Head for shelter...

Bohemia and academe meet head on in this lively downtown community surrounding the University of Toronto. Stretching for a kilometre along Bloor Street West between its intersections with Bathurst and Spadina, the Annex offers visitors an intoxicating blend of beautiful old homes, art galleries, theatres, beatnik coffee shops, bookstores, discount stores, restaurants and bars.

It’s a great place to idle away a few hours during the day, browsing through the terrific book and music stores, and all kinds of clothing, antique and giftware stores. Don’t miss Honest Ed’s, the eclectic landmark discount store founded by the late philanthropist Ed Mirvish, or the nearby Mirvish Village.

When evening falls, the Annex turns into one of the busiest, hippest areas of town, with people flocking from all over the city to the many restaurants, bars and patios offering food and drink from all around the world – with a pulsating soundtrack provided by the many venues offering live music. It is a great example of Toronto’s diversity at its very best.

Website: http://www.bloorannexbia.com

This charming neighbourhood was designed to fit into the natural beauty of the Don Valley parklands, which flank the east side of the Don River. Cycle, rollerblade or stroll through this expansive green space that defines Bayview Village. Enjoy many lovely picnic locations and recreational facilities that include baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, an ice rink, a pool and more. 

When you’re ready to leave the woodlands, step into one of Canada’s most prestigious shopping centres, where you’ll find yourself on the edge of the fashion frontier. Indulge

in over 100 luxury boutiques offering everything from fine fashions to fabulous jewellery.
It’s a shopping experience designed to satisfy your appetite for elegance.

This Toronto hotspot is strictly upper crust. One of Toronto’s most elegant shopping and dining areas, Bloor-Yorkville's designer boutiques, antique shops and galleries are absolutely first class. The area features many small courtyards and alleyways, and a contemporary park located in the very heart of the neighbourhood. The park features a giant granite boulder, which brings the raw beauty of cottage country right into Toronto’s urban centre! It’s a great place to rest between shopping bouts.

Hailed as the “Mink Mile,” Bloor-Yorkville is home to high-end designers like Tiffany, Chanel, D&G and Hermès. But here you can also freshen up your wardrobe with unique fashions from the hottest Canadian designers, including Jeremy Lang, Hoax Couture, Izzy Camilleri and Nadya Toto.It’s the gleam of high-priced art, haute couture and fine dining that draws stars, fans and paparazzi here during the Toronto International Film Festival. No visit to Toronto is complete without a thorough exploration of this chic neighbourhood.

Website: http://www.bloor-yorkville.com

The unusual name of this downtown Toronto neighbourhood originated in the mid-19th century, when Irish settlers planted cabbage patches in their front yards. Today, the area has one of the largest concentrations of Victorian houses on the continent, most of which have been beautifully restored. Cabbagetown is one of the most attractive neighbourhoods in Toronto, with residents taking great pride in their historic community.

A stroll down Parliament Street, the main street in Cabbagetown, will charm you with its hodgepodge of restaurants, cafés and one-of-a-kind shops. Adding to its small-town appeal is the Cabbagetown Festival held every September. This community-based week-long celebration features concerts, a film festival, an absolutely smashing dog show and tours of many marvellous homes. This is the one time you can see some of the best and most imaginative home renovations in North America

Cabbagetown sites include the tranquil Gardens and Toronto's oldest cemetery – the Necropolis. With outdoor landscapes and greenhouses, Allan Gardensis blooming all year round. Christmastime is especially beautiful, when the indoor tropical gardens feature a holiday flower show. In the Necropolis you’ll find the moss-covered tombstones of some late, great Torontonians, plus a haunting gothic chapel.

If you have children, bring them to meet the animals at Riverdale Farm and explore its 7.5 acres of wooded pathways and ponds. Volunteers bake bread each Tuesday morning on the farm using a traditional wood-fired brick oven in the historic Simpson House.

Website: http://www.oldcabbagetown.com/

The corner of Spadina and Dundas Street West wouldn’t look at all out of place in the middle of Hong Kong. The crowds of people and the buzzing activity add to the captivating atmosphere of Toronto’s downtown Chinatown. Elegantly stroked Chinese characters grace store and street signs. Oriental shops and markets with exotic fruits and vegetables spill onto the sidewalk, where grocers literally sing as they invite you to browse their selection.

Wandering along Spadina Avenue, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Toronto’s fashion district. Hundreds of local designers make this the place to go for the latest styles in fabric, leather, fur and wedding dresses. Visit Dragon City Mall for more Asian fashions, electronics and restaurants. Try on some beautiful silk dresses or grab some rare martial arts gems for your DVD collection.

