Harbourfront, Toronto Islands and Downtown Core
The economic heart of the city, with its skyscrapers typical of North American cities, includes, near the shores of Lake Ontario, the economic and financial center and the entertainment district. In addition, there is the Harbourfront and the Toronto Islands, one of which is home to Billy Bishop Airport.
Entertainment District. This is the district where you can have fun. Theaters, concert halls, nightclubs, restaurants and bars line Queen, King and Front streets, between University and Spadina. It is also home to the CBC, Canada's national English-language broadcasting network, the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Roy Thomson Hall, the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena.
Financial District. The success of what is now one of North America's top five financial centres required a neighbourhood to match. In the 1930s and 1940s, the tallest tower in the Commonwealth stood at the corner of Bay and King streets and housed the Bank of Commerce. Sixty years later, it is the headquarters of the powerful financial groups that have given the city its international reputation. The country's major banks, insurance companies and trusts are headquartered here, and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), located on Bay Street, has become North America's2nd largest stock exchange and one of the top 10 in the world.
Harbourfront. This neighborhood was built on the fill that the city dumped into the lake as it developed. In the 1970s, Harbourfront was an uninhabitable industrial area, full of warehouses and factories lined up along the docks. Today it is a neighborhood of thousands of apartments overlooking the lake, with small shops in and around Queen's Quay Terminal. It's a great place to walk in the summer to enjoy the gentle breeze from the lake and there are even two urban beaches (without access to the lake). The docks from which tourist cruises and ferries to the islands depart are very busy, especially on weekends. But Harbourfront has especially become in a few years a lively cultural place whose heart beats to the rhythm of festivals, events and exhibitions of all kinds.
Toronto Islands. It was a huge storm in 1858 that destroyed the peninsula that had been the reason Simcoe chose to build a fort there. It formed a natural sheltered harbour, making the place easier to defend. The storm reduced the peninsula to a few islands. Throughout Toronto's history, they attracted visitors, so much so that some of them settled there, establishing businesses, building schools, churches and even a movie theatre. But after World War II, the city claimed the space as a public park, Toronto Island Park. Despite a long struggle, the bulk of the islanders left the area in the 1970s. It is from here that you will take the best pictures of Toronto, the view of the Harbourfront and the skyline being absolutely superb.
Downtown Yonge, Old Town and Downtown East
The city's historic birthplace, with its former industries converted into a concentration of fashionable businesses, is also adjacent to the city's most commercial street, Yonge Street.
Cabbagetown. The name comes from the habit of Irish immigrant workers, who lived in this popular neighborhood in the mid-19th century, to grow cabbage in front of their homes. Once known as the largest British slum in North America, this quiet area is now a residential neighborhood with pleasant, well-restored Victorian homes.
Downtown Yonge. This is the tourist heart of Toronto with a small "Times Square" look. You'll find the "classics": stores (including the famous Eaton Centre), theaters, cafés, restaurants, bars... In summer, festivals and events take over Yonge-Dundas Square and sometimes even a section of the street.
The Distillery Historic District. Just a stone's throw from downtown, this pedestrian-friendly district devotes more than a dozen acres exclusively to arts, culture and entertainment. Bars, studios, cafes, restaurants, galleries and stores can be found in a jumble of more than 40 red brick buildings that were once the largest distillery in the Commonwealth.
The Village. Also known as "Boystown" or "Church-Wellesley Village," the Gay Village grew up on Church Street, now decked out in the rainbow colors of the LGBTQ2 community. Just a few steps from Yonge Street and its incessant activity, this neighborhood is a great place to stroll with its original shops, old Victorian houses often tastefully transformed into restaurants and cafés. And if you are visiting in June, don't miss the Gay Pride festivities.
Chinatown, Kensington Market and Downtown West
To the northwest, but still in what is considered downtown, is the largest Asian community in the country. On its borders, small neighborhoods with a strong identity and vintage atmosphere.
Chinatown. Toronto is not the only city in the world to have a Chinatown. But few are as extensive and as decidedly Asian. When you're in Chinatown in Toronto, you're in China. Period. In addition to the various shops, the culinary diversity is spectacular and you can choose food from all regions of China, but also Thai, Vietnamese, etc., not to mention the famous Sunday market. This neighborhood extends around the Spadina Avenue area, between Dundas West and College streets.
Kensington Market. Thrift shops, vintage stores, tattoo studios and gourmet shops, all in a labyrinth of small streets, some of which are lined with Victorian houses. Kensington Market is a multicultural melting pot that ranks among the best street markets in North America. And there's always something going on, whether it's an impromptu concert or just an artist reciting poetry. On the culinary side, the trend is for small neighborhood cafes or restaurants that don't pay a fortune but offer inventive cuisine.
Little Italy. If the neighborhood has opened its doors to many communities in recent years and is therefore less 100% Italian, it is still a place with an obvious dolce vita atmosphere. Of course it is the ideal place for a real pizza or a pasta dish "like over there". Not to mention the espresso!
Queen West & West Queen West. A major shopping destination for Torontonians, Queen West has undergone an impressive transformation. Once rather decadent, the neighborhood has become hip and trendy with its vintage clothing boutiques (but at very current prices), antique shops, galleries, trendy restaurants, etc. It is very chic to live in the neighborhood, which has consequently seen real estate prices skyrocket. But recently, the big banners have taken over, replacing the small independent shops... As for West Queen West, this area has kept its rebellious and artistic spirit while seeing the latest fashionable addresses flourish.
