The Best Places to Shop Local in Toronto

Discover the top local shops in Toronto, offering unique products, artisanal goods, and a vibrant shopping experience to support small businesses.

Toronto’s vibrant local shopping scene is a treasure trove of unique finds, handcrafted goods,

and unforgettable experiences. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens the community

but also gives you the chance to discover one-of-a-kind items that reflect the city’s distinctive

character. Here’s a list of the best spots to explore when shopping local in Toronto—a must-read

for tourists, local shoppers, and residents alike.

Step into the eclectic world of Kensington Market, where independent shops and vintage

stores line the colourful streets. This bohemian neighbourhood is perfect for treasure hunters

looking for quirky finds, retro fashion, and handmade goods. Don’t miss stores like Courage My

Love, known for its vibrant vintage clothing and accessories, or Blue Banana Market, a haven

for artisan crafts and Toronto-themed gifts.

After you’ve hunted down the perfect piece, grab a coffee from one of the quirky cafés in the

area to soak in the artsy, laid-back vibe. Kensington Market perfectly captures Toronto’s spirit of

creativity and diversity.

Calling all foodies! St. Lawrence Market is the ultimate destination for fresh, local eats and

artisanal products. This historic market, located in Old Town Toronto, dates back to 1803 and

boasts over 100 vendors offering everything from organic produce and locally sourced meat to

gourmet baked goods.

Notable favourites include Carousel Bakery, famous for its peameal bacon sandwich, and St.

Urbain Bagel, serving Montreal-style bagels that rival the ones from Quebec. Beyond food, the

South Market hosts stalls with handmade kitchenware, candles, and other artisanal home

goods. Make sure to visit on Saturdays when the bustling Farmers’ Market comes alive with the

best seasonal produce Ontario has to offer.

For those with a taste for the trendy, Queen Street West is a shopping paradise. Known as one

of Toronto’s coolest neighbourhoods, this strip is packed with indie boutiques, chic stores, and

contemporary art galleries.

Browse through shops like Coal Miner’s Daughter, offering Toronto-designed clothing and

jewellery, or ZXZE for edgy and fashion-forward pieces. Queen Street West is also home to

unique concept stores such as The Drake General Store, which combines modern design with

Canadian nostalgia.

When you need a break, pop into one of the area’s hip cafés or grab a bite at a trendy eatery.

This energetic neighbourhood is perfect for those looking to combine retail therapy with a dose

of urban cool.

For a shopping experience steeped in charm and history, head to the Distillery District. This

pedestrian-only area showcases stunning Victorian industrial architecture, making it one of

Toronto’s most picturesque shopping destinations.

Here, you’ll find boutique shops like Blackbird Vintage Finds, perfect for artfully curated home

décor and gifts, and Bergo Designs, which offers modern, design-forward accessories. The

Distillery District is also a hotspot for artisan crafts, handmade jewellery, and locally made

fashion.

Be sure to visit during the holidays, when the Toronto Christmas Market transforms the streets

into a magical wonderland. Even outside the festive season, this area oozes charm and offers a

perfect blend of culture, history, and artisanal shopping.

Planning to hit these shopping hotspots? There’s no better place to stay than RivetStays,

located in the heart of Toronto. It’s the perfect retreat to unwind after a day spent savouring the

city’s best local finds. And for a limited time, use the promo code LOVETORONTO10 to unlock

an exclusive deal on your stay.