A mustard-colored chair, with a model of the earth sitting on it, signified our arrival in in the Kensington Market neighborhood of Toronto.
For several hours, we strolled around this quirky district, appreciating its multicultural qualities, friendly characters, and unique businesses.
With lots of sunshine and a sapphire-blue sky, the weather was perfect for wandering and exploring.
There were beds of happy daisies and hollyhocks,
cars befitting one with a green thumb,
vibrant murals,
bikers with flair — and companions,
and fun architectural details on gingerbread homes and shops.
We spied churches and synagogues,
and moose on a balcony.
After criss-crossing the district on foot, we yearned to fill our bellies with a big, fat burrito. We went heavy on the spicy sauce, making our tongues sizzle as much as our bodies had under the hot, hot sun.
We returned to lanes bathed in late afternoon sunlight, and dotted with shadows and silhouettes.
A flame flickered in an old-fashioned lamp in front of the local fire station.
Before we knew it, it was time to hop back onto the metro and return to our home away from home.
Where in the World?
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Travels With Tricia 
oooh, you’re making my homesick! I grew up in Toronto and spent many years shopping for food there. One of the best vintage stores anywhere, Courage My Love, is in the market. Thanks for sharing such great photos!
Caitlin, I can see why – Toronto has so much character! After having lived in Europe for the past 10 years, it’s quite fun to find spots in North America with such a bohemian flair this summer. (We’ve just arrived in Santa Fe, NM tonight…) Unfortunately, we made it to Kensington rather late in the afternoon, so we didn’t have time to stroll through the market. Your favorite vintage shop sounds like a fun place to explore, though!
what a vibrant place. excellent photo essay :)
Thank you, Alessandro! Vibrant is a perfect way to describe all the neighborhoods of Toronto that we explored. I only wish that we’d had a bit more time…
Tricia, a brilliant capture of the spirit of Kensington Market. Just a few days ago we were there taking in the wild and wonderful sights. Virginia
Certainly a fun corner of the city! Did you make it to any of the other neighborhoods, Virginia? We strolled through China Town, and had just touched into Little Italy when we realized the hour and decided to head back to my aunt and uncle’s home. Cabbagetown also sounds like a fun district to explore!
Our home away from home in TO is West Queen West, a fashionista funky area. Some of our family lives in Cabbagetown, a fab place. West Queen West is a few minutes walking distance to Little Italy and LItt Portugal, and Chinatown, so I know the areas well. We love TO. I hope you are having a fab time. Virginia
We are having a super time, Virginia! Prior to this trip, I’d only been to Niagara Falls in Canada, and so it was great fun exploring our neighbor to the north more fully. :) What a beautiful country it is, with an eclectic blend of very friendly, interesting people.
Such beautiful pictures. Felt good viewing them. Many thanks for sharing.
Dilip
A great compliment, Dilip – glad Kensington brightened your day!
Superb images Tricia! Vibrant and colourful.
Thanks, Madhu – all the ingredients were there that afternoon: glorious light and quirky scenes. Hope you’ve had a relaxing and creative weekend!
What a lovely random collection. Made me smile!
Johanna, that’s very kind – thank you! Hope your weekend’s been full of many more of such moments. Did you indulge your inner shutterbug?
Well, you’re certainly getting around. Toronto, Santa Fe, it’s kind of like throwing darts at a map? It’s a nice side of Toronto that I never saw when I visited.
This is certainly the most eclectic trip I’ve been on lately. :) For business reasons, we had to go to St. Louis and the west, but we are throwing in fun destinations to see friends and family, and going to some spots that aren’t along the way too. I’ve always wanted to see Québec and Santa Fe! Do you have any recommendations for NM?
My husband grew up in Toronto, so it was a fun trip down memory lane for him!
Great series, Great photo’s, you took a shot of a Burrito sign and then got one, you took a shot of a Piercing sign……………….
Mark, so sorry to disappoint! Must confess though, that I haven’t been pierced since I was 5 years old. The memory of the piercing gun and the resulting burn in my earlobes was enough! :)
My hometown… you did a good job of capturing some it :) I’ll be there in a week for vacation, can’t wait :)
It’s my husband’s hometown too, and he hadn’t been back since the age of 9, so it was a fun exploratory trip for both of us. In fact, you might be there as a I type. What neighborhoods do you plan to explore and snap away in?
Happy travels!
hhmmm maybe I need to revisit Toronto as an adult! Awesome photos Tricia!
Are you originally from Toronto, Antoinette? Before this trip, my only foray into Canada was at Niagara Falls. I loved the cultural diversity in all the spots we visited (Toronto, Ottawa, Québec City, and Montréal).
…Perhaps you can make Toronto one of the stops on your upcoming ’round the world adventure!
Lovely series. You really bring the place to life. I have been to TO a few times but as our time is usually devoted to catching up with family and friends, I don’t often get to explore like this.
Belated thanks, Rachael. Is your husband also from Toronto, as mine is? We were also visiting family (mine) and had only one day to explore. With so many vibrant neighborhoods, we had a tough time choosing which ones to see, but I thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon in Kensington and China Town. Canada’s big cities have a lot of elements that really remind me of Europe.
You have beautiful images on your blog. Thanks for stopping by and following mine.
My pleasure, Greg! Until next time.
Hi Tricia! You truly have a great eye for detail. And Kensington is a true heaven for any photographer, such rich colors and patterns on every corner! I’ve found this amazing coverage of Kensington Pedestrian festival from this year, I think you’ll enjoy this!
Heather, thanks for your kind words and for sharing the Kensington post from your site. It seems the neighborhood never sleeps! :)
Tricia!! We are on the same wave length today! Just as I was commenting here I see I got a comment from you on my blog! :)
These are great photos. How do you get that border around your photos like that? Your blog really inspires me to take mine to “the next level.” This weekend I’m going to TBEX in Toronto to learn probably what you’re an expert in: social media, media kits, travel photography etc, etc, etc. I finally got Twitter :P I’m nervous to go but excited for all that I will learn!
Alli, funny indeed. :) To get that border, I have a little (free) plugin for iPhoto. My husband located it in the App store, so I’m not certain of the details, but I suspect you could Google it and find it. It’s pretty reliable, and I like the flair it adds to some pics.
So, how was TBEX? I’ve never been to the conference before, but think it would be fun to mingle with other travel enthusiasts! There’s always a learning curve with technology. Until next time!
I’ll have to hunt for that app! Looks super nice.
TBEX was really good – it was nice being around equally travel obsessed people. There were also lots of opportunities to network with sponsors of the travel industry, but I don’t feel like I’m “there” yet in order to talk business. I have yet to turn my blog into one (currently thinking of ideas day and night). But it was really fun. The next TBEX is in Dublin in the fall. Should be finding out where the next North American one is soon! I definitely want to go again!
Alli, TBEX sounds like it was a success for you. If we’re ever close to one (perhaps Dublin this fall), I’d love to go because I think the networking part would be quite fun. Were most of the sponsors there national/regional tourist boards or private tourist agencies?