Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 159 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery worth booking?
Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery is a 2.5-hour experience in Toronto, Canada, from $83 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 159 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (159)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $83 per person
William co-created this Culinary Experience — the stops, the pacing, the order in which each story lands. He didn't inherit a script. Nobody else could hand you this exact afternoon, except maybe his boss, Jusep, his backup. We're not new to these blocks. Jusep's been guiding Toronto since 2017. William's guided since 2019 — he led this tour's first chapter, then rebuilt it from the ground up for its new era in St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District. Every kitchen on this route knows him by name. Storytelling, not a checklist. Over an unhurried couple of hours, we tell you how peameal bacon became a Toronto original, why a Distillery pizza claims to be Canada's own invention, and what finally settles a butter tart argument. Generous, never garnish. Small groups, capped at 14, and tastings that add up to a full meal. First on National Geographic's list of the world's top 10 food markets — you're tasting Canada where National Geographic said to start.
What you get
About this experience
William co-created this Culinary Experience — the stops, the pacing, the order in which each story lands. He didn't inherit a script. Nobody else could hand you this exact afternoon, except maybe his boss, Jusep, his backup. We're not new to these blocks. Jusep's been guiding Toronto since 2017. William's guided since 2019 — he led this tour's first chapter, then rebuilt it from the ground up for its new era in St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District. Every kitchen on this route knows him by name. Storytelling, not a checklist. Over an unhurried couple of hours, we tell you how peameal bacon became a Toronto original, why a Distillery pizza claims to be Canada's own invention, and what finally settles a butter tart argument. Generous, never garnish. Small groups, capped at 14, and tastings that add up to a full meal. First on National Geographic's list of the world's top 10 food markets — you're tasting Canada where National Geographic said to start.
What's included
Included
- Wood-oven Hawaiian pizza — the Canadian original, Ontario 1962 (Old Flame Brewery)
- Nanaimo bar finale, B.C.'s no-bake legend (Eve's Temptations)
- Poutine crowned with Montreal smoked meat, plus a classic Canadian drink (Sweetie Pie)
- Scotch butter tart, the Canadian dessert debate settled by hand (Tartistry)
- Lunch
- A sea-to-sea seafood tasting — smoked salmon, gravlax, lumpfish caviar, and oyster (Mike's Seafood)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Distillery District
A national historic site and one of Toronto's proudest transformations: once the Victorian-era Gooderham & Worts distillery, today a pedestrian-only village of cobblestone lanes, galleries, and artisan kitchens — often called the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. This is where our walk begins, at Sweetie Pie Bakery on Tank House Lane. Over our hour here, recent tastings have included two savoury bites, a signature alcohol-free cocktail, and a sweet treat worth saving room for. Between tastings, your Culinary Storyteller tells the story the buildings can't: how whisky built this corner of the city, why it fell silent, and how food brought it back to life. Cameras welcome — the lanes photograph beautifully in every season.
60 minutes here
St. Lawrence Market
Two hundred years of feeding Toronto, 120+ vendors under one roof — and first on National Geographic's list of the world's top 10 food markets, ahead of London's Borough Market. St. Lawrence Market is not a tourist attraction that sells food; it is a working market that became an attraction by being excellent for two centuries. Our hour here moves stall to stall the way regulars shop: recent tastings have included a peameal bacon sandwich — the market's signature — fresh seafood, and a second sweet treat to finish. Your Culinary Storyteller knows the families behind the counters, which is the difference between eating at the market and being introduced to it. The tour ends here, in the middle of the market — on purpose. Guests regularly stay to shop, armed with our shortlist of what to carry home. One walk barely scratches the surface of how Toronto eats.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Toronto
Meeting Spot: Distillery District Sweetie Pie Bakery 11 Tankhouse Lane
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at the St. Lawrence Market.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Chopsticks and Forks
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Our friends cook their family recipes as they always have, so we can't accommodate gluten, dairy, or nut allergies, and we don't offer a vegan option. Vegetarian and pescatarian versions are available — just tell us when you book.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 159 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
159 verified traveler reviews for Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Vegetarian Friendly
William, our tour guide, was fabulous- a great storyteller with a great voice. We learned a lot about the city and the food of Canada. He was even able to accommodate my vegetarian diet (though if you’re vegan you’d have a difficult time). Definitely come hungry!
