood is older than Toronto itself and includes 10 city blocks that was once part of the Town of York, the forerunner to the City of Toronto. The area is known for its distinctive architecture including the Gooderham Building constructed in the flatiron style – the first of the kind built in North America. There are also numerous buildings done in the 19th century Georgian style of red and yellow brick, and there are new sections built in the 1970s that boast a much more modern style. Many of the old industrial buildings have been converted into living spaces such as lofts and apartments, adding to the charm of the neighbourhood.

One of the most distinctive features of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood and the focal point of the area is the St. Lawrence Market. The Market was founded in 1803, and is the home to over 200 vendors of all types. It is a destination for locals as well as tourists. It has been ranked by National Geographic as one of the best food markets in the world, and no trip there is complete without grabbing a peameal bacon sandwich or the lobster roll from Buster’s Sea Cove.

St Lawrence is filled with numerous family centered activities and locations. One of these is the St. Lawrence Community Centre. Housed with both the Market Lane Public School and St Lawrence Community Day Care, the Community Centre offers multiple programs for families. These include programs for children, families, and even seniors. Across the street from the community centre is David Crombie Park, a great outdoor space. The park is 1.6 hectares and has a baseball diamond, a basketball court, and two separate children’s playgrounds. There is also a dog off-leash area where you can bring your four legged friend and let them roam free.

Running through the centre of the St Lawrence neighbourhood is The Esplanade. The street is lined with numerous retail establishments that provides for almost all of your shopping needs. It also includes a multitude of bars, restaurants, and specialty shops. A great addition to the neighbourhood has been the Market Kitchen, located in the St. Lawrence Market, which offers cooking classes for all skill levels. It also hosts numerous events and demonstrations throughout the year.

The St Lawrence area has a number of high quality schools. There are multiple public schools as well as private and Catholic schools located in the neighbourhood. Union Station is within walking distance of the neighbourhood and major routes such as the Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Expressway, and Lake Shore Boulevard are close by allowing easy access to the city’s corners.

Diverse and vibrant, St Lawrence melds historic Toronto with modern Toronto, the old with the new. It offers a wide selection of shopping, restaurants, bars, parks, and great schools, and eye popping architecture that will satisfy even the most discriminating eye. Come check it out, but be warned you may not leave.