And of course, Chinatown prides itself on the wide variety of authentic Asian cuisine. A bountiful selection of Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants. Experience Peking duck served in two courses at the Bright Pearl, or visit the Golden Leaf for fabulous dim sum that’s available all day long. The red cow on the sign of Pho Hung marks Toronto’s favourite destination for real Vietnamese beef pho. Lotus Garden offers fresh vegetarian options.

Delicious food and constant excitement give more than enough reason to visit Chinatown, but it gets better. Toronto’s Chinese New Year celebrations rival those of the ancestral homeland. See the spectacular decorations, the dancing dragons and endless amounts of food that accompany the festivities each year.

The streets of Corktown are rich with history. Located just east of the original Town of York, Corktown was named after its early settlers in the 1800s, who came from County Cork, Ireland. These original residents of Corktown were very poor and unable to afford pew rentals at the local cathedral. The settlers took it upon themselves to build their own church, Little Trinity Church, which was erected in 1843 and still stands today.

In 1848, Corktown residents also erected the Trinity Schoolhouse, Toronto’s first “free” school. Now a museum, visitors can still experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century classroom here. You’ll also find Toronto’s first Catholic elementary school and Roman Catholic church, St. Paul’s Basilica, founded in 1822.

Take a gander through Corktown for a peek into Toronto’s past.

Little Italy was the original home to Italian immigrants and Corso Italia is like the sophisticated sibling who moved uptown. Here the streets are lined with fashionable, high-end Italian shops, Italian-style lampposts, trendy gelaterias and cappuccino houses. Torontonians know to come here to find the hottest styles from Europe and delicious cuisine from all over Italy.

Despite its sophisticated façade, this neighbourhood isn’t afraid to let its hair down. During the 2003 Corso Italia Fiesta the community came together to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest spaghetti noodle ever made. It stretched 160 metres. The annual Fiesta features live bands and authentic tastes, plus many other ways to experience Toronto’s vibrant Italian culture.

Website: http://www.torontocorsoitalia.com

The wide variety of antique and specialty shops on Davisville Village’s Mt. Pleasant Road attracts serious collectors and curious browsers alike.

Along with the treasures of bygone eras, many boutiques offer contemporary pieces by local and national artisans. Marvel at the miniature furnishings in the largest dollhouse shop in the country, or take home an original Canadian sculpture, painting or stoneware bowl.

When you’re ready for a shopping breather, visit one the many local cafés and restaurants in the area. Or enjoy a movie at the historic Regent Theatre, built in 1927 for both motion pictures and vaudeville acts.

Anchored by popular shopping districts on Yonge Street to the west, and Bayview Avenue to the east, Davisville Village’s residential areas are favoured by professionals, young couples and singles. Just a short jaunt from downtown, this neighbourhood offers diverse amenities and energetic nightlife. It’s easily reached via Davisville station on the Yonge-University subway line and is also well serviced by buses.

The Gooderham & Worts Distillery was founded in 1832 by James Worts and his brother-in-law, William Gooderham. Their distillery flourished and by 1871 produced almost half of Ontario’s total spirit production, exporting whisky and spirits to many Canadian markets and even to New York.

This 13-acre historic enclave on Toronto’s shoreline, complete with 45 19th-century buildings, has undergone careful restoration. As a result, it is now recognized as North America’s best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture. Its new name – the Historic Distillery District – embraces the area’s rich past and architectural legacy.

The Distillery has been developed as a centre for arts, culture and entertainment. The picturesque, pedestrian-only area is filled with over a hundred tenants, including galleries, museums, rehearsal halls, boutiques, retail shops, artist studios, restaurants, bistros and cafés. The Distillery bustles with activity day and night. You can catch live music, outdoor exhibitions, fairs and special events year-round.

Website: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/

The first thing you need to know about Yonge Street is that it’s pronounced “Young.” And its downtown stretch is the most vibrant and bustling district of the city, famous for its world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. Toronto’s most visited attraction, the Eaton Centre, is modelled after European indoor gallerias. Worth seeing for its architecture alone, the Centre’s natural light, interior space and over 350 shops, restaurants and services draw millions of visitors every year.

If you can tear yourself away from the fabulous shopping, you’ll find lots of other things to do in Downtown Yonge. You can go to the theatre or catch a movie, concert or live event. In fact, there’s always something interesting going on here. And there is no end of restaurants, bars, pubs and coffee shops, ranging from quick and convenient food courts to elegant, upscale establishments where you’ll want to linger long into the evening. Then, when the evening does draw to a close, it’s just a short walk back to one of the many superb hotels.

