St Lawrence is one of Toronto's many great neighbourhoods. It is an area with strong character and even better scenery. With many historical and architectural buildings within its small boundaries, you are briefly transported to early Toronto. 

You can find the St Lawrence neighbourhood between Yonge Street and Parliament Street. It doesn't stretch much further North then King St East. It might be one of the smallest neighbourhoods in Downtown Toronto but it doesn't affect its character. 

When the city was still known as the Town of York, the St Lawrence neighbourhood was under water. Lake Ontario's shoreline went up to Front Street. It would be some time before the shoreline would be pushed back to the current Lakeshore. 

In 1793, Upper Canada's parliament buildings would be found at the location of Parliament Street and Front Street. Although those are no longer standing, the Old City Hall is still there. At the time, the old city hall also worked as a dock for merchants. The Old City Hall is now the home to the most famous landmark in the St Lawrence neighbourhood. 

The St Lawrence Market is a local farmers market that does most of its business on Saturdays. The huge produce market brings in locals and tourists from all walks of life. The freshest meats, fish, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, spices, nuts, and other foods can be found for great prices.

After 1840, the government finally pushed the waterline south, this move would prove to be best for expanding the St Lawrence neighbourhood as a whole. It gave way to a street that is well loved by the residents of Toronto: The Esplanade. 

Toronto's Esplanade has became a beacon for dates, friends, and family. There are some great restaurants along the Esplanade such as The Spaghetti Factory, The Keg, Hanks, Café Nicole, Bellissimo Pizzeria, and Paddington Pump.

The Esplanade is also well known for its nightlife. You can find some of the best bars and pubs in Toronto along this strip. The more popular bars in the Esplanade are The Bier Market, Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, Fionn MacCool's, and Scotland Yard.

The St Lawrence neighbourhood is located near other great Toronto neighbourhoods and destinations such as the Distillery District, Harbourfront, Moss Park, and the Financial District. You can reach all of these easily within a 15 minute walk. 

Its proximity to some of the best places within the city makes it a prime location for Toronto real estate. There are new condos and lofts in St Lawrence, as well as townhouses. Because you are in the downtown Toronto (Central) area, the prices will be higher and the space is somewhat limited. 

Renting in St Lawrence neighbourhood is very common. In the 1970s, the St Lawrence Housing Project took off. The idea was similar to older "urban renewal" projects but greatly improved. With a mix of low-rise apartments, townhouses, and other housing, the project combined subsidized and market housing -- effectively blurring the lines.

They were not fully completed until the 1990, but the St Lawrence Housing Project has become a huge success. The city looks to this project for help when building buildings and homes in other Toronto neighbourhoods. 

Toronto's St Lawrence neighbourhood is not only a great place to live, but a great place to visit. There are some great historical buildings in and around the area. You can also find some fantastic architecture. 

The most well known landmark for St Lawrence is the St Lawrence Market. But another popular building is the St Lawrence Hall. It was built in 1850 and recently designated a National Historic Site of Canada. It was a major venue for musicians and popular with the politicians back in the day. Today, the St Lawrence Hall is still used as a venue, but more for Toronto weddings, Toronto Conferences, and other kinds of events. 

Another great historical building is the Flatiron Building (proper name Gooderham Building). Its appearance is similar to the Fuller Building in New York. The famous Flatiron Mural was painted by Derek Michael Besant. The building is well known for its historical value as well as its architecture.

The St Lawrence neighbourhood makes up for its large size with being filled to the brim in unique character. It is a great place to visit (and live) for those who enjoy the city's history, cool architecture, and relaxing atmosphere. 

Take a look through Totally Toronto to find more on this great Toronto neighbourhood.