Trinity-Bellwoods. Located between West Queen West and Little Italy, this neighborhood includes the park of the same name, a haven of nature that is highly coveted on sunny days. Otherwise, it's a trendy neighborhood with a host of trendy businesses, from independent cafes to new restaurants, not to mention small boutiques with local brands and neighborhood bars that are worth a visit.
UToronto, Bloor-Yorkville and The Annex
Around the huge park, which houses one of the largest concentrations of universities in North America, are two neighborhoods with completely different atmospheres. There is also the Korean district.
Bloor-Yorkville. Nice neighborhood bounded by Bloor, Dundas, Davenport and Avenue. To try to make local color, put your best clothes and do not hesitate to put the hand in the wallet. Between the big luxury brands, the small design boutiques and the 4 star hotels, Yorkville is without a doubt the most chic district of the city. Here you are rich and you show it. There are some very good addresses in the neighborhood, provided you have the finances to match. The 1960s, when the atmosphere was rather baba-cool, are well and truly over.
Koreatown is also a community curiosity like only Toronto has (north of Little Italy on Bloor Street, between Bathurst and Christie streets).
The Annex. Where the student community of the nearby University of Toronto and all kinds of hipsters meet, The Annex is an eclectic neighborhood. All around, you'll find trendy and kitschy boutiques, local bookstores, and restaurants and bars for every taste and budget.
Toronto East and The Beaches
The eastern part of the city is bounded on the south by the lake, on the west by Don Valley Parkway, on the north by Steeles Avenue, and on the east by Kennedy Road (the Scarborough District begins here). There are many sub-neighborhoods, mostly residential, that extend to the city limits.
East Chinatown. Largely less frequented by tourists than the city's other Chinatown, it is nonetheless worth a visit. In addition to Asian shops, several good addresses (cafés, bars, restaurants...) have recently set up shop in this neighborhood, notably on Gerrard Street East in the vicinity of Broadview Avenue. Besides, at the corner of these two streets is the big Chinese arch announcing the colors of the district.
Greektown and Little India. As their names indicate, these two neighborhoods located in the eastern part of the city are two community enclaves with a strong identity. Greektown is a real miniature Greece with its typical restaurants and its streets always animated, especially on weekends. This neighborhood is located on Danforth Avenue, between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Boulevard. Little India, also known as Gerrard India Bazaar, is home to the largest open-air South Asian market in North America. Colorful bangles, saris, scarves and tunics overlap in its dozens of stores along Gerrard Street East, between Greenwood and Coxwell avenues, all topped off with the smell of curry at meal times.
Riverside and Leslieville. They emerged a few years ago on the scene of the city's new trendy neighborhoods and are sure to please epicureans. With small grocery stores stocked with goodies, numerous bistros, cafes, breweries and trendy restaurants, the streets of Riverside and Leslieville have a great atmosphere. Slightly out of the city center, it is very easy to get there by streetcar. A well-kept secret of the locals!
The Beaches. Wedged between the lake, Queen Street East, Coxwell Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, The Beaches is a residential neighborhood, a park and a 3 km long sandy beach. Until the 1930s, it was a resort area, away from the city, filled with cottages where wealthy Torontonians came to relax with their families by the water. Those with less money pitched their tents there. It was like the seaside with its sandy beach and shady walks. Today, this sought-after and expensive neighborhood has a more Californian, even funky, feel with its cafes and restaurants.
West Toronto
Corso Italia. The Corso Italia area is the most vibrant part of St. Clair Avenue, just minutes from downtown. The area is known for its fashionable boutiques that reflect European trends, as well as its multitude of cafes and restaurants that will introduce you to the regional flavors of Italy.
High Park. This is the second largest park in the city. In the 19th century it was owned by John Howard, the city's first architect, who built his home, Colborne Lodge. Upon his death in 1890, he donated the large property to the city, which gradually expanded it. The neighbourhood did not really develop until 1900 when Toronto expanded to the area. Today, High Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods (Bloor West Village, Parkdale, Roncesvalles) are home to old Victorian homes from the early 20th century, and the shops and restaurants on Bloor Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue, in particular, have made it a popular area for Torontonians to buy food from the Ukraine and Poland. Once known as Little Poland, Roncesvalles has become one of Toronto's trendiest neighborhoods, with many good places to eat.
King West Village. A cousin of the trendy Queen Street West where historic buildings, art galleries, artists' studios and trendy bars abound. Be sure to stop by the Wheat Sheaf Tavern, a pub that has been in operation for over 170 years.
The Junction is one of Toronto's newest hipster neighborhoods. Located north of High Park along Dundas Street West, it has some nice cafes serving fresh food, microbreweries, barbershops, and a few health and design stores. Be careful not to confuse it with Junction Triangle further east, which is also an up-and-coming neighborhood, as evidenced by the new MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) that chose to move there in 2018.
Midtown and North Toronto
Davisville Village. Inhabited mainly by young couples, it is a vibrant neighborhood for both going out and shopping, especially for contemporary Canadian art.
Forest Hill. The city's most prestigious neighborhood, with its beautiful villas and leafy streets. Beautiful boutiques in the "Village" area.
Yonge Street. Also known as Highway 11 and running north-south, it marks the division between the east and west sides of the city. From Bloor Street, Yonge Street is the host to a succession of small neighbourhoods: Yonge & St. Clair (nice residential area, many parks), Yonge & Eglinton (known for its fashion boutiques), Lawrence Park (residential area with beautiful historic homes, park with botanical garden), North Toronto (upscale shopping area) and Yonge & Sheppard (cosmopolitan area, many stores, restaurants, bars and nightclubs).
