When I was growing up, all I knew of Kensington Market was the CBC television show, King of Kensington. It was the story of Larry King, a convenience store owner in this culturally diverse neighbourhood in the late 70's.
It wasn't until many years later when I was in university that I actually visited the market, most often - as students do - looking for inexpensive lunch options.
As part of my challenge to rediscover Toronto, I decided that Kensington would be high on my list to explore. Now, after being reaquainted, I can't believe that I didn't spend more time here when I lived closer to downtown.
Welcome to Kensington Market
The view from inside Wanda's Pie in the SkyThe development of the neighbourhood first began in the 1850's when the Denison family started to sell off parts of their property as building lots. The first lots were offered at $350 a piece but didn't sell very well. Subsequently, each was divided into three smaller lots which were more affordable and, as is still seen in Kensington today, higher density. As the lots were sold, more roads were built, often named after members of the Denison family or in reference to their home country of England.
The majority of the homes in the area were built between 1870 and 1880. At that time the neighbourhood was composed of immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and England. Over the many years since, Kensington Market has remained a home for new Canadians of all backgrounds and ethnicities, each finding a sense of welcome and community here.
Kensington Market Today
Kensington Market is an eclectic and colourful mix of shops, restaurants, markets and street art.
Shopping on Augusta Avenue 
Saturday morning shoppers picking up fresh fruit
organic options are everywhere
Fresh bread made in Kensington daily at the Blackbird Baking Company
When hunger strikes...
Nu Bugel - Our choice for Toronto's Best Bagel
Sweet treats from Wanda's Pie in the Sky
Just like Mom used to make
Colourful and Quirky Kensington
Burritos as tasty as the building is colourful!
Jamaican Lion - New street art for 2014
Love the Shades
The wall is nice, but the Car full of dirt growing sod and various herBS is AWESOME
Diversity of all kinds is accepted and embraced