Learn More About Toronto Neighbourhoods

Annex

Bordering and enveloping the University of Toronto, the Annex is a student-friendly neighbourhood sporting easy-on-the-wallet pizza parlors, sushi restaurants, pubs and cafes. It is also filled with a variety of retail shopping. Bloor Street is the main attraction with institutions like the Bloor Cinema and the Brunswick House, located conveniently between the Bathurst and Spadina subway stops.

Baldwin Village

Located in the heart of the Grange Park neighbourhood and just next to Chinatown, Baldwin Village is more of a commercial area than a residential neighbourhood, as older style homes are being converted into restaurants and small shops. Known as the student ghetto during the 1960s due to its recognition as a gathering place for student protests against the Vietnam War, Baldwin Village is now widely known as one of Toronto's best restaurant districts, home to street concerts and live outdoor performances.

Bay Bloor Corridor

The Bay Street Corridor is one of Toronto’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. It has the advantage of being located within walking distance of the Financial District, the Discovery District, the Hospital District, Toronto City Hall, the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and downtown Yonge Street. There is a diverse mix of both residents and investors in this neighbourhood thanks to its prime location. The nearby Bloor-Yorkville and Yonge Street shopping district as well as many amenities along Bay Street make for a lot to do in this busy neighbourhood.

Beaches

This big city neighbourhood has a small town, laid-back feel. Take a walk or enjoy a bike ride along the 3km boardwalk, exercise along the Martin Goodman Trail, relax by the water or shop and grab a bite to eat at the colourful stores and restaurants along Queen Street. During the summer months, enjoy some of the annual events held in the neighbourhood. These include the Jazz Festival and the Arts and Crafts show.

Bloor West Village

Some may view Bloor West Village as a suburb - the final frontier before Etobicoke - but this vibrant neighbourhood is closer than you think. It's just west of High Park and easily accessible via the Jane and Runnymede subway stops. Like nearby Roncesvalles, Bloor West Village owes much of its original identity to businesses and residents with an Eastern European heritage. Astra is one of the original delis that remains, and has since been joined by hundreds of cafes, restaurants and shops dotting Bloor West from Kennedy to Jane.

Bloorcourt

Bloorcourt is a Toronto neighbourhood on the rise. The area along Bloor between Christie Pits and Dufferin has seen new life in the past few years as galleries, restaurants and other businesses have flocked here in search of cheap(er) rents and access to the Bloor subway line. The mix of bars and restaurants reflects the diversity of the local community that includes a bounty of Portuguese, Ethiopian and Indian restaurants, as well as hipster cafes.

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown is a sought-after enclave boasting restored Victorian homes, friendly neighbourhood pubs and some of the best cafes in the city. Nearby Riverdale Park is home to the Riverdale farm and the Riverdale Farmer’s Market which runs every Tuesday between May and October. At Halloween, children come from far and wide to trick-or-treat amongst the elaborately decorated houses on its quaint streets.

Chinatown

The Chinatown neighbourhood on Spadina Ave around Dundas St W. is one of the largest in North America and one of seven distinct Chinatowns in the Greater Toronto Area. Local businesses reflect a mix of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese influences making this area a great (and budget friendly) place to eat and shop. Many restaurants are open late so it is a great place to stop for a nighttime study session snack. By day and by night, Chinatown is a hub of activity.                

Church & Wellesley

Church Wellesley Village, home to Toronto's original LGBT-oriented community, is still going strong even if the residential crowd has migrated to Parkdale, West Queen West and beyond. The stretch of Church from Carlton to Bloor also goes by more colloquial names like “the Village” and is home to a thriving mix of restaurants, cafes and clothing stores. It's also ground zero for the annual Pride Week, one of Toronto's biggest summer festivals and one of the largest Prides in the world.

City Centre

Mississauga City Centre is a great neighbourhood to live, work and study. Lined with streets of apartment and condos for sale and rent, the City Centre also has one of the largest malls in Canada- Square One. Over the past few years, this neighbourhood has become desirable for both students and young professionals alike. At the heart of Mississauga, jump on the bus and head right into campus.

CityPlace

Professional singles and couples choosing to live downtown where they can enjoy a commute-free live, work and play lifestyle are flocking to CityPlace, one of Toronto’s newest neighbourhoods. CityPlace is a master-planned community situated on 45 acres of prime downtown Toronto real estate. CityPlace encompasses 5.4 million square feet of residential and commercial space making this one of the highest density neighbourhoods in Toronto. 

