Jessica's Guidebook
Art
MOCA Toronto’s new home in the historic Tower Automotive Building is in the heart of the Lower Junction Triangle. The museum inhabits the first five floors of the building, built in 1919 as an aluminium factory and originally one of Toronto’s tallest towers. The 10-story structure is known for its unique architecture with fluted columns and industrial barn doors, which have been restored and are now a defining feature of the museum space.
129 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada
158 Sterling RdMOCA Toronto’s new home in the historic Tower Automotive Building is in the heart of the Lower Junction Triangle. The museum inhabits the first five floors of the building, built in 1919 as an aluminium factory and originally one of Toronto’s tallest towers. The 10-story structure is known for its unique architecture with fluted columns and industrial barn doors, which have been restored and are now a defining feature of the museum space.
Shopping
When it comes to iconic Toronto publishers, House of Anansi Press is hard to beat. It was founded in 1967 by young nationalists Dennis Lee and David Godfrey, who had a simple goal: to publish excellent Canadian writers. Since then, Anansi has become synonymous with north-of-the-border talent. The space is also beautifully designed and is one of the dreamiest book shops in the city in which to spend an afternoon browsing titles. What makes the shop especially exciting for avid readers is that it’s attached to the publishing house, so it’s where the books are born and developed. Everything—including first encounter with the manuscript, art decisions, author meetings and final edits—takes place at their offices (printing is the only thing that’s done elsewhere). World-class authors regularly stop by for meetings, so when readers come in to peruse a novel by a certain writer, there’s a chance that writer may be right inside the office going over edits on their next piece of work. Oftentimes shoppers will even be interrupted in their browsing by a new delivery from the printer. When it comes to literary entertainment, it doesn’t get more local than that.
House of Anansi Press and Groundwood Books
128 Sterling RdThe Fitzroy carries an elevated, highly curated collection of brand new designer dream dresses, jumpsuits and handbags, sourced and selected from all over the world by our founders Angela and Julie and made available for women to rent for any occasion where they need to get fancy. No appointment needed (yes really, no appointment!), Fitzroy offers a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgmental space where women can come whenever it's convenient for them, try on as many dresses as they want with the help of our amazing stylists and either walk out with a dress that day or reserve one (or two, or more!) for use at a later date. Dresses can also be booked online, with easy two-way shipping Canada wide.
The Fitzroy - Dress Rental Magic
213 Sterling RdThe Fitzroy carries an elevated, highly curated collection of brand new designer dream dresses, jumpsuits and handbags, sourced and selected from all over the world by our founders Angela and Julie and made available for women to rent for any occasion where they need to get fancy. No appointment needed (yes really, no appointment!), Fitzroy offers a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgmental space where women can come whenever it's convenient for them, try on as many dresses as they want with the help of our amazing stylists and either walk out with a dress that day or reserve one (or two, or more!) for use at a later date. Dresses can also be booked online, with easy two-way shipping Canada wide.
Brewery
The neighborhood brewery: We strive to create balanced and thoughtful beers that honour traditional ways, but are not restricted to them. We want our beers to spark ideas, tell stories and, most of all, be refreshing and enjoyable. Our tasting room and bottle shop are open seven days a week for draught beer, as well as bottles, cans and growlers to go. All are welcome to visit and enjoy some of the tastes of Toronto.
Henderson Brewing co
128A Sterling RdInspired by the experiences and the atmosphere of German beer gardens, that bring people from all walks of life together through great beer.
Beers range from juicy, dank New England IPAs to dry-hopped sours and funky Brett farmhouse ales.
94 locals recommend
Bandit Brewery
2125 Dundas St WInspired by the experiences and the atmosphere of German beer gardens, that bring people from all walks of life together through great beer.
Beers range from juicy, dank New England IPAs to dry-hopped sours and funky Brett farmhouse ales.
Coffee
Espresso drinks made from house-roasted, ethically sourced beans, served in an industrial setting.
