Kensington Market, Toronto

Kensington Market, located in Toronto, is a well-known and culturally diverse neighborhood with a rich history. It has earned legendary status, attracting visitors with its indie shops, vintage boutiques, and vibrant art spaces. This district has been the subject of countless photographs, making it the most photographed place in the city. Today, Kensington Market is increasingly regarded as a home for artists, students, and families who inhabit the charming Victorian houses in the area.

Kensington Market was originally a Jewish neighborhood, but it became more diverse over time. After World War II, the Jewish population moved away, and immigrants from the Caribbean and East Asia moved in. American political refugees from the Vietnam War also settled there. In the 1980s and 1990s, more immigrants arrived from Central America, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iran, Vietnam, Chile, and other troubled regions. Despite the diversity, the Chinese population remains the largest in Kensington Market due to its proximity to Chinatown.

Kensington Market remains a treasure trove of bakeries and specialty grocers, offering a wide range of merchandise from various corners of the world. However, in recent years, many of the older ethnic establishments have given way to a surge of trendy bars, upscale cafés, and international clubs and restaurants that attract hipsters and other colorful individuals. These establishments are predominantly found along Augusta Avenue and the adjacent Nassau Street, Baldwin Street, and Kensington Avenue.

An architectural highlight of the neighborhood is the front extensions built onto many buildings, giving them a unique appearance. The annual "Kensington Market Festival of Lights," now known as the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Festival, takes place during the Winter Solstice in December and is celebrated with a lively street parade.

Over time, Kensington Market has served as a filming location for several TV series, including "King of Kensington," "Twitch City," and "Katts and Dog," as well as the street riot scenes in the 1984 comedy film "Police Academy." Additionally, it served as the primary setting for Cory Doctorow's novel "Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town." In November 2006, Kensington Market was officially designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, recognizing its cultural significance and historical value.