A guide to Toronto neighbourhoods

by YP Contributor

Lucky for us locals, we’re in no short supply of thriving, lively neighbourhoods in #the6ix. The following is a list of five locales to stay next time you’re in TO, and where to eat, shop and play while in the hood. [Image credit: iStock.com/ldoan]

Bordered to the north by King Street West and to the west by Dufferin, Liberty Village is a hub for young professionals, up-and-coming startups, and a plethora of condos. Start your day off right with a cortado from Balzac’s Coffee Liberty Village, watch designer dogs play at Stanley Off Leash Dog Park, spend an exciting evening tasting appetizers at Bugigattolo (a cozy Italian restaurant with an intimate setting) or snag a deluxe mani-pedi from Cures Studio.

The Annex is located along Bloor Street from Bathurst to Spadina, and it’s a beloved, bustling, and student-filled hood full of bars, bakeries, and wealthy baby boomers.

For some fine food and drink, try:

• All-you-can-eat perogies and delicious cake slices at Future’s Bakery.
• Southern Accent, located off Bloor Street in Mirvish Village, is the spot for New Orleans-inspired catfish, Sazeracs and sass.
• The Green Room, tucked in an alleyway, for two floors of late-night pitchers and scrumptious pad Thai.
• The Tranzac Club is the spot for live music, theatre and literary events.

If you are looking for a laid-back, family-friendly area to park your pack, check out Leslieville, located in the east end of Toronto. Start your day with a home-roasted flat white at Te Aro Coffee Roasters or a fresh almond croissant from Brick Street Bakery. Next, nibble on some Brie samples at the Leslieville Cheese Market, then pop by Queen East’s Arts Market, where you will find different vendors selling everything from restored and reclaimed furniture to hand-crafted Pokemon bath bombs. If you’re in the market for kids apparel, drop by Baby on the Hip for locally made, fair trade-focused clothing or Bumbleberry Kids for high-quality second hand gear.

The Beaches, also known as the Beach (though this is a highly contested topic) is another east Toronto oasis, located from the end of the Queen streetcar loop.

Food and drink offerings include:

• Green Eggplant Restaurant, a steakhouse with delicious smoothies and vegetarian options.
• Whitlock’s Restaurant, famous for AYCE buffet brunches.
• If you’re looking for a no muss no fuss pub, try the Stone Lion, which touts several local and international beers on draught.

Other recommendations:

• Take a stroll along Lake Ontario on the boardwalk, which connects (by both boardwalk and bike lane) to the Waterfront trail.
• Visit the lighthouse at Gibraltar Point and bask in the balmy beaches all along the lakefront.
• Hit up a flick at the independently owned, charmingly derelict Fox Theatre.

Located on the west side of Queen Street and bordered by Roncesvalles Avenue, Parkdale is one of Toronto’s hippest hoods, packed with creatives and young families. Also known as “Little Tibet”, this area is home to the superb mo-mos of Tibetan Kitchen, Tsampa Cafe, and Loga’s Corner). Snag some designer duds and vintage finds at Common Sort or Public Butter, and have a relaxing pint at Cadillac Lounge and enjoy a delicious Mexican dinner at Grand Electric.

If you’re looking for unique neighbourhoods to explore, Toronto has them in spades. Whether you are enjoying the view of Lake Ontario from our sandy beaches or having late nights drinks in the middle of Liberty Village, our city has a hood to suit every style.