ETHICA COFFEE ROASTERS
213 Sterling RdThird generation bakers who feed the local community with the true taste of Italy using only the finest of natural ingredients and organic flours.
Modern, bright and sleek seating on first floor of MOCA. Coffee, wine and snacks.
Forno Cultura MOCA/Bread Lab
158 Sterling RdThird generation bakers who feed the local community with the true taste of Italy using only the finest of natural ingredients and organic flours.
Modern, bright and sleek seating on first floor of MOCA. Coffee, wine and snacks.
Quality espresso based beverages, filter coffee, teas, Blackbird Baking Co. Viennoiserie, Breakfast Sammies, g-free and vegan options.
77 locals recommend
Wallace Espresso
188 Wallace AveQuality espresso based beverages, filter coffee, teas, Blackbird Baking Co. Viennoiserie, Breakfast Sammies, g-free and vegan options.
Gaspar Cafe offers food and drinks for every moment of the day, from breakfast, with sweets or tasty snacks to light lunches and evening aperitifs.
7 locals recommend
Gaspar Café
10 Sousa Mendes StGaspar Cafe offers food and drinks for every moment of the day, from breakfast, with sweets or tasty snacks to light lunches and evening aperitifs.
Parks
High Park is famous for many things: the cherry blossom trees which draw thousands of visitors to its grounds in the spring, for example, or its amphitheatre, home to the annual event Shakepeare In The Park.
But as one of the oldest and largest parks located in the city, you can imagine that this 4oo-acre property has plenty more attractions scattered across its hilly terrain and along its tree-lined paths than just trees and theatre.
Stretching from Bloor Street down south to the Queensway, with Grenadier Pond on the west and Parkside Drive to the east, this park is a place where visitors can pass whole hours, full days, even, amusing themselves with all the features this city-operated park has to offer.
Whether you're looking for facilities, family past-times or scenic getways, High Park has something for everyone from kids to experience explorers.
1205 locals recommend
High Park
1873 Bloor St WHigh Park is famous for many things: the cherry blossom trees which draw thousands of visitors to its grounds in the spring, for example, or its amphitheatre, home to the annual event Shakepeare In The Park.
But as one of the oldest and largest parks located in the city, you can imagine that this 4oo-acre property has plenty more attractions scattered across its hilly terrain and along its tree-lined paths than just trees and theatre.
Stretching from Bloor Street down south to the Queensway, with Grenadier Pond on the west and Parkside Drive to the east, this park is a place where visitors can pass whole hours, full days, even, amusing themselves with all the features this city-operated park has to offer.
Whether you're looking for facilities, family past-times or scenic getways, High Park has something for everyone from kids to experience explorers.
Sorauren Park offers the best of green space to nearby residents, including a large off-leash dog area (check out other great off-leash parks here), a field house, an ice rink in the winter, a farmer’s market, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a 'town square', and various kids programs and sports opportunities. It also has a great view of the CN Tower!
35 locals recommend
Sorauren Avenue Park
289 Sorauren AveSorauren Park offers the best of green space to nearby residents, including a large off-leash dog area (check out other great off-leash parks here), a field house, an ice rink in the winter, a farmer’s market, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a 'town square', and various kids programs and sports opportunities. It also has a great view of the CN Tower!
Neighbourhoods
A walk through Roncesvalles Village – or “Roncy” to its friends – will capture your heart, and stomach, with its small-town European charm. The area is home to many family-owned cafes and shops and as you explore the different boutiques, you may find yourself drawn in by the irresistible aromas that waft out of the local bakeries.
10 locals recommend
Roncesvalles Avenue
Roncesvalles AvenueA walk through Roncesvalles Village – or “Roncy” to its friends – will capture your heart, and stomach, with its small-town European charm. The area is home to many family-owned cafes and shops and as you explore the different boutiques, you may find yourself drawn in by the irresistible aromas that waft out of the local bakeries.
