When it comes to exploring Canada’s biggest metropolis, there’s so much space to tackle that it can be tough knowing where to begin. But as with large cities everywhere, it helps to take a macro view on things. Zoom in, and Toronto turns out to be patchwork of dense and diverse communities, each with a culture and vibe all its own. To help you best navigate the Big Smoke, here’s a handy guide to 10 of Toronto’s need-to-know neighbourhoods.
The Annex
Stately Victorian homes and a population padded by university students give the Annex a noble air. But it’s got its whimsical points too. Stroll the neighbourhood and wander the retro, Price-Is-Right-esque aisles of landmark discount superstore Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St. W.) before refueling at Future Bakery (483 Bloor St. W.), a laid-back student haunt that serves up beer alongside all-you-can-eat perogies every Wednesday.
The Beaches
Torontonians have been flocking to beat the summer heat in this east-end neighbourhood for well over 100 years. Its four beaches, two of which are swim-safe, run long and unbroken along the shore of Lake Ontario; pick up a coffee at the Remarkable Bean (2242 Queen St. E.) and walk the lakeside boardwalk before heading back up to Queen Street to browse its family- and dog-friendly shops.
Cabbagetown
Known for being “the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America,” Cabbagetown – allegedly named for the diets of its poverty-stricken early residents – is, not surprisingly, under protection as a Heritage Conservation District. But it’s also a vibrant community that many of Toronto’s most prominent artists, writers and businesspeople call home. Pick up picnic fixings from The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament St) to enjoy while exploring the neighborhood’s pair of historic cemeteries dating back to the 1850s.
Chinatown
The goods spill out onto the street in Toronto’s Chinatown; produce, live seafood and dried, well, everything, crowd the sidewalks late into the night. Check out the quirky but cheap knockoff clothing and shoes at Meteor Fashion (526 Dundas St) and peruse the Mao alarm clocks and Hello Kitty toasters found in the shops along Spadina. For a few dollars, fruit vendors will machete the top off a young coconut; suck back its contents with a straw before tossing the husk into one of the special bins along the street.
Harbourfront
Summer nights can reach perfection at the breezy Harbourfront, where the elite recline on their yachts, the tall ships bob in the waves, and us peons take in the sights and tastes of the endless summer market at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queen’s Quay W). Don’t miss out on the globally-sourced market wares, the zesty, spiced barbecued corncobs from One Love Corn, or the free entertainment in the bandshell every summer weekend, featuring artists like Billy Bragg and Broken Social Scene.
Kensington Market
Vintage lovers will find their heaven in Kensington Market, a crowded and colourful warren of funky shops, cafés and bars lining a maze of narrow streets near Chinatown. First stop: Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave), supplying Toronto with high-quality vintage clothing since 1973. Exile (60 Kensington Ave), Flashback (33 Kensington Ave), and Flashback 2 (25 Kensington Ave) are also bound to reveal a few treasures. While you’re on the hunt, hit up tiny Luis Coffee Shop (235 Augusta Ave) for an espresso to go.
Little Italy
Twinkling by night, Little Italy curves along College Street, its sidewalks diminished by the seasonal patios of trendy restaurants, gelato bars and cafés. The nightlife in Toronto’s earliest Italian enclave (after 1960, immigrants began settling further north in the Corso Italia neighborhood) sparkles; its hip wine bars, trattorias and lounges draw buzzing, well-dressed crowds, especially on weekends. Try a classic pizza Margherita from Cafe Diplomatico (594 College St), the perfect precursor to drinks at the thoroughly modern Andy Poolhall (489 College St) or local live music at popular dive Sneaky Dee’s (431 College St).
Parkdale
The revitalization of the West End is slowly but surely bringing Parkdale into the modern age. The down and out still live their lives here, but the neighborhood’s traditional ethnic variety stores, roti shops, and pizza joints are beginning to make room for popular live music venues like Wrongbar (1279 Queen St W), cutting-edge galleries like Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St W), and, of course, the uber-cool clientele who frequent them.
Queen West
Resting in comfort as one of Toronto’s coolest stretches, Queen West is known as, among other things, the best area to pick up records in the city. Cruise down what’s becoming known as Toronto’s Record Alley to flip through new, used and rare indie, punk and garage albums at Rotate This (801 Queen St W), Hits & Misses (799 Queen St W), and Frantic City (above Hits & Misses). Venture slightly downtown-wards to sample fruit dumplings from Eastern European eatery Prague (638 Queen St W), or if you’re into playing with fiber, step into the ultimate knitter’s paradise, a.k.a. Romni Wools (658 Queen St W).
Yorkville
Couture culture lives at the intersection of Yonge and Bloor. It’s here where the rich and famous drop mega bucks on Burberry, Betsey Johnson and Bulgari, shopping upscale to the max at the boutiques and outposts of some of the biggest luxury brands in the land. Float through the likes of Chanel (131 Bloor St W) and Holt Renfrew (50 Bloor St W) but if buying will break the budget, there’s a stylish Winners (110 Bloor St W) location just up the road.