Full of life and energy this little nighbourhood just west of the financial district is as enjoyable a place as any to enjoy the city's history and a piece of it's soul.
Everything radiates from the market itself, located in two buildings. The newer north building is located on the northwest corner of Jarvis & Front, while the older more impressive south building occupies the southwest corner.
The market has been here since 1803 and during its 200 year history what is now the old south market building has been Toronto's seat of government, a police station, and a jail. If you visit the market gallery in the south building you'll see a nice collection of historical photos, well worth it.
The rest of the south building is full of butchers, fishmongers, cheese vendors, fruit vendor, etc. Just to stroll through the busy market is enjoyable whether you're buying or not. Don't miss the second floor either with it's array of specialty shops. The large terrace that surrounds the second floor is a great place to sit and enjoy it all.
The newer building across the street hosts the famous farmer's market (spilling right on to the streets) on Saturday mornings and flee markets Sunday mornings. As well as many other special event. Check out www.stlawrencemarket.com for schedule of events.
From the market itself you have a number of choices. If you proceed down Front street towards the skyscrapers you'll pass many fine pubs and restaurants, some in elegant old buildings.
If stroll east down the Esplanade from the south end of the market, you'll find yourself in some of the city's most enjoyable green space. Lined on each side by schools, apartments, housing coops, community buildings, etc. these parks are beautiful places to sit and people watch. Kids playing, people out walking their dogs, etc. The westward views are incredible. To walk all the way down the Esplanade is quite a pleasant stroll and the sandwhich shop on the north side of the street at the end of the journey is a nice reward.
If you head north of the market on Jarvis you will see some nice historical sights. At the corner of King and Jarvis lies the elegant St. Lawrence Hall. Built in the 1850's as a meeting place for the growing city, this building is small but definitely eye catching. The clock tower is particularly beutiful.
Just across the street is probably Toronto's most impressive church building in St. James Anglican Cathedral. It has wonderfully maintained gardens to walk about and enjoy the the building from the outside. Or you can enjoy it from the inside. For tour information check out www.stjamescathedral.com
If you proceed north on Church street you will see some more of Toronto's old churches.
All in all whether you want to shop, eat, explore the city's history, or just sit back and let it all pass you by. St. Lawrence is a very pleasant place to do so.