5 Toronto neighbourhoods for you to visit
It is in recent years that Canada for many has gone from being the forgotten neighbour of the United States to an equal tourist destination in its own right. In Toronto there is a genuinely multicultural feel and each of the city's neighbourhoods reflects the mix of ethnicities and cultures that exist alongside one another. From the old town and the city’s historic districts to the newer suburbs and redevelopments in the city, Toronto has a lot going for it. Add to this its idyllic location on the banks of Lake Ontario as well as the fact that the city has a warm-in-summer, cold-in-winter climate and you begin to see that Toronto has most of its bases covered when it comes to things to do.
While the city has definitely grown in recent years, and has a great subway system, Toronto is still an area that is best discovered above ground. The city's street car network as well as their hive of bicycle lanes are both great ways to get around cheaply, so whether it's culture and history you're after or a relaxing day at the beach (or as close to one as an inland city can get!), here are our five best neighbourhoods for you to check out.
1. Kensington Market
Image courtesy of Josh Evnin.
A market may not sound like a neighbourhood to you, but Kensington Market is just that. Rather than the traditional covered markets, Kensington Market is instead a network of narrow, eclectic streets selling everything from kitchen equipment and bike lights to baked goods as well as some great cafes. While the area can seem a little overwhelming at first, let yourself wander around, grab a bite to eat and take in the excitement of this multicultural neighbourhood. Sundays are busiest, when the area is closed to traffic and there are street performers to add to the atmosphere.
2. Chinatown
Photo courtesy of The City of Toronto.
A stroll from the Annex district down Spadina Avenue will take you into our next neighbourhood stop off point, Chinatown. Toronto’s Chinatown district is one of the biggest in North America and this area was the first of what are now several Chinese districts in the city. The area is a mix of authentic Chinese restaurants and supermarkets as well as some handy cheap places to stock up on household items- perfect if you are planning a long stay in the city and need to stock up on some essentials. Although the area is called Chinatown, it is in fact far more ethnically diverse, with the Vietnamese and Thai communities equally making their mark on the city. If you want to get a feel for the different communities that have developed and contributed to the multicultural feel of Toronto, then this is definitely the place for you.
3. The Beaches
Photo courtesy of Carlos Pacheco.
Given that Toronto is an inland city, it may seem somewhat unusual to have a district named The Beaches. While the city may not be able to offer that salty sea breeze, it still has plenty by the way of water sports and outdoor activities due to its enviable location on the edge of Lake Ontario. As a result, much of the sea has spectacular lakeside vistas and The Beaches district in the east of the city offers an escape from downtown life. For something a little more scenic, pack a picnic and take the short ferry ride to Centre Island where you have the beaches to enjoy as well as the parklands of the island itself. Provided of course that it's summer.
4. The Fashion District
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Located at the junction of Spadina Avenue and Bathurst, the fashion district was once the city's wholesale area for clothing. While there are plenty of great spots to do some shopping here, in particular for occasion-wear or vintage clothing, there really is more to this neighbourhood than clothes. By day the shops attract bargain hunters but by night there the bars and cafes of this area come alive and you can get everything from artisan burgers to Middle Eastern cuisine or artfully crafted French macaroons before a night out on the town. Try Rose City Kitchen on Spadina Avenue for some great value Moroccan, Egyptian and Lebanese snackboxes for a healthy option that won't break the bank.
5. The Distillery District
Photo courtesy of jofo2005.
If you are interested in architecture, then the buildings throughout Toronto really have plenty to keep you happy but if you're looking for something a little different, look no further than the historic Distillery District. Located downtown the area was once home to one of the largest distilleries in the British Empire, it's a stunning example of Victorian architecture outside of Britain. The distillery closed in 1990 but after being left idle for a time, the area has been reborn as an arts and culture district for the city. The buildings were restored to their original splendour while simultaneously being redesigned for a variety of uses. There are shops, bars, cafes and artists spaces dotting this neighbourhood as well as new housing developments and you won't find a chain store or McDonalds in sight. If you’re visiting Toronto, make sure to check the listings of events in the area as well as checking out The Distillery Market which takes place every Sunday on Gristmill Lane.
Has our neighbourhood guide convinced you? Check out our homestays in Toronto.
Main photo courtesy of ryanready under Creative Commons license.
Written by Mary Plunkett
Mary’s curious personality means that she is forever looking to explore new places and cultures. Like many Irish kids, Mary first got a taste for travel on family camping holidays to France.
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