Ok, so I was not entirely sure what to expect here, I pictured in my head a marketplace with a…read morebunch of trinkets and shiny things to peddle to tourists. What it actually is, is a small neighborhood of fantastic little boho shops, restaurants and cafe's. There is artwork all over the place, on buildings, for sale in yards, featured in most of the shops. It is just so relaxing, and a great way to destress, just walking around this area, talking to people, popping into shops and enjoying some coffee. I highly recommend adding this stop when visiting the city, public transportation has stops all close enough to easily get here and enjoy your day!

If you have an afternoon to spare and want to explore a neighborhood on foot, then Kensington…read moreMarket is your place. It is the most walkable neighborhood, full of independent shops, nearly dilapidated houses being still lived in, and brightly colored alleyways. The 'backstreet' vibe shifts to thrift-store/flee market vibe into food street within minutes. There is always more to discover and explore when you are done exploring. An afternoon is well-spent at Kensington market.

I visited the Trinity Bellwoods Winter Flea Market over the weekend. The market was very well…read moreorganized in terms of layout and use of space. Most items were overpriced and hardly any items had any 'utility'. While we all support local artisans, it cannot be at expense of the customer! Also I would expect more innovative products than usual candles, teas and cosmetic products...

As a shopper I love the uniqueness and variety each market brings. I'm always excited for to come…read moreout and see the local artisans on display. I have also had the pleasure of vending a couple of times and have to say that this is a market I look forward too. The organizers really go out of their way to showcase each vendor leading up to the event, and you can tell that this is a community that cares about the artisans.

We are really into reuse and thirfting to show our kids that clothes can be donated and bought…read moresecond hand to help the community and environment. This place is smaller than expected and had limited but some higher end brands. Good for my wife but limited selection for our kids and for me. I expected so much more for being in Toronto - but compared to Value Village in Durham this place lacked quantity.

Came to drop off some clothes and was a breeze -- rang the doorbell along the side of the building…read moreand had handed off the items I was donating less than a minute later.

The MilkUP post-to-pay pop-up that took place between Sept 9 to Oct 2 on Queen St. W. (near…read moreBathurst) is Ontario's first pop-up featuring local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs where they've created limited-edition milk-inspired goodies for everyone to take home. All items are complimentary where you pick up your favourites, post on social media (Instagram, Tik Tok), and take your pick-me-ups home. The MilkUP pop-up does require all guests to show proof of vaccination (2 doses + 14 days), fill out a contact tracing and COVID screener online, as well as follow the MilkUP Instagram page. I was surprised by all the safety protocols in place but I did see people who were not able to enter due to a variety of reasons. Due to pandemic restrictions, were was a capacity limit of 25 people. I opted to drop by the MilkUP pop-up on a Friday at around 10:30am before it opened at 11am. I should have known better because there was already a long line all the way on Bathurst when I arrived. Making a split second decision, I decided to wait in line. I was able to enter the pop-up at noon after waiting in line for 1.5 hour. Once you enter, you are asked to take your complimentary tote bag, cap, and tshirt along with some other items from different sections. You are only allowed to take 1 item per section. There is also a space where you get to customize either your tote, cap or tshirt with one of their patch designs. There were a variety of local business I was familiar with - Ruru Baked (they had the peaches n cream ice cream!), Milky's Coffee (different flavoured milks), Kwento cheesecakes, Milk2Go, and Cops Doughnuts. I picked up goodies from those places as well as snapped a few pictures within the space. There is also an upstairs portion for more pictures. When you are ready to leave with your items, there are staff at the door to check your items where you show them your post on social media. Once that's done you are good to go with your free items! Interesting concept , I certainly thought it was pretty cool to have a pop-up like this. However, do be prepared to wait in line outside.

Tips: - Parking is limited. I recommend parking on a side…read morestreet (free) or across the street in the underground lot for Farm Boy (paid). - Not all stores are open during the weekday. I was recently at STACKT Market to visit Las Muns. I drove from work in Mississauga on a Wednesday afternoon. Parking spots are limited at this market. I recommend parking on a side street. There's also paid parking across the street at Farm Boy's underground lot. Las Muns sells handmade empanadas. I loved this store. The empanadas were delicious. There were lots of flavours to choose from. There were a couple of vegan options, too. Most businesses run out of shipping container storefronts. It's cool design-wise. The downside of visiting during a weekday is that not all businesses are open. I'd estimate that at least half the businesses weren't available for me to peruse. As an example, Dayday Film is a camera store. I like looking at digital cameras from decades past. This place refurbishes older cameras and supports photography through them. Sadly, I couldn't visit this place, as it's only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There's an open patio space that looked cute. I can see this space being popular when it's warmer outside. The lanterns and the Tiny Tom Donuts stand made me happy. There were heaters in this area. Maybe there are winter activities that happen here, but it didn't look like it with snow on the picnic tables. There was also a nicely decorated piano with snow on it. I see it being a nice place to hang out in the summertime. There are places to grab a snack or a drink. If you're looking for a dine-in restaurant, the only one that I saw was Sundays Pasta Lab. It was open when I was there. It's closed on Mondays. I'm glad that I finally got to check this space out. Normally, I drive past it to see a concert or a hockey game. It was a nice change. (103)

Stackt is a great spot to convene for events and that's how I mainly find myself here. Container…read morestyle storefronts, mostly outdoor space. I still find there aren't as many restaurants and stores in the area. Area can be sectioned off for ticketed events. I don't think it's enough of a pull to visit here without an event happening so definitely check out their schedule. I've been here for multiple types of events held by brands, clubs, and festivals. From yoga/pilates, socials to foodie type of events, most recently I went to Smoked and paid for a series of delicious eats at $7.50 a dish for a good charitable cause. Often there are brands and companies doing pop-ups here. Though be wary I've heard the lines are long for any of those "freebies" gift bag events thrown by brands. I never bothered with those but I heard the lines are long.

Great cat!! I love a shop with a pet, dog, cat.... Friendly…read morestaff. Prices OK. worth checking out.

Art of Demolition is a funky little shop in the Junction. It is on Keele a half-block north of the…read moreDundas and Keele intersection on the west side of the street near the pay parking lot. While a sign warning you that you are on camera serves as your only greeting ( the person at the counter in the back either "does not speak" or "leaves you alone to let you shop" depending on how you look at it.) Art of Demolition has a nice range of old eclectic stuff similar to what you would see at a flea market. Old license plates, records, and posters, as well as larger items such as chest coca cola coolers (they had a fairly nice one for 700$) are here as well. Recently, they did some spring cleaning/reorganizing so it is much easier to navigate the small space. If you like old odds and ends, The Art of Demolition may have that special something you were looking for.