Kensington Market and Toronto Rental Cars
Located west of downtown Toronto, between Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street Kensington Market is a famous neighborhoods none for its eclectic shops and cafe. When you visit this National Historic Site with your Toronto Rental Cars you will find that the best way to explore this multicultural neighborhood is by foot as the area is composed mainly of one- way streets with several dead- ends making it difficult for drivers to navigate.
Early beginnings
In 1815, George Taylor Denison, a British militia who served during the War of 1812, purchased a piece of land from Queen Street West to Bloor Street (present day Augusta and Lippincott Street). The area known as Bellevue Square Park was used by Denison as a parade ground for his volunteer cavalry troop which he commanded during the Upper Canada Rebellion. The cavalry troop was eventually called the Governor General’s Horse Guards. During the 1850’s the Denison estate was split into several small plots that were eventually used by Irish and Scottish immigrant laborers. When you visit Kensington market today with your Toronto Car Rentals you will still be able to see these historic houses especially along Wales Avenue.
A place for the people
Starting from the early 20th century, Kensington Market was starting to be developed by eastern European Jewish immigrants and Italians. After 1910, the area became densely populated and became one of the poorer areas in the neighborhood. However, its open air market, became well known and provided a variety of items that were imported from the homelands of the immigrant community living in the area.
The “Jewish Market”
Kensington Market was also once called “the Jewish Market” as over 60, 000 Jews lived in and the surrounding area of Kensington Market. The area had several shops were owned by Jewish merchants including tailors, furriers, and bakers as well as over 30 local synagogues. However, after the Second World War, the majority of the Jewish population moved to more prosperous neighborhood making way for a large number of Azore immigrants to come and take their place during the 1950s.
A global village
Throughout the years different waves of immigrants would call the Kensington area their home including immigrants from the Caribbean and East Asia. Many of the immigrants were fleeing political conflict or strife including the Vietnam War. The war brought in a number of American political refugees. Chinatown is also nearby Kensington Market, and several aspects from the Chinese culture can be seen throughout the area when you travel with your Toronto Rental Cars. The 1980s and 1990s also saw immigrant groups from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iran, Vietnam moving in and calling the Kensington area home.
A look at the world
When you visit with your Toronto Rental Cars today, you will be visiting a major Toronto tourist attraction. It is also a major cultural centre due to the high number of artists and writers living in the area. Some notable landmarks that you should definitely check out when you visit Kensington Market with your Toronto Rental Cars are the Number 10 Fire Station, Tom’s Place, Bellevue Square Park , and St. Stephen’s Community House.
Before you go…
Kensington Market is generally open 7 days a week with the exception of Christmas and New Years. The best time to shop with your Toronto Rental Cars is between 11 am and 7 pm. Grocery stores and farmer markets are typically open earlier, while bars and restaurants are open later in the evening.
For more information on Kensington Market when you visit with your Toronto Rental Cars visit their website at www.kensington-market.ca