Danforth Village

The Danforth, also known as Greektown, is an integral part of Toronto’s identity. As you walk down the shop-lined streets, you’ll notice the street posts are lined with the unmistakable blue and white of the Greek flag. Whether you’re passing by on your way to class or stopping in for some delicious food, the Danforth is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods where there is always something to do (including attending the annual Taste of the Danforth food festival!).

Entertainment District

Toronto’s Entertainment District lives up to its name with a variety of performing arts venues, clubs, and live sporting events. From symphony to jazz and blues, theater, and baseball games, it’s all happening. Other options for entertainment in the area include Canada’s iconic CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 

Erin Mills

Central Erin Mills is one of Mississauga’s most mature neighbourhoods. The streets are lined with traditional 2-storey detached homes. This has driven younger families and professionals into the neighbourhood. In the near future, expect more condos to pop up around the neighbourhood. At a short distance away from the Erin Mills Town Centre and the surrounding areas, this neighbourhood is slowly transforming into a City Centre light for North Mississauga.

Erindale

Erindale is home to the University of Toronto Mississauga campus, its residences, and some lovely off-campus townhouses used by students and families alike. Living in the Erindale neighbourhood will provide you with a short walk to class and a quick bus ride to South Common plaza. For those who enjoy nature trails, peaceful walks and the occasional deer or rabbit, the Credit River is right outside your doorstep. You might even catch someone canoeing across the strait.

Financial District

Soaring architectural marvels fill the horizon in Toronto’s Financial District. This bustling business core, centred around King and Bay Streets, is home to banks, corporate head offices, law firms, stock brokerages and other big businesses. The PATH, or Toronto’s Underground City, is a subterranean shopping concourse that weaves for more than 30 kilometres beneath the financial core, with close to 1,200 retail shops, cafés and restaurants. 

Forest Hill Village

This cozy village-within-the-city, containing a great bookstore, restaurants, banks, grocers, and everything else one needs, is nestled along a stretch of Spadina Rd., north of St. Clair Ave. One of the most affluent areas of the city, the Forest Hill area is famous mostly for its luxurious mansions, but there is also a grove of apartment buildings in the Village at its centre, and around its edges, particularly in the south-west. Its topography is very diverse with gently sloping hills, winding roads, and numerous little parkettes all adding charm to the neighbourhood.

Harbourfront

Sometimes called Toronto’s playground by the lake, the Harbourfront neighbourhood incorporates a unique blend of residential, cultural, recreational, and commercial uses, all within the same community. It is enjoyed by Toronto residents, but is also a popular destination for tourists. The Harbourfront neighbourhood stretches along the Toronto waterfront from Bathurst to Jarvis Street. Harbourfront has the highest concentration of luxury condominium apartment buildings in the City of Toronto, many of which offer units with a full or partial lake view.

High Park

The High Park neighbourhood, who’s winding tree-lined streets are filled with impressive single-family homes and a selection of condominium and apartment buildings, provides a getaway in the city. Take a minute to stop by the neighbourhoods most popular shopping districts like the Village and Junction Gardens with shops of all kinds lining Dundas Street West. Take a stroll into High Park, with 399 acres of land featuring ponds, outdoor theatres, flower gardens and the best adventure playground in town.

Highland Creek

Many student tenants live in the Highland Creek neighbourhood and are able to walk or take a quick bus ride to campus. There are many small-scale landlords in the neighbourhood offering rental spaces in detached homes. The Highland Creek neighbourhood has a small town feel while being in the big city. It has a quaint main street shopping district with historic buildings and colourful murals. Highland Creek even has its own heritage day complete with antique cars, marching bands, floats and baked goods.

Junction

Billed by many as the next West Queen West, The Junction attracts artists and entrepreneurs for its cheaper rents and converted industrial and warehouse spaces. A raw food restaurant and organic grocer are two recent additions to the Dundas West strip, joining established residents like Vesuvios, who some say have the best pizza in the city. The neighbourhood is also turning into something of a furniture and design destination sporting great shops like Post + Beam Reclamation.

Kensington Market

One of Toronto’s most unique neighbourhoods, Kensington Market offers a wonderful mix of vintage clothing stores and eclectic charm. With its grocers, shops, cafes and places to grab a delicious snack, the Kensington neighbourhood has it all. During the summer months, there are street festivals like Pedestrian Sundays and in December the annual Festival of Lights.

King West

King West village is the dynamic cousin of trendy Queen West with its streets still lined with historic factory buildings converted into stylish residential and commercial spaces. Foodies will enjoy the gastronomic delights and variety of the King West neighbourhood. Come evening, the area’s stylish bars and restaurants come alive with people. King West is also the home of Toronto’s only Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC), Canada’s leading outdoor retailer.