Website: http://www.downtownyonge.com

With two of Toronto’s biggest attractions and loads of other activities, plan to spend a lot of time in East Toronto. The Ontario Science Centre has hundreds of interactive exhibits that draw children into the world of science and nature. And the Toronto Zoo, one of the world’s largest, has over 5,000 animals in all shapes, colours and sizes. Both of these attractions offer an entire day of excitement and fun.

 If you’re the outdoorsy type, grab your camping gear and head to Rouge Park where you’ll find the Glen Rouge Campground. Nestled amidst 12,000 acres of tranquil forest and meadows, the park offers hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and a wondrous night under a star-filled sky.

To dip into Toronto’s rich history, visit the early 19th century buildings at Todmorden Mills. When you’re finished inside, take to the trails within the 9.2 hectares of wildflower preserve. While you’re back in time, head north to the Zion Schoolhouse where kids can dress up in costume and experience a day at school in 1919, including the strict schoolmaster. Best to book in advance.

Farther east on Toronto’s waterfront are the towering Scarborough Bluffs. Peaking at 65 metres above Lake Ontario, the bluffs are best viewed from Bluffer’s Park off Brimley Road.

The Toronto Entertainment District is home to internationally-renowned theatres and performing arts centres, boasts four major-league sports teams at their home venues, and an array of cultural and family attractions.

The area is home to lavish Broadway musicals, travelling shows, home-grown productions and classical concerts. Theatres include the Pantages, the Royal Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre, Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall.

Sports fans can also visit Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome), which is a stellar entertainment centre and home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, the Toronto Argonauts football club and an exciting roster of big-name concerts, sporting events and trade shows.

With world leading hotel brands, boutique accommodations, and "condotels", the Entertainment District is the ideal area for the discerning patron. An urban neighbourhood packed with a wide array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, it features something for every taste.

Website: http://www.entertainmentdistrict.ca

The stretch along Spadina Avenue known as the Fashion District (or the Garment District)
holds the city’s largest collection of fabric and fashion outlets. It’s the place for hot deals on even hotter styles in fabrics, leather and fur. The popular trend in this neighbourhood is buying direct from the manufacturer and saving loads of cash. And if you’re planning a trip down the aisle, you’ll also find a large selection of affordable wedding gowns.

Soaring architectural marvels fill the horizon in Toronto’s Financial District. This bustling business core, centred on Bay and King Streets, is home to banks, corporate head offices, law firms, stockbrokerages and other big businesses. But under the glass, concrete and steel monoliths reaching skywards, a whole other city thrives below the surface. The PATH, or Toronto’s Underground City, is a subterranean shopping concourse that weaves its way for more than 27 kilometres (16 miles) beneath the financial core. With close to 1,200 retail shops, cafés and restaurants, the Underground City connects to 48 office towers, six hotels and five subway stations.

Rain or shine, you can explore the Financial District in perfect comfort.

Website: http://www.toronto.ca/path/index.htm

Forest Hill is one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. An old bylaw required each home to have an original design developed by an architect and a tree planted in its front yard. Now, decades later, the winding streets of this picturesque neighbourhood are adorned with elaborate mansions and majestic trees, making it a pleasure to wander through.

Or, for a more natural excursion, explore the 14.5 kilometres of the Belt Line fitness and nature trail. The Belt Line Railway was Toronto’s first commuter train, but its route is now travelled by walkers, joggers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wooded path graces Forest Hill on its way down to Rosedale.

Forest Hill Village, the neighbourhood’s main shopping area, consists of a single street lined with boutiques, restaurants and galleries that add to the small-town feel. The eclectic collection of fashion, art, food, services and specialty shops provides the locals with everything they need, plus a few healthy indulgences.

Also known as the Danforth, Greektown is an integral part of Toronto’s identity. The Greek community started with only 20 Greek names in 1907, and has grown to become the second-largest outside of Greece itself – a testament to the area’s strong character and welcoming atmosphere.

The streets are lined with the unmistakable blue and white of the Greek flag and signs are displayed in both English and Greek. As one of Toronto’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, it is a premier destination for shopping, dining, strolling, patios and people-watching. It’s a place that’s always buzzing with excitement. Shouts of “opa!” waft through the air in the summer months, mingling with the scent of garlic and rosemary. Summertime also finds many restaurants and cafés open until the wee hours of the morning.

Most notably, Greektown hosts the annual Taste of the Danforth festival. This event brings the delectable cuisine out of local restaurants and into the streets. Listen to Greek bands while getting your fill of authentic souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled lamb and moussaka. Every year, it feels as if the delicious food and entertainment draw the entire city to Greektown.

Website: http://www.greektowntoronto.com

Toronto’s Harbourfront neighbourhood is an upscale community with a picturesque view of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. Residents and visitors enjoy many fine cultural, recreational, shopping and dining opportunities.

