Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006, Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most distinctive multicultural neighbourhoods. Bordered by College St. on the north, Spadina Ave. on the east, Dundas St. W. to the south, and Bathurst St. to the west, this neighbourhood is known for its wonderful outdoor market feel, eclectic shops, vintage clothing, cafés, fresh produce, fish and butcher shops and bakeries. Throughout its diverse history, this neighbourhood has hosted a wide immigrant population. If you look closely you can see the influences of Eastern Europeans, the Azores, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
To the east of Kensington proper, and forming an important part of this district, is Chinatown. First developed in the late 19th century, it is now one of the largest Chinatowns in North America and one of six major Chinese-Canadian communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Today the neighbourhood is a noted tourist attraction, and a centre of Toronto’s cultural life and home to one of Canada’s few cannabis cafés, boutiques, and head shops. Land prices in the area have increased sharply, but despite its increased appeal to professionals, Kensington still remains a predominantly working class, immigrant community. Since the mid 2000’s, residents and businesses have organized a series of Summer Pedestrian Sunday events. Live music, dancing, street theatre and games are among the special events on the closed streets.
To the east and south of the Market are three major down-town campuses including University of Toronto, OCAD University (formerly the Ontario College of Art and Design), and Ryerson University. Many students live in the small houses and lofts in the neighbourhood. The diversity brings a wonderful multicultural flavour to the district.
Located between University Avenue and Yonge Street and Bloor St and Front Street is one of the city’s busiest North-South arteries. At the south end of this corridor is Toronto’s Financial District, the most densely built-up area of Toronto, home to Canada’s 5 big banks, corporate headquarters, legal and accounting firms, insurance companies and stockbrokers. Most buildings in Toronto’s core are connected by a system of underground walkways, known as PATH, which is lined with retail establishments making the area one of the most important shopping districts in Toronto. To the north lies the neighbourhood now referred to as South Yorkville. The main draw continues to be the fine shopping along Bloor Street, including The Manulife Centre and the high end “Windsor Arms Hotel”. Significant condominium development south on Bay Street boomed during the 1990s and construction continues on large, 40-plus storey condominiums and multi-use buildings today, including the Aura Tower (when finished it will be the tallest residential tower in Canada – at least temporarily). The area attracts many who work in the financial district as well as those who work in the nearby hospitals and schools (Ryerson University and the University of Toronto). More than 67% (or 10,380) of residents in this area are in the working ages of 25-64.
Significant Sales: In the Bay Street Corridor you can purchase a 450 square foot bachelor apartment in a new building like 111 Elizabeth St, located near Bay and Dundas, for as little as $275,000 which includes parking. Closer to Bloor St, in South Yorkville, there are several luxury buildings such as 1 St Thomas St. where a recent 3600 square foot condo sold for $3.7 million. In both cases, these newer buildings have good amenities like full time concierge, gym, party and meeting rooms, a pool, and guest suites.
The Church and Yonge corridor has been home to the celebrated gay and lesbian district of Toronto, known as The Village, for decades. It covers Bloor Street down to Front Street from Bay over to Jarvis, and boasts some stunning 19th century architecture, since Jarvis Street was at the time home to some of Toronto’s wealthiest families. Today many of the impressive buildings remain, but now house popular restaurants and vibrant patios. The addition of high-end grocery stores into this friendly neighbourhood that’s close to downtown, has led to it becoming a destination for condo developers, families and folk of all walks. People come from all over at the end of June each year for musical performances and a giant street party known as the Pride festival. The area is serviced by the Yonge-Spadina subway via Wellesley Station and frequent bus services run both east-west and north-south.
Downtown Yonge
Located on historic Yonge St., surveyed by founder John Graves Simcoe to make the longest street in the world, Downtown Yonge is the heart of Toronto. At the busiest intersection in the country, visitors can find the urban hub for free city events and live concerts in Yonge Dundas Square and the largest shopping mall, the Toronto Eaton Centre. This vibrant spot is known for its theatres, restaurants, and shopping.
Church-Wellesley Village
In 1826, Alexander Wood, a pioneering gay merchant , started Canada’s largest L.G.T.B. community. Amongst the rainbow flag filled streets this area is packed with queer-oriented shops cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. This neighbourhood hosts one of the world’s largest Pride Festivals every June and was selected to host World Pride in 2014.
Head over to Jarvis to dine in some historic architecture: The Keg Mansion’s grand proportions and dark dramatic interior make it a date-night favourite. For a more modern option, Guu Izakaya on Church Street is the city’s inaugural restaurant of the energetic Japanese pub chain. Or further north Camrose offers healthy organic food (including a killer kale salad and curried chick peas) in a fuss-free setting.
What was once Maple Leaf Gardens is now a giant Loblaws Food Emporium, popular with families due to the spacious indoor canteen. Church Street also offers quality farm-reared meats at Cumbrae’s and All the Best Fine Foods sells high-end prepared meals, as well as pickles and local and imported cheeses.
The Village is home to some quality independent coffee shops. Java Jive is a neighbourhood institution, popular for its brunch and sunny summer patio. Further south Bulldog Coffee serves up a perfect cappuccino with a dog drawn into the foam. For something stronger, the area is filled with bars and patios, but the Church and Maitland corner home to The Churchmouse and Firkin and O’Grady’s is best for people-watching. Further south, The Hair of the Dog has a smaller more secluded patio and caters to the cocktail crowd.
Much of this neighbourhood is connected by a series of parkettes, filled with dog walkers and families. Over on Jarvis is the impressive glass-fronted building of The National Ballet, where classes are on offer for adults, children and youth. The Buddies in Bad Times theatre is well-established gay and lesbian theatre that celebrates alternative thought-provoking productions.
Lili Xu｜徐莉莉 