Koreatown

Located west of the Annex, between Bathurst and Christie streets (and subway stations) Koreatown, also known as Little Korea, has a great mix of affordable Korean eateries catering to both the local Korean-Canadian community, hungry students and others looking for the best bibimbap, unique Asian gift shops, fresh produce stands, cheap nail salons, or one of the many local karaoke bars.

Leslieville

Leslieville, after many years of playing the role of little brother to more developed Riverside, has emerged as Toronto's hippest place to dine, drink, shop and live, or so was proclaimed in the New York Times. Historically home to the Film District, it is now known as one of Toronto's best brunch destinations and features some great cafes, vintage furniture, fashion and design stores.

Liberty Village

Once a gritty industrial area, Liberty Village has become a sought-after address, attracting Toronto’s young professionals in media, high-tech, and design businesses who live and work in the urban core. While historic factory buildings still dot the area, many have been converted to residential lofts, restaurants, bars and shops. Just across the tracks from BMO Field, Liberty Village is also a great place for post-game celebrations. 

Little Italy

Little Italy has morphed into a very diverse neighbourhood despite its name. Dining in the neighbourhood features traditional Italian trattorias, trendy restaurants, cafes, pool halls and the famous Mod Club which hosts some A-list concerts. Little Italy’s day and night scene feature sidewalks filled with people casually enjoying the outdoor patios and delicious treats the neighbourhood has to offer. All this is steps away from the St. George campus and the 24hr College streetcar.

Little Portugal 

One of the most visible, vibrant ethnic communities in Toronto today, Little Portugal is located in the West end of downtown Toronto, bordered by Lansdowne Avenue, on the north by College Street and on the east by Ossington Avenue. This neighbourhood is wonderfully reflective of the symbiotic relationship between residential property and commercial business. A mix of row, semi- and detached brick and brick front homes ranging from working class cottages to manses sit in quiet support of unique storefronts, eateries, galleries and gathering spots.

Long Branch

Long Branch is a well-established neighbourhood located along the Toronto waterfront at the extreme south-west part of the city. This lakeside village is blessed with many fine attributes including picturesque waterfront parks, a local arena, a waterfront trail, and a vibrant shopping district. Lake Promenade (between Long Branch Avenue and 38th Street) features prime waterfront properties and a handful of low-rise apartment buildings. The houses south of Lake Shore Blvd tend to be mostly older, larger homes, while those north of Lake Shore Blvd tend to be smaller, and there are some newer townhouse developments as well.

Meadowvale

Meadowvale is a great family neighbourhood. Filled with parks and trails, it is considered one of Mississauga’s most active places to live. Along with the natural beauty of Meadowvale, it also boasts some of the most affordable detached housing in Mississauga. Meadowvale is home to one of Mississauga’s major GO stations and also provides easy access to Highway 401. Hop on a Mi-Way bus, and you’re on route to campus.

Mimico

Mimico is the gateway to Toronto’s west-end waterfront neighbourhoods. This established community is well known for its scenic lakefront parks and excellent recreational facilities. Mimico has pockets of charming older houses but there are also a growing number of new townhouse and condominium developments. Low-rise rental apartment buildings are in abundance along the Lakeshore.

Morningside

Morningside is an east Toronto neighbourhood known for its diverse community. It features a mixture of residential homes and condominiums. Most of the Morningside neighbourhood rely on public transit to commute around the city. There are many amenities in the Morningside neighbourhood, including restaurants, a movie theatre, shopping, and grocery stores.

Moss Park

Moss Park is one of Toronto’s largest public housing projects. It is situated in the poorest part of the city. The Salvation Army Hostel is located across the street from Moss Park at the corner of Sherbourne and Queen Street. The Moss Park neighbourhood is anchored on the west side by a large public park which also happens to be the home of the Moss Park Armoury, a training centre for the Canadian Armed Forces.

New Toronto

New Toronto is located along Toronto’s western beaches. It is home to residents from a wide mix of cultures and incomes and includes a large senior population. New Toronto’s small frame and brick bungalows and modest two storey houses were built largely between the 1910’s and the 1950’s. Larger single-family homes are located closer to the lake, south of Lake Shore Boulevard. A fairly recent addition to this neighbourhood is the Lakeshore Village subsidized housing development situated between tenth and thirteenth Avenues north of Lakeshore Blvd. This housing complex features an artists’ co-op, which accounts for its funky appearance.