Enjoy award-winning architecture as you explore the elegant shops in the Queen’s Quay Terminal. The spacious building is filled with natural light pouring in from towering ceilings. Its unique design is reflected in the one-of-a-kind gifts, fashions, home accessories and toys found within the stores.

A stone’s throw from the Terminal, you’ll find Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. This arts and culture hub assists over 450 groups in bringing their artistic visions to the public. The 10-acre site houses studios, theatres, galleries, markets and more. Watch as glass blowers shape their molten material at the Craft Studio. Dance troupes have their own stage at the Premiere Dance Theatre. And The Power Plant is Toronto’s foremost showcase for contemporary arts. As a whole, the centre strives to bring people the magic of an internationally-inspired creative spirit.

Stately Victorian and Edwardian homes line the winding residential streets surrounding Toronto’s largest greenspace, High Park. About a 20-minute subway ride from downtown, this tree-filled area of the city enjoys easy access to the tranquil paths and diverse recreational activities of the nearly 400-acre oasis.

The playgrounds, animal paddocks and other attractions of the park are ideal for a leisurely afternoon of exploring with young children. And visitors of all ages will love the European charm and café culture of the nearby shopping district, Bloor West Village. Take the Bloor-Danforth subway line to Keele, High Park or Runnymede stations for easy access to both the park and nearby shops.

As you stroll westward along Bloor Street West, the delectable scent of fresh-baked goods will entice you from the sidewalk. Bloor West Village boasts authentic European bakeries and delicatessens, some specializing in homemade perogies and other Ukrainian delicacies.

The Village’s cluster of boutiques, fruit and vegetable stands, cozy patios and welcoming pubs are perfect for browsing and people-watching. Assemble your High Park picnic or find a bistro table to enjoy a cup of coffee and a baked-that-morning pastry. A couple of hours in this leafy, family-friendly neighbourhood will recharge your batteries for the rest of your Toronto visit.

The Kensington Market area is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, many of which are lined with brightly-coloured Victorian houses. During the 1920s, when it was a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood, families would set up stands in front of their homes and sell their goods to one another. This was the start of Toronto’s famous Kensington Market.

Today the neighbourhood and the market make up one of Toronto’s most diverse areas.

The rich multicultural mix is obvious in the shops packed with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia. A visit to Kensington Market is like a sensory trip around the world. It’s also a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand clothing shops tucked in among eclectic restaurants and cafés.

On busy days, the market is every bit as lively as street markets around the world: a cacophony of sounds, piles of fruit and vegetables, exotic spices and sweet treats. People are attracted not only to the good prices but also to the market’s wide variety of unusual shops, including some of Toronto’s best vintage clothing stores.

Every December 21, Kensington celebrates the winter solstice in a colourful pageant called the Kensington Karnival. The neighbourhood stages a traditional candlelit mummers' parade, with gigantic costumes and wonderfully atmospheric music. It takes place in late afternoon, after the sun goes down and the market is bustling with holiday shoppers.

Once a gritty industrial zone, King West Village has been reborn as the chic, dynamic cousin of trendy Queen Street West. Historic factory buildings still dot the area, many converted to unique residential and commercial spaces.

Foodies will delight in the gastronomic variety of King West Village, including two restaurants created by Canadian chef and international culinary star Susur Lee. This neighbourhood is also a creative hotbed filled with galleries and artists’ studios.

For those keeping fit while on holiday, the area offers excellent recreational facilities just a short streetcar ride from downtown. Trinity Bellwoods, one of the largest local parks, features a community fitness centre and marked trails with stunning views of Toronto’s skyline. And don’t miss a sunset walk along Lake Ontario under the sheltering trees of nearby Coronation Park.

Come evening, residents of King West Village enliven a host of stylish bars and restaurants. Despite its hipster status, the neighbourhood has a reputation for friendliness. For a taste of local history, belly up to the bar for a pint at the famous Wheat Sheaf Tavern, a local fixture for more than 150 years.

West Village is minutes from downtown via the King streetcar. You can also take the Bathurst streetcar south from Bathurst subway station on the Bloor-Danforth line to reach the heart of this happening neighbourhood.

Koreatown is just outside the downtown core, situated on Bloor Street West – one of Toronto’s main arteries. This fairly young neighbourhood is easily accessible on the city’s subway system and offers many ways to indulge in Korean culture.

Browse through high-end boutiques featuring vibrant Korean fashions. Feeling adventurous? Visit one of the acupuncture clinics or show off your talent at a karaoke lounge. If you’d rather let your taste buds do the exploring, dine at one of the many authentic restaurants, including sushi bars, barbecue, vegetarian and more. And don’t forget to pick up a box of delectable walnut cakes to go.

