Toronto Neighbourhoods

This is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods, known for its charm and a bohemian atmosphere that spans along Bloor Street West. The Annex has been crowned as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world for the sixth time in a row by a British media company Time Out. 

The tree-lined streets have beautiful century-old Victorian homes turned into multi-unit rentals. Because of its proximity to the University of Toronto it has a high rate of seasonal tenant turnover. It buzzes with academic energy and is a hotspot for students, artists and professionals. It is close to the Royal Ontario Museum, Bata Shoe Museum and Bloor Street Cinema.  

Known for its history, The Annex is a home to the oldest motion pictures theatre in Toronto. You can explore the stunning University of Toronto campus and a modern mix of trendy eats, art galleries and one of its kind shops. Annex houses a famous breakfast place by the name of Insomnia where you can have world renowned breakfast. 

The name dates to the 19^th century when struggling Irish immigrants would grow vegetables in the patches in front of the homes. The area is around Parliament and Carlton and has the feel of a small village and has become one of the city’s most gentrified quarters both physically beautiful and culturally active. There are many cafes, pubs and restaurants and even a free 7 acre city-farm with live animals that you can feed. Every September is the Cabbagetown Festival,  one of Toronto’s longest running street festivals which includes live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone and over 200 unique. You can grab authentic Vietnamese Iced Coffee from Playground Cafe in Cabbagetown. 

Walking Guide: Toronto Harbourfront - Walking Guide

It is a neighborhood in Downtown Toronto bordered by Bathurst Street to the west, Lake Shore Boulevard to the south, and Front Steer to the North. It houses a stretch of Lake Ontario shoreline and is a place for year-round fun activities. In summer you can spend a day at sugar beach or take a ferry to Toronto Island and rewind near water or you can ice skate at Paul Quarrington Ice Rink. If you are a music fanatic, you can listen to some live classical music at Toronto Music Garden. Try world famous Canadian pastries at Beavertrails. 

Chinatown is one of Toronto’s oldest and most dynamic neighborhoods. Stroll through Chinatown Toronto to discover delightful Asian cuisine and captivating street art that transforms the downtown neighbourhood into marvellous outdoor gallery. Kengiston Market also located at the walking distance from China town hosts yea round festivals like Jazz Festival and Winter Solstice Festival.  

Church and Wellesley, famously known as Gay Village, is an LGBTQ+ oriented enclave in Toronto. Although it is home to many community parks, bars, restaurants and stores that caters to various LGBTQ community it is also known for its historic community with Victorian houses. Church and Wellesley is home to the annual Pride Toronto celebrations which happens at the last weekend in June and is the largest event of its kind in Canada with over 90 floats and an enthusiastic crowd that numbers in the hundreds of thousands. 

Located east of Downtown Toronto, Distillery district is a commercial and residential district containing over 40 boutiques and unique shops. One can also experience award-winning dishes from a diverse selection of international cuisines. It is also home to a wide spectrum of world-renowned festivals and events like Christmas market. Distillery district is known for being highly alive with culture and homes various theatres, galleries and artists.

Harbord street is nestled between Annex and Little Italy, it offers small time charm and big city sophistication. One can truly live the energy of a big city in Harbord village by strolling through bustling sidewalks having many shops and restaurants. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife. During Halloween, there is an annual pumpkin festival in the Harbord Village.

The unmatchable dynamic energy of Queen Street West has a vibrant mix of locally owned stores, contemporary art galleries, vintage boutiques and name-brand retailers. Located between Simcoe and Bathurst Street, queen street west is home to city’s best restaurants. The queen street west day party happens every year in June where one can visit the lively market where local businesses showcases their unique, handcrafted goods and delicious foods. 

Whether you prefer an evening of dancing or an evening of fine dining, king street west is the place that has it all. Entertainment district is concentrated around King Street West between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue. One can explore the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Hockey Hall of Fame in the entertainment district.

Walking Guide: Yorkville - Walking Guide

Bordered by Davenport Road to the north, Bloor Street to the south, Yonge Street to the east and Avenue Road to the West, Yorkville is the city’s most desirable postal codes to live in. Yorkville is known for its cobblestone streets, an abundance of gourmet restaurants, extravagant designer boutiques and engaging art galleries and museums. It is known to be Toronto’s best neighborhood for shopping. One can also visit the nearby Royal Ontario Museum which houses unique architecture, rotating exhibits and long-time ancient collections.

A charming, laid-back neighbourhood with a vintage small-town vibe. Features local restaurants, bars and shops all within easy access to the kilometers of sandy beaches and a boardwalk for outdoor recreation.

Walking Guide: Danforth - Walking Guide

Greektown, a thriving area in Toronto noted for its rich history and energetic environment, is situated along Danforth Avenue. It's a center for mouthwatering Greek food with well-known eateries. Every year, the region plays host to the largest street festival in Canada, Taste of the Danforth, which draws in over a million people to celebrate Greek culture via cuisine, music, and dance. Greektown is a great place for newcomers to Toronto to experience a warm community and a wide variety of delicious food options. It's a great location to get a taste of Greece in the middle of the city, easily reached by the TTC subway line 2. Greektown shares a boundary with Don Valley River Park, an excellent area for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nestled in Toronto's east end, Leslieville is a hip neighbourhood renowned for its creativity and relaxed atmosphere. It is home to several charming cafés, distinctive shops, and well-liked brunch destinations including Lady Marmalade and the rooftop of the Broadview Hotel. Young professionals and creatives love hanging out in Leslieville because of its vivid street art. It's a terrific place for students who are new to Toronto to check out vintage stores, sip coffee from the neighbourhood, and take in the friendly and inviting vibe of the city.