Ossington

Amid former auto repair shops and fading karaoke lounges, an influx of bars, restaurants and boutiques have transformed the stretch of South Ossington between Queen and Dundas into Toronto's latest and greatest neighbourhood for grabbing something to eat or hanging out with friends. You might even find yourself living above one of your favourite Ossington eateries. With young professionals from all over the world calling the Ossington neighbourhood their home, it is worth passing by and checking it out for yourself.

Parkdale

The Parkdale neighbourhood provides an eclectic mix of housing options, ranging from grand Victorian mansions to high-rise apartment buildings. The plethora of housing options has resulted in Parkdale being named one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Toronto. This community is home to Tibetan, North African and West Indian enclaves mixed in with some of Toronto's best vintage fashion, furniture and fabric stores. Popular new bars and live music venues like Wrongbar happily co-exist with pub stalwarts like the Cadillac Lounge. 

Queen West

Toronto’s Fashion District boasts an extensive array of clothing stores, shoe stores, bead stores, and fabric and sewing supplies. It’s a goldmine for the fashion-hungry! At night the neighbourhood offers lively patios, bars and renowned music venues like the Rivoli and the Horseshoe Tavern where a variety of live music can be found each night of the week ranging from rock to jazz. 

Regent Park

Regent Park residents come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds including many new Canadians from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. There are more than sixty different first languages spoken here making Regent Park one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods. A limited amount of shops and services are located along Gerrard, River, and Parliament Streets. There is also a community health centre and a handful of local convenience type stores.

Riverdale

Riverdale is the gateway to Toronto's east-end neighbourhoods. This high density urban neighbourhood is also graced with an abundant amount of parkland where one can escape the hustle and bustle of big city living. Riverdale Park to the east is one of the largest green spaces in the city. Its steep hills are a favourite of tobogganers during the snowy winter months. Withrow Park to the west is a neighbourhood hub and meeting place with a popular farmers market. Great shopping and convenient access to transit have attracted many families to this popular neighbourhood.

Roncesvalles Village

Roncesvalles Village still finds a way to incorporate authentic Polish butchers, bakeries and restaurants among a destination-worthy set of restaurants, boutiques and indie coffee houses. Mix in popular pubs, second-run flicks at the Revue Cinema and late night burgers and drinks and you've got yourself a neighbourhood that's no longer one of Toronto's best kept secrets.               

Rosedale

Rosedale is surrounded by tranquil parkland and ravines and conveniently located just a few minutes from Toronto’s major commercial and business districts. Fitness and nature enthusiasts enjoy the beautiful trails in the network of ancient ravines, including the Vale of Avoca, Moore Park, Park Drive and Rosedale Valley. For those looking for some entertainment, a stretch of Yonge from Crescent Road to Summerhill is filled with pubs, restaurants, high end grocers, and cafes including local favourites Pastis, The Rebel House and Caffe Doria.

Rouge

Rouge is a neighbourhood nestled between the Metro Toronto Zoo and the picturesque Rouge River Valley. This neighbourhood provides a good mix of affordable housing for those looking to buy and rental properties for those looking to rent. It is filled with schools, parks, community centres and easy access to public transit.

Scarborough Village

Scarborough Village is a quiet neighbourhood that features affordable homes overlooking Lake Ontario. Some attracting features are the Scarborough Bluffs and Toronto’s east end waterfront parks which are just a short bus ride away.

St. Clair West

St. Clair West encompasses micro-hoods like Wychwood Park, Hillcrest, and Corso Italia. The streets north and south of St. Clair are full of residential neighbourhoods, anchored by the popular Wychwood Barns community hub in the east (which runs a year-round farmer’s market every Saturday) and the Joseph Piccininni community centre in the west. All along St. Clair, there is a myriad of shops and worthy food destinations ranging from breakfast cafes to high end eateries. The 24hr St. Clair streetcar with its dedicated right-of-way lane makes all the neighbourhoods along this strip a short and reliable trip to the subway.

St. Lawrence

The St. Lawrence neighbourhood is as old as Toronto itself. In fact, the Town of York – the forerunner to the City of Toronto – spanned the 10 city blocks that now comprise the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. The architecturally significant 19th-century Georgian style red and yellow brick buildings that line Front Street harken back to this earlier period. The newer part of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood situated around The Espanade was constructed in the 1970s. These residences contain a nice mix of low rent and subsidized rental accommodation together with co-ops, and luxury new condominiums. 