Kensington Market is an incredible street market that really reflects the wide diversity at the core of Toronto. Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Vietnamese immigrants have all found a home in the area over time, each leaving their stamp in a variety of ways. This diversity comes to life in the superb mixture of restaurants and cafes, the vintage clothing shops and lively market stalls.
Just south of Kensington market is Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood, a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local Asian community. Dine on authentic Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine before browsing the markets for international produce, unique products, and souvenirs. If you really want to experience the best of Chinatown, visit during the Chinese New Year when the community comes together to celebrate and dancing dragons roam the streets.
While in the neighbourhood, make sure to stop at the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to a remarkable 90,000 works. This is one of the biggest and best art museums in North America, and is where you’ll find the largest collection of Canadian art in the world as well as works from legendary artists like Rubens, Goya, Picasso, and Rembrandt.
1698 locals recommend
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is an incredible street market that really reflects the wide diversity at the core of Toronto. Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Vietnamese immigrants have all found a home in the area over time, each leaving their stamp in a variety of ways. This diversity comes to life in the superb mixture of restaurants and cafes, the vintage clothing shops and lively market stalls.
Just south of Kensington market is Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood, a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local Asian community. Dine on authentic Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine before browsing the markets for international produce, unique products, and souvenirs. If you really want to experience the best of Chinatown, visit during the Chinese New Year when the community comes together to celebrate and dancing dragons roam the streets.
While in the neighbourhood, make sure to stop at the Art Gallery of Ontario, home to a remarkable 90,000 works. This is one of the biggest and best art museums in North America, and is where you’ll find the largest collection of Canadian art in the world as well as works from legendary artists like Rubens, Goya, Picasso, and Rembrandt.
Queen West is where you’ll find the city’s coolest kids. It has great shopping, tons of art and design studios, a variety of live music venues, and amazing food, all of it set against a backdrop of historic buildings. Walking through the streets you’ll stumble upon hidden galleries, drum circles in Trinity Bellwoods Park, ‘art hotels’ like The Drake, and “Graffiti Alley,” the self-explanatory street art hub that might just be the perfect background for your next profile photo. Is it any wonder Vogue named West Queen West one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world?
Fashionistas tend to congregate, which is why nearby King West is also home to some of the best shopping in the city. Housed in what was once the centre of Toronto’s textile industry, the former industrial buildings of King West are now inhabited by clothing outlets and retailers.
Another former industrial area, Liberty Village is now the popular place to live for Toronto’s urban professionals. You can live, eat, and drink, all in old, converted buildings that used to house factories. The industrial spirit lives on through the neighbourhoods latest residents: tech startups, digital agencies, and advertising firms
723 locals recommend
Queen Street West
Queen Street West
Queen West is where you’ll find the city’s coolest kids. It has great shopping, tons of art and design studios, a variety of live music venues, and amazing food, all of it set against a backdrop of historic buildings. Walking through the streets you’ll stumble upon hidden galleries, drum circles in Trinity Bellwoods Park, ‘art hotels’ like The Drake, and “Graffiti Alley,” the self-explanatory street art hub that might just be the perfect background for your next profile photo. Is it any wonder Vogue named West Queen West one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world?
Fashionistas tend to congregate, which is why nearby King West is also home to some of the best shopping in the city. Housed in what was once the centre of Toronto’s textile industry, the former industrial buildings of King West are now inhabited by clothing outlets and retailers.
Another former industrial area, Liberty Village is now the popular place to live for Toronto’s urban professionals. You can live, eat, and drink, all in old, converted buildings that used to house factories. The industrial spirit lives on through the neighbourhoods latest residents: tech startups, digital agencies, and advertising firms
Much of the City of Toronto can be traced back to Old Town. This collection of six neighbourhoods has seen a revitalisation as trendy shops and restaurants took over space in centuries-old buildings.
