traveldk.com

Artists after cheap rent settled among the textile shops along Queen Street between University Avenue and Bathurst Street in the early 1980s. Galleries and shops bursting with art, hip clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and home-decor items followed. These days, chains such as Montreal-based Le Chateau, The Gap, and Banana Republic have a definite presence as well.

The best place to buy these durable and gorgeous covers is St. Jacobs, where local Mennonite women still practice the traditional craft of hand-quilting. Be sure to stop in at Grey Fort Quilts.

Sam’s is hard to beat for price and variety – CDs, vinyl, videos, and DVDs, and an excellent selection of Canadian artists. Knowledgeable staff provide insider suggestions.

A store for the chocolate cognoscenti. Sample the divine confections or try a cup of steaming Mayan hot chocolate, redolent with spices.

Lingerie, especially for fuller figures – from top designers such as Lejaby and La Perla, in a wide range of colors and sexy designs. Expert fitting.

Just north of the market, at Jarvis and King streets, is this magnificent Victorian building, a carved stone and cast-iron gem. Built in 1850 for grand public gatherings, it is now used for private functions.

Considered by gastronomes around the globe as one of the world’s best markets, a visit here is reason enough for food lovers to travel to Toronto. A huge selection of meat, fish, cheese, and produce, as well as handcrafted gifts, make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Vendors pushing food samples and buskers add to the dynamic atmosphere; frequent special events and festivals liven things up even more. When you can’t carry another thing, visit the free parcel check on the west side of the lower level, outside (see St. Lawrence Market).

Copper pots, trendy gadgets, silicon baking forms, Japanese knives – this store has everything the gourmet cook needs or desires.