Each year Koreatown presents the Dano Festival, where visitors can witness spectacular martial arts demonstrations, exotic dancing and music.

If residential architecture and exquisite landscaping appeal to you, then add Lawrence Park to your itinerary. Originally advertised as an ‘aristocratic neighbourhood’ in 1907, this part of the city is still very desired today. English Cottage, Tudor Revival, Georgian and Colonial are some of the intriguing house styles found in this neighbourhood. Perfectly manicured lawns and tranquil streets help to complete the timeless, elegant ambience of the area.

 Lawrence Park is also home to the award-winning multi-level Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. Picturesque rose gardens greet you as you enter through the iron gate entrance and stepping-stones guide you along a peaceful forested path lined with maples, oaks, willows and beeches. Serene and quiet, the park is ideal for a leisurely stroll or spending an afternoon under a tree with your favourite book.

The upscale nature of Lawrence Park will tempt you to do some high-end shopping. Browse through the various fashion boutiques found in the Yonge and Lawrence area. When you’re between stores, take a moment and have a treat from a gourmet coffee shop or bakery.

For many years Leslieville played second fiddle to trendy hotspots like Queen Street West and College Street’s Little Italy. Today, this neighbourhood is a favourite of Torontonians and tourists alike with some of the hippest places to dine, drink, shop and live. An infusion of superb bistros has created a vibrant restaurant scene known as the place to go for brunch and imaginative cuisine. As for its nightlife, Leslieville is full of hidden gems around every corner. Pubs, martini bars, clubs and everything in between provide you with many ways to fill your evening.

Historically home to the Film District, you’ll find the streets of this east end neighbourhood populated by quaint shops, including a number of vintage furniture stores. Once a well-kept secret of local set designers, Leslieville is the perfect place to find that Danish teak side table or rustic piece for your home. While you’re on the hunt for treasures head over to the Gerrard Street India Bazaar. This commercial centre of Toronto’s East Indian community offers deals on imported silks and fabrics within an exotic backdrop of music and scents.

Little India is home to the Gerrard India Bazaar, North America’s largest South Asian ethnic market. Browse textile shops full of colourful silks to make the perfect sari, or buy vibrant ready-to-wear clothing at import clothing shops. Find bargains on exotic home furnishings, jewellery and art from the south Asia. There’s plenty to keep you busy and that’s before you even get to the Bazaar’s main attraction – the food.

The food alone makes this Toronto experience a must for any visitor. You’ll find a mishmash of eateries featuring delicacies from North and South India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Savour fresh tandoori chicken or rich masala dosai at an authentic “chat house”. And as many traditional meals contain no meat, vegetarians will feel more than satisfied with the range of delicious options.

In November, Little India celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Hundreds of twinkling tea lights decorate the neighbourhood with a warm, majestic glow. The Bazaar also celebrates with many festivities, including henna artistry, Bollywood films and tasty treats.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Little India, your senses will be dazzled by the vibrant colours and aromas.

Although Little Italy is now demographically more Portuguese, the atmosphere is still very much Italian. This lively neighbourhood is packed with trattorias, trendy restaurants, cafés, pool halls and some of the hottest nightclubs in Toronto. Little Italy's sidewalks are humming with activity on weekends – especially in the summer, with locals and visitors alike sipping espressos on outdoor patios.

The traditional Italian trattorias, known for their family-style, casual dining, are as much about the social atmosphere as the food itself. If you’re not that hungry, but still craving good company, head to one of the traditional Italian coffee shops or billiard halls. These “social clubs” are filled with conversation, laughter and many passionate discussions about soccer.

And your visit would not be complete without a bite or a sip at Café Diplomatico. This popular destination has become a Toronto institution for coffee lovers. Affectionately known as “The Dip” by locals, the café is often used as a set by filmmakers. There might be a line-up just to get a seat, but the savoury Italian dishes, reasonable prices and people-watching opportunities make it well worth the wait.

Take a walk through Little Poland and no doubt its small-town European charm will capture your heart. The area is home to many small, family-owned retail and food shops. As you explore the different boutiques, you may find yourself following the irresistible aromas that waft out of the local bakeries.

Also called Roncesvalles, this neighbourhood should definitely be on your itinerary if you have an appetite for East European delicacies. Savour hand-made perogies, juicy sausages, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and traditional soups. One of these hearty meals will sustain you for a full day of exploring, or help you recharge.

In September, Roncesvalles hosts the annual Little Poland festival. The main street is closed off to make room for dancers, games, rides, food and thousands of people. There are plenty of activities for children and adults and delicious treats to go around.