In Old Town you’ll find one of the city’s best foodie destinations: the St. Lawrence Market. The market has existed in some form since 1803, and just four years ago National Geographic named it the best in the world. Treat your senses, as you see, smell, and sample fresh produce and cheese, or browse the works of countless local artisans selling souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, and more.
Not far away, pay a visit to the Distillery Historic District, a pedestrian-only village featuring heritage buildings that now house everything a modern traveler might enjoy. New fashion can be found in restored, Victorian-era buildings; culinary inventions are hidden behind weathered red brick walls; and art galleries and performance venues host events year-round, ensuring that the old neighbourhood is full of life.
Don’t leave Old Town without paying a visit to the Gooderham Building. Widely known as the Flatiron Building, this red-brick, narrow structure stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers, making for a great Instagram photo.Gooderham Building. Widely known as the Flatiron Building, this red-brick, narrow structure stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers, making for a great Instagram photo.
7 locals recommend
Old Town
Much of the City of Toronto can be traced back to Old Town. This collection of six neighbourhoods has seen a revitalisation as trendy shops and restaurants took over space in centuries-old buildings.
In Old Town you’ll find one of the city’s best foodie destinations: the St. Lawrence Market. The market has existed in some form since 1803, and just four years ago National Geographic named it the best in the world. Treat your senses, as you see, smell, and sample fresh produce and cheese, or browse the works of countless local artisans selling souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, and more.
Not far away, pay a visit to the Distillery Historic District, a pedestrian-only village featuring heritage buildings that now house everything a modern traveler might enjoy. New fashion can be found in restored, Victorian-era buildings; culinary inventions are hidden behind weathered red brick walls; and art galleries and performance venues host events year-round, ensuring that the old neighbourhood is full of life.
Don’t leave Old Town without paying a visit to the Gooderham Building. Widely known as the Flatiron Building, this red-brick, narrow structure stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers, making for a great Instagram photo.Gooderham Building. Widely known as the Flatiron Building, this red-brick, narrow structure stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers, making for a great Instagram photo.
If you enjoy performing arts, sports, major attractions and fantastic fine dining, the Toronto Entertainment District is the aptly-named place to be.
It’s in this neighbourhood that you can spend your days at the city’s biggest attractions, from the CN Tower to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and your nights in some of Canada’s most popular restaurants. Or, get in touch with your competitive side over an arcade game at The Rec Room.
There’s an infinite amount of ways to spend a day in the Entertainment District. If you don’t know where to start, we’d recommend going for a stroll on Canada’s Walk of Fame, stopping at Chotto Matte for an introduction to Peruvian-Japanese bites, and then heading to the Hockey Hall of Fame for an interactive experience with Canada’s favourite pastime.
211 locals recommend
Entertainment District
The PATH - SkywalkIf you enjoy performing arts, sports, major attractions and fantastic fine dining, the Toronto Entertainment District is the aptly-named place to be.
It’s in this neighbourhood that you can spend your days at the city’s biggest attractions, from the CN Tower to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and your nights in some of Canada’s most popular restaurants. Or, get in touch with your competitive side over an arcade game at The Rec Room.
There’s an infinite amount of ways to spend a day in the Entertainment District. If you don’t know where to start, we’d recommend going for a stroll on Canada’s Walk of Fame, stopping at Chotto Matte for an introduction to Peruvian-Japanese bites, and then heading to the Hockey Hall of Fame for an interactive experience with Canada’s favourite pastime.
Once a hippie neighbourhood, Yorkville is now just hip, and is widely known as a fashion district. Sometimes dubbed the “Mink Mile,” Bloor Street is lined with designer boutiques where you can shop brands like Tiffany, Chanel, and Hermès. The posh stores are straddled by equally posh dining, all of which make Yorkville a great place to mingle with high society.
It might be surprising, then, to discover that the University of Toronto campus sits right along its border. Since students aren’t known to shop luxury boutiques and eat haute cuisine, most spend their time in the adjacent Annex neighbourhood.
