Funny, as a kid I always wondered why they called flea markets "flea markets". Did the flea markets sell fleas or something? Now that I have kids of my own, my kids ask the same thing, "Daddy, why do they call this place a flea market?". Its funny how the circle of life works!
Downsview Merchant Market is basically a flea market in Downsview Park. We were nearby for my son's basketball tournament so decided to check it out. The flea market consists of a wide range of vendors from antiques, furniture, perfume to electronics, jewellery etc. Nothing high end that I would buy to be honest
The real appeal of this place is the international food court and farmer's market. The food court has a great mix of Mexican, Latin American, Caribbean and Asian fare. Most of the items seem to be in the $5-$10 range and family owned. I personally went for the Latin fare as we never get that in my neck of the woods. Scored some great empanadas and pupusas while we were there.
The farmer's market is more of fruit and veggie market as they are not locally grown but are of outstanding quality and value. I picked up 3 large bunches of really nice asparagus for only $5.
If you are not a flea market person like me then just bypass the vendors and check out the food and farmer's market as they were the main draw for me. As a note the place is only open on weekends and parking can be pretty crowded with the roads not well maintained.
Now why the heck do they call it a "flea market" anyways???????