Venture uptown for a dose of glamour and chic. Browse through Yorkdale Mall’s upscale urban shopping streetscape, housed under a 60-foot-high glass atrium. Add to your wardrobe with designs from posh shops like Holt Renfrew, Sephora or Lululemon or get the latest electronics at Apple. There are over 240 stores of high-end retail rapture in this buzzing mall. 

For an educational experience, visit the Gibson House Museum and peek into the lives of the Gibson family, who lived there in 1851. Children can participate in interactive games and dress in costumes from that era. On a more serious note, the Holocaust Education and Memorial Centre uses artifacts and films to portray the experiences of European Jews before, during and after World War II.

If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, head to the hills at North York Ski Centre in Earl Bales Park. You can schuss to your heart’s content with day and night skiing on three intermediate-level slopes. If you can’t make the ski season, gallop over to Sunnybrook Stables, where an impressive selection of rental horses and experienced, well-qualified coaches are waiting carry you away. You can choose from English riding lessons in both Hunter and Dressage.

When you’re ready to sit back and relax, take in a performance at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Let the soothing strains of a concerto or chorale wash over you in the large Main Stage Theatre or the more intimate George Weston Recital Hall.

Old Town is an important historical area that dates back to Toronto’s beginnings in the early 19th century, when horse-drawn carriages were the popular mode of transportation. Nine neighbourhoods in Toronto’s lower east end make up what is affectionately referred to as Old Town.

Revitalized areas such as the Distillery District, the picturesque Flatiron Building, St. Lawrence Market, Front Street and King Street have made this community popular with shoppers, art lovers and photographers looking for a glimpse into Toronto’s past. Stroll through enchanting cobblestone streets, and enjoy the community’s flourishing arts and culture scene.

Toronto's large Portuguese community is centred in this neighbourhood, with dozens of bake shops, restaurants, cheese stores, and fish markets – especially along Dundas and College West.

The community is also well represented in Kensington Market.

Also known as the SoHo strip, Queen Street West is one of the hippest, trendiest shopping scenes in Toronto. Filled with cool, upbeat shops selling clothing that ranges from grunge to daring to ultra-chic, it’s a goldmine for the fashion-hungry.

If you’re into shoes, be prepared to stay a while. Find the perfect pair that will knock your socks off, plus an equally cool pair of socks to knock your shoes off. And browse through funky accessories which that will great gifts, especially for the younger crowd.

When you’re all shopped out, or just need a little break, pop into one of the many little restaurants squeezed between all the shops. And if you’ve got any energy left, head to a dance club for the evening and try out one of those outfits you’ve just bought.

The City’s east end starts with Riverdale, a neighbourhood known for green spaces, culture and food – glorious, glorious food. Home to East Chinatown and close to Toronto’s Greektown, the area’s diversity has developed a dining scene that is a thing of beauty. Restaurants and cafés offer a variety tempting cuisines and flavours from all around the world.

There are a number of parks that can be found throughout the neighbourhood, the three largest are Riverdale Park East, Withrow Park and Jimmie Simpson Park. If you’re looking to have some fun or break a serious sweat, each of these offer tennis courts, a wading pool, a baseball diamond and a hockey rink. If you have children, bring them to meet the animals at Riverdale Farm and explore its 7.5 acres of wooded pathways and ponds. Volunteers bake bread each Tuesday morning on the farm using a traditional wood-fired brick oven in the historic Simpson House.

When in this picturesque neighbourhood, surrounded by beautiful ravines and parkland, it’s easy to forget that you’re just minutes from downtown Toronto. For over 100 years Rosedale has been home to many of Toronto’s most established and wealthy families. Winding streets weave through the many secluded parks in the area. Saunter by magnificent houses and marvel at the well-manicured landscaping.

A short walk north on Yonge Street will lead you to a collection of high-end boutiques that cater to the residents of this prestigious neighbourhood.

Back in 1803 the governor proclaimed this area the “Market Block”. Today three historic buildings remain as the old city’s social centre, including the North Farmers’ Market, the South Market and Gallery and the beautifully restored St. Lawrence Hall. Over 120 specialty merchants and vendors display a variety of authentic market foods, delicatessen specialties and wines. You will find vendors selling unusual crafts and gifts, with ongoing entertainment in the form of art displays and live music.

On Saturdays the north building springs to life at five in the morning. Local farmers start setting out their seasonal produce at first light, introducing 1,001 aromas and tempting tastes to the hall. The site also hosts a regular antique and old paper market.

Follow the locals for a favourite Toronto tradition – the Canadian peameal bacon sandwich. This signature snack of Toronto features salt- and sugar-cured extra-lean back bacon, rolled in cornmeal, and is well worth trying.

Splendid turn of the century homes and grand trees line the winding residential streets of Summerhill. Beautiful local parks, such as the Rosehill Reservoir and David A. Balfour are ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Playgrounds and wading pools offer children and families hours of amusement, while paths and hiking trails attract walkers, joggers and cyclists.

