Toronto Old Town Food Tour: St. Lawrence Market Tastings & History Walk

Summary

St. Lawrence Market bites, city stories and the warmth of Toronto’s Old Town

You’ll wander Toronto’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting peameal bacon sandwiches or vegetarian options at St. Lawrence Market, sipping Canadian ginger ale, and pausing for sweet butter tarts in hidden parks. Expect stories about rebellion and reinvention—and finish your day swapping laughs over craft beer at a neighborhood pub.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I heard was the clatter of skates echoing from the Hockey Hall of Fame — not actual players, just kids messing around outside while we waited for our guide. The air smelled faintly like roasted coffee and wet concrete (it had rained earlier). Our guide, Alex, showed up with this easy grin and started us off with a story about old Toronto rebellions — I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to care about 19th-century politics before breakfast.

We wandered through Berczy Park, past that wild dog fountain (I counted at least three pugs), and then drifted by the King Edward Hotel where Alex pointed out some tiny architectural detail I’d never have noticed. The city felt both busy and strangely gentle that morning — people walking their dogs, someone humming under their breath near St. James Cathedral. At St. Lawrence Market, the smell hit me first: bread baking somewhere nearby, sharp mustard from the peameal bacon sandwich stand. I went for the classic version; my friend took the veggie one (she said it was “way better than expected,” which is high praise coming from her). We all tried Canada Dry Ginger Ale — apparently invented here during Prohibition? Who knew.

There was this moment in Market Lane Park where everything just slowed down for a second — maybe it was the sugar crash after my first butter tart or just how green everything looked after the rain. Alex told us about immigrant families who built up these streets; he waved to an old man selling flowers who nodded back without missing a beat arranging his bouquets. I still think about that view of the market’s red brick against the grey sky.

The tour ended at a neighborhood pub (beer not included but honestly worth it), and a few of us stuck around to swap stories with Alex over local brews. Someone spotted a Banksy tucked into an alley on our way out — blink and you’d miss it. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip in Toronto that mixes food with real stories and actual laughter (not just polite tourist smiles), this Old Town food tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Toronto's historic food and landmarks

• Meet at Hockey Hall of Fame
• Stroll through Berczy Park
• Pass by Omni King Edward Hotel
• Visit Cathedral Church of St. James
• Walk through St. James Park
• Pass by St. Lawrence Hall
• Relax in Market Lane Park
• Explore St. Lawrence Market and taste local foods
• Spot Banksy’s street art
• End at local pub with beer

Top questions

How long is the Toronto Old Town food tour?

The walk covers about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) at a relaxed pace.

Is there vegetarian food on this Toronto food tour?

Yes, there’s always a hearty vegetarian alternative to the peameal bacon sandwich.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is outside the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto.

Do I need to bring ID for this tour?

Yes, you’ll need valid photo ID to join—there’s an age requirement of 19 years or older.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transit options close to both start and end points.

Are drinks included on this tour?

You’ll sample locally roasted coffee and ginger ale; beer at the pub is available for purchase separately.

Can vegans or people with allergies join?

This tour can’t accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets or allergies at this time.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?

Yes—the company is B Corp certified and runs carbon neutral tours focused on responsible tourism.

What’s included

Your day includes guided storytelling walks through Old Town Toronto with an expert local guide, tastings of half a peameal bacon sandwich or vegetarian option at St. Lawrence Market, sips of locally roasted coffee and Canadian ginger ale, sweet butter tarts along the way, plus time to relax in parks before ending at a neighborhood pub where you can buy a local craft beer if you want.