Explore Toronto in 5 shops: vintage finds, delightful gifts, and hearty Canadian cuisine

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll guide you to our favorite independent stores in some of the world’s top cities. From food markets to bookstores, vintage finds to local designs, we've curated a vibrant selection of local shops where you can discover unique treasures.

As Canada’s largest city and business center, Toronto has seen much of its retail landscape dominated by large multinational chains in recent years.

Having grown up in Toronto, I've seen the genuine sense of community that fades when a beloved shop shuts its doors for good. Fortunately, many of the city’s cherished independent retailers have thrived, supported by a loyal customer base dedicated to uplifting Canadian creators.

For those visiting Toronto, the five shops listed below offer a glimpse into the local culture, showcasing both the city’s history and the individuals who continue to shape its identity today.

Top choice for souvenirs: Collected Joy

While many tourists flock to the trendy boutiques of Toronto's West End, locals know that some of the city’s hidden gems are located in the east. Nestled in the charming Beaches neighborhood, Collected Joy has been a beloved destination for Canadian-made products and emerging Toronto artisans for nearly ten years.

As welcoming as the greeting you’ll receive from owner Sharon when you walk in, the shop is filled with soft wool throws and cozy socks. Shelves boast all-natural candles made in Canada and serene pottery crafted by local artisans. The apothecary section features handmade bath, skincare, and makeup products that nurture both the body and the environment. The “at-home bar” section is a delight for food lovers, offering cocktail syrups, jams, and popular local brands like Sloane Tea and Soul Chocolate.

I highly recommend visiting the Beaches for anyone coming to Toronto. However, if the east end feels too far, you can also check out Collected Joy’s second location in Mount Pleasant Village.

Top spot for local design: Arts Market

With soaring rents making it difficult for creative entrepreneurs to maintain their own shops, Arts Market has stepped in as a crucial year-round marketplace since its opening in 2011. It offers permanent spaces for artists and designers to showcase their creations. With three locations—two in the east and one in the west—Arts Market features thousands of handmade items from over 150 local artisans. The eclectic selection includes pottery, photography, vintage carpets, and quirky jewelry, drawing both locals and visitors back time and again.

Best for vintage finds: Black Market and Public Butter

From Kensington Market to Trinity Bellwoods to Leslieville, Toronto brims with indie vintage and secondhand shops waiting to be discovered. Long before the city's vintage scene exploded, Black Market was the go-to spot for local punk rockers and arts students from nearby OCAD (the Ontario College of Art and Design). Today, savvy locals know to look for the unassuming door on Queen St West that leads down a black-and-white swirl-painted staircase into a vast basement hideout filled with racks of vintage treasures. Their assortment, from flannels to band tees and retro jackets, offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

As this beloved establishment nears its 30th anniversary, a new generation of Black Market enthusiasts visits their sister store in Parkdale, Public Butter. Here, you can expect a more curated (and pricier) selection than the treasure trove of vintage at the original location.

Top choice for food: St Lawrence Market

As Canada’s culinary capital, Toronto boasts an abundance of dining options, but none rival St Lawrence Market. Established in 1803, the market has grown to encompass three buildings in the St Lawrence neighborhood, becoming a cherished local and national landmark.

Explore 120 food stalls and shops located throughout both the main and lower levels of the historic South Market building. One of the top vendors, Carousel Bakery, is famous for its peameal-bacon sandwich. For a zesty kick, check out Kozlick’s Mustard, a stall that has been delighting customers with its mustards since 1948. If you’re craving a taste of the East Coast, Buster’s Sea Cove offers popular lobster rolls and fish and chips. Cheese enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Alex Farm, where the consistently friendly service makes it my go-to spot for cheese.

If you’re in town for the weekend, swing by the North Market across Front St for the Saturday farmers market, a tradition that dates back over 200 years. The market's third building, St Lawrence Hall, was constructed in 1850 and serves as a hub for retail and city offices. To learn more about the historic Old Town neighborhood, consider joining a market tour led by local actor-turned-historian Bruce Bell.

Top pick for books: Book City

Toronto has sadly lost many cherished bookstores in the past two decades. However, one independent bookseller remains a beloved staple: Book City. What started as a small shop in the Annex in 1976 has expanded to four locations across the city, reflecting the strong customer loyalty they've cultivated. Family-owned and operated for four generations, Book City offers a diverse selection of new and backlist titles, plus you can always find a tempting bargain in the signature cart outside. They also carry a fun assortment of souvenirs, cards, totes, and puzzles.