History buffs, nineteen years or older, are sure to want to peek into Toronto’s past at the largest wine and spirits store in Canada, the Summerhill LCBO. Housed in the historic North Railway Station (circa 1916), the building was restored to its former beauty in 2004. Full of character and charm, you’ll marvel at the Venetian clock tower, marble walls and the brass wickets that once buzzed with action before the station closed in the fall of 1930.

Nearby is one of Toronto’s most elegant shopping and dining areas, the “Mink Mile” in Bloor-Yorkville. Here you’ll find high-end designers like Tiffany, Chanel, D&G and Hermes. And because one shopping district isn’t ever enough you’ll want to save time to peruse the exquisite shops along Yonge and St.Clair, just north of Summerhill.

The Beach, or “Beaches” as many locals call it, is a charming, laid-back neighbourhood with a relaxed small-town vibe. Just 15 minutes east of downtown Toronto, the area has two main attractions: the beach and Queen Street, with its eclectic mix of shops, sidewalk cafés, pubs and restaurants.

The inviting Lake Ontario beachfront features acres of soft sand, shady parks that are ideal for a picnic, bike and rollerblade paths and a 3-km boardwalk. All are beautifully maintained and very popular with the locals. Come people-watch while you soak up the atmosphere. Or work up a sweat along the paths or at one of the many beach volleyball courts. Cool off in the lake or at the Olympic-size swimming pool (entry is free), before taking a few minutes to stroll up to the main street along Queen Street East.

If ever a street was made for idly sauntering, it’s Queen Street in the Beaches. Reflecting the diversity and easy-going attitudes of the neigbourhood, the bustling thoroughfare is lined with quaint and quirky stores, and a cool collection of bars and restaurants. Nestled between Queen Street and the beach is Kew Gardens, a large public park which is home to the neighbourhood’s many festivals, craft shows, concerts and exhibitions, including the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every July.

At the eastern end of the neighbourhood, you’ll find the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant – one of the best examples of Art Deco industrial architecture in Toronto.

Website: http://www.beachesbia.com

Toronto is home to Canada's largest gay community and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it, is a predominantly gay neighbourhood nestled within Toronto’s downtown core. Centred at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops and a vast array of hot bars and nightspots.

Despite the many shops, people-watching remains one of the most popular Village pastimes. On any given day, hot boys and hot girls fill Church Street with energy, passion and opportunity. For even sweeter eye-candy, come out and see the costumed revellers dressed to shock for Halloweek in October. Experience the fun and frivolity of this wicked week-long October celebration. Think costumed mayhem, free-flowing cocktails, fashion, entertainment and countless cute trick-or-treaters.

But it gets even better. Each year at the end of June, Toronto plays host to Pride Week, one of the largest pride festivals in the world. This ten-day queer celebration turns streets into parades and parking lots into parties, and draws a crowd of over a million supporters from around the globe. With concerts, galas, and cultural events throughout, the festival climaxes on its last day with the famous Pride Parade that takes over Toronto’s Yonge Street and fills it with all the colours of the rainbow.

The Kingsway is a visionary neighbourhood first planned by Robert Home Smith in the early 1900s. Many of the homes in this idyllic setting provide an excellent architectural style of the era including stone exteriors, and half-timber designs on streets lined with majestic trees. Home Smith was truly successful in his plan to establish "a little bit of England far from England".

The Kingsway shopping district, an extension of the neighbourhood, offers an excellent mix of small specialty shops, fabulous restaurants and pubs, professional and medical services. As you stroll along Bloor Street West from Prince Edward Drive to Montgomery Road, you will be pleasantly surprised by the ambiance created by unique centre medians, distinct Kingsway flags and banners, beautiful wrought iron park benches and coach lanterns as well as peaceful flower gardens. Easily accessible by subway, exit Royal York subway station.

Website: http://www.thekingswaytoronto.ca

Just a stately 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland will take you to another world of quiet tree-filled picnic spots, marinas, quaint old cottages and beachfront attractions. Come across and catch your breath.

Toronto Islands are made up of three major islands, eight islands with names and several more without. The absence of cars creates a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Here you’ll find four great beaches – Centre Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach – paths, bridges and boardwalks that connect the islands.

Ward and Algonquin Islands feature summer cottages from the 1920s mixed in with breathtaking modern cottages and charming English-style gardens. Hanlan’s Point provides a quiet escape, with an excellent clothing-optional beach and Toronto’s famous haunted lighthouse.