Riverdale is well known for its picturesque parks and old houses. Riverdale Park is a well-liked location for sports, picnics, and winter tobogganing, as well as gives breathtaking views of the cityscape. With a variety of energetic communities and cuisines, the region has a wealth of cultural diversity. For students who are new to Toronto, Riverdale offers the appropriate mix of green spaces and urban life, making it the perfect place to explore and unwind. 

Gerrard Street East, also known as Little India, is a lively and colorful neighborhood full of South Asian flavors and culture. This busy neighborhood is well-known for its original Indian food, which offers a taste of India. Tourists will find the street to be a sensory feast, with shops selling traditional apparel, jewelry, and spices. Little India offers a distinct cultural experience for students who are new to Toronto and a sense of familiarity for those who are from South Asia. It's a vibrant, friendly area that's ideal for discovering various customs and cuisines and is easily reachable by streetcar.

Located in Toronto's west end, Bloor West Village is a quaint neighbourhood renowned for its family-friendly vibe and European flair. A short stroll away is High Park, Toronto's largest public park, which offers plenty of lush greenery for leisurely outdoor activities. Bloor West Village provides newcomers to Toronto with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to both nature and urban amenities. It's the ideal place to get a taste of both suburban peace and metropolitan life.  

The lively community life of Toronto's Dufferin Grove area is concentrated around Dufferin Grove Park, the site of regular outdoor events, farmers' markets, and art exhibitions. Rent in this neighborhood is reasonably priced for students. Additionally, Dufferin Mall may be handy for students in terms of amenities and shopping. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of community in the neighborhood with the numerous local organizations and projects that support urban gardening and sustainable living. 

One of Toronto's most cherished neighbourhoods, High Park, is well-known for its size which has a zoo. High park is a great area to take a stroll over the vast green space featuring ponds, gardens and outdoor theatres. Visitors from all over the city flock to the park in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. Public transportation connects the area well, making it accessible to students. In addition, High Park has a blend of modern eateries, historic houses, and exciting cultural events that foster a lively and interesting sense of community. 

The Junction neighbourhood is well known for its distinctive fusion of bustling arts, culture and industrial charm. Because of its lower rent and repurposed industrial and warehouse spaces, the Junction is a popular destination for artists and business owners. It also has a similar vibe to nearby Toronto neighbourhoods such as Queen West and Roncesvalles. The Junction's regular street festivals and farmers' markets demonstrate the area's powerful sense of community. The neighborhood's unique atmosphere, reasonably priced housing alternatives, and easy access to High Park and transportation hubs will be highly valued by students. 

Liberty village has become a hot spot for young professionals, with many tech companies, design studios and media firms being set up there. Many of its old factory buildings have been converted into an abundance of chic cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as fitness studios and boutique shops, creating an interesting blend of historic and new architecture, as well as a great spot for students to enjoy.  Its convenient access to public transit options make Liberty Village an attractive place for both living and working.

At anytime of the day, it is common to see the sidewalks in this neighbourhood filled with people enjoying the outdoor patios and delicious treats this area has to offer. This neighbourhood is culturally rich, known for its trendy Italian restaurants, cafes and pool clubs as well as the famous Mod Club which hosts great concerts. The area hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Taste of Little Italy, showcasing Italian culture and cuisine. Students will find the vibrant nightlife appealing, offering a dynamic social scene. 

Featuring a combination of old-world charm and new transformations, this area is referred to as ‘Roncy’ by locals and has something for everyone in a relaxed and casual vibe. This neighbourhood has a large Polish presence that is well-known for its delis, bakeries, and cultural activities. Roncesvalles Avenue, is dotted with independent stores, cute cafes, and hip eateries that foster a sense of lively community. The neighborhood's closeness to High Park, which offers lots of green space for leisure and outdoor activities, will be appreciated by students. In addition, Roncesvalles has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and well-connected public transportation that makes getting around the city simple. 

Midtown Toronto, centered around Yonge and Eglinton offers a little bit of everything as a trendy business district with shopping, casual dining and nightlife options suitable for singles, couples and families. The place is often called “Young and Eligible” as the Downtown North with easy access to the TTC subway line 1. 

A hidden gem of nature in the heart of Toronto’s ravine system that promotes sustainability and urban greening. A former brick factory that has been transformed into a space where nature, culture and community interest. Discover a network of scenic trails ideal for hiking, biking and nature walks. The Saturday’s Farmers market is open year-round.  

A community with a rich blend of Latin American, Italian, Portuguese, and Caribbean influences. Offering a variety of restaurants, bakeries, and independent boutique shops. An old streetcar maintenance facility has transformed into Wychwood Barns a community space dedicated to art studios and community events. St Clair west also hosts the Salsa on St. Clair festival every July.

Located along Yonge Street between Finch and Sheppard Avenue, this neighbourhood is easily accessible by TTC and offers a blend of urban convenience with a mix of amenities, green space and residential comforts. You’ll find corporate headquarters among high-rise condominiums, apartment buildings and townhouses. Mel Lastman Square is the central public space that hosts community events, concerts, and winter skating.