Response from the operator: Candace, thank you! "A great storyteller" is the best compliment you could give William. That's exactly how we see our guides, so it's lovely to hear you felt it too. And you stole my line. Come hungry is right! Thank you also for the note on dietary needs. We always do our best to look after vegetarian guests, and we appreciate you being honest about vegan options. Anyone with dietary needs is welcome to reach out before booking so we can talk through what's possible. So glad you joined us. Jusep Founder, Chopsticks+Forks
via Viator
Great time
It was fun to try the different foods and get a taste of Canada! Our guide, William was wonderful too!
Response from the operator: Cathy, thank you! A taste of Canada is exactly what we're going for, so I'm glad that came through. From peameal bacon to butter tarts, there's a lot of history packed into a few bites. William will be thrilled to hear you had a great time with him. Thanks for joining us, and come hungry next time you're in town. Jusep Founder, Chopsticks+Forks
via Viator
Lots & Lots of Yummy Food
More than enough food to eat and everything was yummy!! William, our tour guide, was great! Hi was informative about the foods and the history of the distillery district and St. Lawrence Market.
Response from the operator: Sue, thank you so much! "More than enough food" is music to my ears. We'd never want anyone leaving hungry. William will be happy to hear this. He puts a lot of heart into telling the stories of St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery, and it's great to know they landed. Thank you for spending the day with us. Come back anytime, and come hungry. Jusep Founder, Chopsticks+Forks
via Viator
Excellent food tour
This was a great tour. Really enjoyed the different foods. The distillery was a great area to visit. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and provided lots of information on the area. Highly recommend this Tour.
Response from the operator: Kelland, thank you! The Distillery is one of my favourite corners of the city. Old stone and brick, a lot of history, and some really good food tucked inside. So happy you got to taste your way through it, and St. Lawrence Market too. Our Storytellers love sharing the stories behind these places, and I'll make sure yours hears this. Thank you for recommending us. Next time, come hungry. There's always more to try. Jusep Founder, Chopsticks+Forks
via Viator
Excellent experience
This was an awesome food tour! The tour guide William was prompt, informative and knowledgeable about the town & food!
Response from the operator: Hi Melanie, Thank you so much for joining us! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour. Old Toronto has so many layers, and William loves bringing the food and the history together so each bite comes with a story. I'll make sure he sees your note. It means a lot to the whole team. We'd love to welcome you back to explore another corner of the city with us. Warmly, Jusep Founder, Chopsticks+Forks
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $83 to $119
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 56
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Chopsticks and Forks, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Chopsticks and Forks runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Toronto.
How much does Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery cost?
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Prices start at $83 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Toronto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Toronto is not rushed.
Is Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 159 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Toronto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Around 56 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Toronto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Toronto and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Toronto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Toronto?
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On Outty we rank every Toronto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto: Boat Ride & Journey Behind Falls, Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option, Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Toronto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Toronto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Included: Wood-oven Hawaiian pizza — the Canadian original, Ontario 1962 (Old Flame Brewery); Nanaimo bar finale, B.C.'s no-bake legend (Eve's Temptations); Poutine crowned with Montreal smoked meat, plus a classic Canadian drink (Sweetie Pie); Scotch butter tart, the Canadian dessert debate settled by hand (Tartistry); and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities; Alcoholic beverages; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Meeting Spot: Distillery District Sweetie Pie Bakery 11 Tankhouse Lane Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Toronto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Great Canadian Food Tour- St. Lawrence Market + The Distillery?
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Across 159 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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