To market, to market

Open this photo in gallery:

Visit the perfect tasting grounds for farm-to-table experiences in Ontario.

Farmers’ markets are all the rage as people seek a more direct connection with what they’re eating. And Ontario boasts a wealth of wonderful farm-to-table experiences.

“Food tastes better when you know where it comes from,” says Kevin Durkee, owner-operator of Culinary Adventure Co., which offers a wide range of market tours from Halifax to Winnipeg.

Here’s a look at some of Ontario’s top markets.

St. Lawrence Market

No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to historic St. Lawrence Market, a civic institution dating to 1803. “It’s the economic, cultural and culinary centre of Toronto,” says Mr. Durkee, whose company does dozens of market tours each week. The market building was once home to Toronto’s first permanent city hall, and housed a police station and jail in the basement. Today it’s a world-famous culinary emporium, with 100-plus vendors of fresh produce and seafood, bakers, butchers and artisans peddling delicious wares. Don’t miss St. Urbain Bagel (Montreal-style doughy goodness baked in a wood-burning oven), Buster’s Sea Cove (have the Boston Blue fish & chips plate) and Carousel Bakery (for peameal bacon on a bun).

Kensington Market

A microcosm of Ontario multiculturalism, Kensington Market represents more than 80 countries among its variety of specialty groceries, bakeries and cheese shops. “Any ingredient or spice for any recipe, you’ll find it in Kensington because of its incredible diversity,” says Mr. Durkee, whose Culinary Adventure Co. does tours of the market. A walkable bohemian neighbourhood boasting indie shops, vintage boutiques and artsy spaces, Kensington also has funky bars and cafés, and international restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. “The people in Kensington care about local and they care about fresh,” Mr. Durkee says. “The product they serve and the things they’re filling their shelves with make it an experience.”

ByWard Market

This is where the nation’s capital comes together, a hustling and bustling outdoor market with a rich roster of specialty stalls and shops. Former U.S. president Barack Obama stopped here to sample one of ByWard’s legendary BeaverTails, a sweet fried pastry in the shape of a beaver tail. The market is renowned for its street art and boutiques filled with crafts and clothes by local designers. ByWard is also known for its high-energy nightlife.

“Stall by stall, vendor by vendor, there is a connection here to all that Ontario has to offer,” notes Mr. Durkee. “It’s a wonderful outdoor adventure.”

Open this photo in gallery:

Kingston Public Market

Despite being Canada’s oldest public market, Kingston gets overlooked. “But it’s remarkable,” says Mr. Durkee, noting that the market draws its offerings from farmers in Prince Edward County and along the St. Lawrence Waterway.

Open this photo in gallery:

Sudbury Market

Sudbury’s destination for local producers, crafters, artisans and entertainers, this market is open rain or shine Thursdays and Saturdays, from June to October. Browse the vendors and enjoy a locally crafted lunch while taking in live performances by local artists.

St. Jacobs Market

Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, St. Jacobs in the Waterloo region has hundreds of vendors offering farm-fresh, locally sourced food (grass-fed beef, summer sausage and maple syrup) and unique crafts by local artisans.

Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market

Part of the Niagara community for more than 50 years, this market is open year-round on Saturday mornings, with four indoor vendors and 15 outdoor vendors. While in the area, check out St. Catharines’ Farmers’ Market, which began in the 1860s.

Whitby Farmers’ Market

Featuring local produce, baked goods and hand-crafted items, this downtown Whitby destination is operated by the Durham Region Farmers’ Market Association every Wednesday, from May to October.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.