The most popular is Centre Island, which features huge picnic areas, bike paths, a maze, a beach, a chapel and award-winning gardens. Paddleboats, bicycles and in-line skates are available to rent on the island. You’ll also find Centreville, an amusement park geared towards younger children with some 30 rides, a petting zoo with pony rides, and picturesque swan boats circling a small lagoon.

Hop aboard one of the three regular ferries that depart from the foot of Bay Street and Queen’s Quay and escape the hustle and bustle. The view of Toronto’s skyline across the bay is worth the trip alone.

Unique restaurants, boutiques and a diverse collection of galleries make West Queen West a vibrant, dynamic neighbourhood. The arrival of custom retailers, designers and artists has altered the face of the neighbourhood over the last decade. This funky, but welcoming area hums with culture and creativity. You’ll find an inspiring mix of original fashions, antiques and Art Deco. A great place to relax, local cafés and bistros act as a perfect lookout for some of the city’s best people watching. Attention-grabbing outfits, piercings and one-of-a-kind leather getups are sure pass by and catch your eye.
The area is also home to beautiful Trinity-Bellwoods Park. There you’ll find interesting people, friendly dogs and organized drum circles that keep the park constantly buzzing with activity.

With a strong artistic presence, it’s no wonder this neighbourhood is home to the largest concentration of art galleries in Toronto, including the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art. This museum houses the hip and intriguing visions of contemporary Canadian artists from a wide variety of mediums. 

Yonge & Eglinton has what everyone is looking for and then some. This 'city-within-a city' offers everything one would expect from a vibrant community.

The Yonge Street 'strip' features a diverse a retail selection. Combine an eclectic mix of boutiques and shops, with a host of local, national, and international chain stores and one needs to go no further than several city blocks to satisfy virtually every need. When you're tired of shopping, you can treat yourself to some of the finest food in the city.

The neighbouring Eglinton Way (www.theeglintonway.com) is a nine-block stretch located at the north end of Toronto’s exclusive Forest Hill neighbourhood, just a few blocks away from Yonge Street along Eglinton Avenue West between Oriole Parkway and Chaplin Crescent.

Enhanced by glorious seasonal planters and hanging baskets, their pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is a wonderful collection of boutiques, cafes, salons, fitness, health and wellness practitioners and professional services. Considered one of Toronto’s most fashionable shopping districts it is the perfect place to shop, eat, stroll or pamper yourself.

Website: http://www.yongeeglinton.com

Lively and cosmopolitan, the Willowdale area is a hub of activity. An appealing mix of culture and shopping, you’ll find everything from small retailers to big box stores to one-of-a-kind specialty shops along the Yonge Street ‘Strip’. You’ll be amazed at the variety offered within these few blocks. The food scene is equally eclectic with tasty cultural delights of French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines to choose from.

At night, the fun and relaxing atmosphere is maintained as patrons begin filling the various pubs and nightclubs, and movie lovers scramble to catch the latest blockbuster at the Silvercity movie complex. If it’s live entertainment you seek, the area is also home to the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts. Here you’ll find a splendid variety of live theatre and music for your enjoyment.
You’re also not far from Mel Lastman Square, a popular promenade that offers entertainment and activities to locals and tourists year round. Although only steps from the hustle and bustle of Yonge Street, the square is decidedly more calm and peaceful making it perfect for a relaxing lunch. The square also plays host to musical events, farmers markets and an outdoor skating rink during the winter months.

Named for its once meadowy landscape and frolicking deer, this upscale neighbourhood has grown to become one of the city’s nicest residential areas. Established in 1837, Deer Park is now a mix of nature and modern convenience as beautiful leafy streets blend with an urban landscape. Offering a bit of everything, the area has fine dining, pubs, high profile shopping and some of the city’s nicest parks. 

Along the Yonge Street ‘Strip’ you’ll find a mix of culture and shopping. The streets are lined with a variety of stores ranging from big box to one-of-a-kind boutiques. The food scene is a diverse mix of patios, five-star restaurants and international tastes of French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Beautiful nearby parks such as Rosehill Reservoir and David A. Balfour, are ideal spots to spend a leisurely afternoon. Playgrounds and wading pools offer children and families hours of amusement, while paths and hiking trails attract walkers, joggers and cyclists. To the north, you can show off your racquet skills on the tennis courts at Oriole Park or follow the route of Toronto’s old Belt Line Railway along a seven-kilometre path.

York-Eglinton is situated in the heart of the city along Eglinton Avenue West between Marlee Avenue and Dufferin Street. It is a vibrant international market with shops and restaurants that cater to the city’s diverse heritage. From West Indian and Italian to Filipino, you can experience the multicultural flavours of the neighbourhood. In August, enjoy the International Street Festival featuring multicultural music, shopping, food and activities for the kids.

Website: http://www.yorkbia.com