Streetsville

Dubbed “The Village in the City” Streetsville is defined by its “Main Street” downtown strip and older, eclectic mix of housing. It’s essentially the Port Credit of the North with a tighter sense of community. It is a vibrant neighbourhood that hosts numerous events throughout the year. We can’t forget to mention Victoria Park, which is tucked nicely behind Main Street where there are great trails and parks ready to explore.

Trinity-Bellwoods

Few neighbourhoods are as charming and truly alive as Trinity Bellwoods. Somehow, the area’s Victorian homes, abundant greenery, and general sense of community blend seamlessly with its thriving nightlife and trendy local businesses. The result is a community that’s buzzing with culture, yet relaxed enough to provide a refuge from the city’s core. Trinity Bellwoods has a youthful-yet-sophisticated vibe, which makes it perfect for creative professionals. Young families looking for both urban living and a strong sense of community are equally suited to living in the area.

Wallace Emerson

Toronto’s Wallace-Emerson neighbourhood is one of the city’s more recent additions. Located in a colourful, multi-cultural part of the city, buildings in the area are being converted from their previous uses as factories and industrial plants into housing. The vibrant cultural life, restaurants and stores have made the neighbourhood a must-visit for those eager to explore the variety of ethnic experiences. Stop by the Starving Artist for a delicious brunch (served all day) or grab a coffee at Café Neon. Don’t forget the Wallace Emerson Community Centre to enjoy a myriad of sports and activities.

West Hill

West Hill is a neighbourhood known for a high number of public transit users and apartment and condominium renters. It is another one of Scarborough’s most diverse neighbourhoods, with its community coming from all over the world. Some of the amazing attributes of this neighbourhood are the community centre, public library, vibrant shopping district and abundance of parkland. It is also the second closest neighbourhood to UTSC.

West Queen West

Anchored by the nightlife and cultural destinations that are The Drake and Gladstone Hotels, this neighbourhood oozes creativity, community and fun. This funky but welcoming area hums with culture. A great place to relax, local cafés and bistros act as a perfect lookout for some of the city’s best people watching. The area is also home to beautiful Trinity-Bellwoods Park where you’ll find interesting people, friendly dogs and organized drum circles that keep the park constantly buzzing with activity.

Woburn

Woburn is a quiet neighbourhood comprised of tree-lined streets and lovely homes. It also features an abundance of parkland along its east perimeter. Amenities include Cedarbrae Mall and Centennial Recreation Centre. Woburn is one neighbourhood east of where the Scarborough Town Centre is located (in Bendale). Many students rent condominiums in the area near STC for its shopping and dining amenities and easy access to downtown transit (LRT).

Yonge & Eglinton

Yonge & Eglinton is a bustling midtown intersection surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, stores and movie theatres. It has become one of the most popular neighbourhoods for the young professional demographic that have chosen to make the Yonge & Eglinton area their home. A quick subway ride into the downtown core will have you right back on campus.

Yonge & St. Clair

The very "uptown" Yonge and St. Clair intersection would be the envy of any small Canadian city with its mix of high-rise office, apartment and condominium towers coupled with busy street life and a generous mix of retail. Though a walk along either Yonge or St. Clair is very "big city," nearby ravines provide a bucolic escape that make the city seem far away. The Rosehill Reservoir Park has an impressive series of fountains and brooks, including a most space-aged atomic sculpture in the centre. Overlooking the city from the top of an escarpment, the affluent neighbourhood surrounding Yonge and St. Clair has some of the best panoramic views in Toronto.

York Mills

York Mills is one of Toronto’s most affluent neighbourhoods. Its mills have been replaced by shining office towers and luxury condominiums. Its main arterial roadways including Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue – which were once impassable by car, now serve as major roadways to and from the city core. There are pockets of Tudor-inspired manor houses, English Cottage style designs, and contemporary designs. There are also large numbers of ranch-style bungalows and split-level houses which are gradually being replaced by large new custom-built homes.

York University Heights

Situated at the top of the city, York University Heights is a mostly residential area surrounding and influenced by York University’s Keele campus. It is also sometimes known as Northwood Park, after one of the parks in the area that runs along the Black Creek ravine. The majority of its residents live in high-rise apartment buildings but there is also a significant number of detached and semi-detached residences.

Yorkville

Yorkville is one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. It is an eclectic mix of luxury condominium apartment buildings, commercial office towers, four-star hotels, theatres, gourmet restaurants, a prestigious shopping district and picture postcard Victorian homes. The commercial heart of Yorkville is located on both Yorkville Avenue and on Cumberland Street. The transition to Yorkville’s quiet residential pocket is gradual, as Victorian houses shift from retail to residential use.