A Guide to Toronto’s Most Popular Neighbourhoods

Toronto, T.O, Tdot, the Six is known for many things. Its neighbourhoods is one of them. Having lived right downtown now for over 5 years and growing up just outside the city my whole life I’ve become pretty familiar with the city. I may be bias but it’s for sure one of the best cities in the world to live. The city has changed so much in the past couple of years with all of the construction and condos that have been going up. The one thing that hasn’t changed are the neighbourhoods. Of course there are many more to discover, I’ve listed below the most popular neighbourhoods and their top attractions.

The Beaches

I don’t explore this part of the city as much as I probably should but it still holds a little place in my heart, it’s where I first lived! Way back when, this area of the city was up and coming but now it’s boomed and become a very popular spot for families. A quick streetcar ride away from the centre of Downtown, the Beaches are like a mini oasis. It’s hard to believe that a beach as beautiful as the Toronto Beaches exist so close to the city.

The boardwalk is one of the best spots to take a stroll, cycle or jog along in the summer. It can sometimes get overcrowded depending on how nice the weather is but if the boardwalk isn’t your thing, Queen St. E offers so many options when it comes to restaurants, boutique shops and pastry shops. If you have more than a couple days to spend in Toronto I would highly recommend visiting this coveted neighbourhood.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is actually my favourite neighbourhood in Toronto. It’s probably one of the only spots in Toronto that has maintained it’s history, in fact it’s one of the only spots in North America that has maintained the Victorian style architecture so well. Way back when the area used to be the largest distillery of the British Empire and you can definitely tell. When you walk into the neighbourhood you feel as if you’ve walked back in time.

This area is absolutely perfect for photos but even better for a dinner out. There are so many restaurants to choose from but one of my favourites is El Catrin, especially in the summer with its patio. There is a giant fire that’s always burning and is the perfect spot to grab a cocktail.

Kensington Market

A trip to Toronto isn’t a trip if you haven’t visited Kensington Market. This eclectic and creative spot in Toronto is the perfect place to grab some cheap grub or a reasonably priced cocktail. The area is filed laden with beautiful graffiti and random art sculptures. There is even an abandoned car that was turned into a mini garden. I promise you won’t be bored wandering around this spot.

Make sure to take a walk around and check out what drink deals are on at the restaurant, you’re bound to find one at least every day of the week. If you’re looking for cheap threads this is also the place to go. Don’t forget to take a gander around the Blue Banana – you’ll find a ton of souvenirs to bring home.

King West

I live just off of King Street and walk pretty much the length of it everyday on my way to and from work. I can’t say I ever get bored of the area. While part of it is known as the Entertainment district, there are many ad agencies, cocktail bars, and popular food places. I could spend every night at a different bar or restaurant on King and still have plenty to do.

Along King West you’ll also find the TIFF building (which is a great place for celebrity spotting in the first two weeks of September), Restaurant row (exactly as it sounds) and a number of theatres to catch the latest broadway musicals.

Queen West

I’ve already written a very lengthy post about Queen West here, and it’s because there really is so much to do along Queen. Mirroring it’s southern neighbour of King, the street runs along many of the up-and-coming areas in Toronto. Queen West may not have been all that popular several years ago but it definitely is now. Enjoy some of the best shopping in Toronto (except maybe for Bloor West and Eaton Centre), with many brand name and independent shops in what’s coined as the ‘fashion district’. As you make your way along westward you’ll find the fashion stores turn into ones of home decor. This is one of my favourite things to do on a lazy Saturday, wander furniture shops and dreaming of all the things I can’t afford.

The further west you go the more you realize how much gentrification is really happening in the city. Parkdale, located near Queen and Dufferin is a prime example. While the area is still in need for a bit of a facelift, you can see where a lot of the storefronts have been given the pleasure already and it adds an interesting contrast between the two.

Liberty Village

A couple of years ago I used to think Liberty Village was SO far West. Like, too far. Now I live just north of it and I’m there all the time. For those of you who have never been to Toronto before or know what neighbourhood I’m talking about, Liberty Village is a pocket in Toronto home to quite a number of young professionals and young families. What started out as a cluster of condo developments quickly turned into a young professionals haven. With a grocery store, liquor store, several – if not many bars and restaurants, spas, gyms, and some retail outlets it’s hard to find a reason to leave.

While there are plenty of other neighbourhoods to explore in Toronto, Liberty Village is good for a quick walk around, or at the very least – join the lineups at School or Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Both arguably the best brunches you will have in Toronto. If you wander a bit further South you’ll also find the grounds for the Toronto Football Club, and the Canadian National Exhibition.

St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market has been around for over two hundred years. Yup you read that right. The St. Lawrence Market is older than Canada itself, and for good reason. The building is filled with 120 vendors that sell the freshest food in all of Toronto (arguably of course) and the majority of the businesses are still family run. No joke, when I go to the St. Lawrence Market my mom always makes sure to stop off at the meat vendor that she used to shop from when she was my age, and he’s still there – and still remembers her (anyone who knows my mom knows that she’s memorable so that’s not that surprising)!

Saturday’s are usually the markets busiest days so if you don’t like crowds try to avoid it – also remember it’s closed Sunday’s and Monday’s. If you’re looking for a real Canadian breakfast, head over to Carousel Bakery for their iconic Peameal Bacon sandwich – I promise you won’t regret it.

The area around the St. Lawrence Market is also worth while to explore. Don’t miss your chance at photographing the infamous Flatiron building in Toronto!

Toronto Islands

I’m cheating a bit mentioning this because the Toronto Islands aren’t necessarily considered a neighbourhood of Toronto but it would be a shame not to mention them. You have to catch a ferry from Queen’s Quay in Toronto down by the water (obviously), and the ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on how big the lineups are (it gets absolutely crazy in the height of summer). But once you’re on the island it’s like an oasis. There are beaches, parks, a theme park and lots of other fun activities to do.

The one thing you can’t beat about the islands though is the view you’ll get of the city. It’s unreal, and keeps getting better (even though I hate all the construction I have to admit all the condos make the city look pretty cool).

Yonge & Dundas

While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this area of Toronto for those looking to get off the beaten track a little bit, Yonge & Dundas is not something you can completely miss out on. The epicentre of Toronto and a mini Time Square, you’ll find here the Eaton Centre, a movie theatre, a large concrete square with plenty of activity in the summer and tons of options for restaurants.

Milestone’s or Jack Astor’s are definitely worth catching a bite to eat or a cocktail at if you can get a spot on the patio, you’ll have some of the best views of the area.

Yorkville

Last but certainly not least is Yorkville. The poshest neighbourhoods of them all. No really. Filled with designer boutiques and some of the worlds most expensive brands a shopoholic will find everything they could ever want in this little pocket of Toronto. Sometimes I wander up and down Bloor West just to make myself feel rich.

There are plenty of great restaurants in the area as well. If you’re looking for a place to eat that’s reasonably priced and usually has a good atmosphere make sure to head to Hemingway’s (also I’m partial to the name). You also can’t forget to check out the Royal Ontario Museum when you’re in the area – or at the very least take a picture of the building it’s pretty cool!

What are your favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto? Would love to hear your experiences!