The Annex’s popularity and style are largely driven by the university students that inhabit it. Droves of coffee shops, theatres, bookstores, galleries, restaurants, and bars are filled day and night with a young, trendy clientele. The neighbourhood really comes alive in the summer when patios open up and you can enjoy the weather with your meal.
651 locals recommend
Yorkville
Once a hippie neighbourhood, Yorkville is now just hip, and is widely known as a fashion district. Sometimes dubbed the “Mink Mile,” Bloor Street is lined with designer boutiques where you can shop brands like Tiffany, Chanel, and Hermès. The posh stores are straddled by equally posh dining, all of which make Yorkville a great place to mingle with high society.
It might be surprising, then, to discover that the University of Toronto campus sits right along its border. Since students aren’t known to shop luxury boutiques and eat haute cuisine, most spend their time in the adjacent Annex neighbourhood.
The Annex’s popularity and style are largely driven by the university students that inhabit it. Droves of coffee shops, theatres, bookstores, galleries, restaurants, and bars are filled day and night with a young, trendy clientele. The neighbourhood really comes alive in the summer when patios open up and you can enjoy the weather with your meal.
Dundas West is a destination for vintage clothing, fashion and home to a thriving nightlife scene with some of Toronto's most acclaimed bars and restaurants.
11 locals recommend
Dundas Street West
Dundas Street WestDundas West is a destination for vintage clothing, fashion and home to a thriving nightlife scene with some of Toronto's most acclaimed bars and restaurants.
The Junction boasts some of the best restaurants, bars and things to do in Toronto. Welcome to Toronto’s West Side. Lush, tree-lined streets and century brick homes make up the historic district of The Junction – a hip neighborhood that gets its name for once being the heart of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Bordered by the northern end of High Park and the trendy eastern arm of the Junction Triangle, this eclectic area offers a quiet place to call home, or a lively night out for visitors. The main street of Dundas West is alive with restaurants, bars, local boutiques and businesses, while St. Clair West offers more suburban amenities (lookin’ at you, Stockyards Centre) in an urban center of the city. Hop on a rental city bike and explore: you’ll find yourself amongst a multigenerational mix of trendy youths, urban professionals, young families, and low-key locals. The welcoming, familiar vibe makes The Junction instantly feel like home whether you’re here for the day, the week or a whole lifetime.
113 locals recommend
The Junction
The Junction boasts some of the best restaurants, bars and things to do in Toronto. Welcome to Toronto’s West Side. Lush, tree-lined streets and century brick homes make up the historic district of The Junction – a hip neighborhood that gets its name for once being the heart of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Bordered by the northern end of High Park and the trendy eastern arm of the Junction Triangle, this eclectic area offers a quiet place to call home, or a lively night out for visitors. The main street of Dundas West is alive with restaurants, bars, local boutiques and businesses, while St. Clair West offers more suburban amenities (lookin’ at you, Stockyards Centre) in an urban center of the city. Hop on a rental city bike and explore: you’ll find yourself amongst a multigenerational mix of trendy youths, urban professionals, young families, and low-key locals. The welcoming, familiar vibe makes The Junction instantly feel like home whether you’re here for the day, the week or a whole lifetime.
Food scene
KIBO Sushi House - Bloor
1415 Bloor St WTHAI NYYOM
1419 Bloor St WCozy bar, tasty cocktails, amazing staff, plus a great covered and heated back patio
42 locals recommend
The Gaslight
1426 Bloor St WCozy bar, tasty cocktails, amazing staff, plus a great covered and heated back patio
Quite possibly the best pizza, pasta, bread and wine you’ve ever had in a completely unassuming bodega.
38 locals recommend
Mattachioni
1617 Dupont StQuite possibly the best pizza, pasta, bread and wine you’ve ever had in a completely unassuming bodega.