Toronto: St Lawrence Market Food Tour & Distillery Walk

Summary

St Lawrence Market flavors, cobblestone strolls and Toronto’s food icons

You’ll wander Toronto’s St Lawrence Market tasting Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and butter tarts with a local guide who knows every vendor’s story. Explore cobblestone lanes in the Distillery District, sample poutine and Nanaimo bars, and share laughs over secret dishes—leaving you full in more ways than one.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this, but don’t ask what’s in it till after,” our guide grinned, handing me a butter tart still warm from the bakery at St Lawrence Market. I laughed — honestly, I’d never heard of a butter tart before Toronto, but there was something about the way locals talk about their food here. The market was buzzing with Saturday chatter, people greeting each other in English and Cantonese and sometimes Italian (I think?). The smell of coffee mixed with something sweet and eggy in the air. We stopped at Carousel Bakery for that peameal bacon sandwich everyone talks about — salty, soft roll, tangy mustard. I didn’t expect to love it so much.

Our group wandered between stalls piled with cheeses and maple treats while our guide pointed out vendors who’d been there for decades. She knew half of them by name — “Hey Sam, you got those Nanaimo bars today?” — and Sam waved back with a smile. There was this moment outside the pasta shop where I tried to pronounce “Nanaimo” right (nah-NYE-mo?) and Li just burst out laughing. I probably butchered it. Anyway, we tasted poutine next — gravy all over fries, squeaky cheese curds — which felt weirdly comforting on a chilly morning.

The walk to the Distillery District was only ten minutes but felt like stepping into another city: old brick warehouses, wide cobblestone streets, art everywhere. It smelled faintly of roasted coffee and rain on stone. Our guide told stories about whiskey barrels rolling down these streets a century ago; now it’s galleries and chocolate shops instead. We finished with a “secret dish” she wouldn’t reveal until we bit in (still thinking about that one). I left full but not just from food — more like from all those little moments with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers by the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District

• Visit St. Lawrence Market
• Taste local food specialties
• Walk cobblestone streets in Distillery District
• Explore boutiques and galleries
• Sample craft beers and local delicacies

Top questions

How long is the Toronto St Lawrence Market Food Tour?

The tour runs a little over 3 hours.

What food is included on the tour?

The tour includes six tastings: peameal bacon sandwich, traditional poutine, assorted pasta sauces, Nanaimo bar, butter tart, plus a secret dish.

Does the tour visit both St Lawrence Market & Distillery District?

Yes, you’ll explore both St Lawrence Market and the Distillery Historic District on foot.

Is lunch included on this Toronto food tour?

The tour includes multiple food tastings that add up to a generous meal.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Some restrictions may not be accommodated; contact before booking to check your needs.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers both indoor market areas and outdoor walks between neighborhoods; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of six classic Canadian foods—like peameal bacon sandwiches, poutine, fresh pasta sauces, Nanaimo bars and butter tarts—plus one secret dish as you explore St Lawrence Market and stroll through Toronto’s Distillery District with your local guide. All tastings are included; just bring comfy shoes and an appetite.