Toronto may not be the capital of Canada – that honour goes to Ottawa – but it is the country’s largest city and a cultural hub of this vast nation. Plus, Toronto may be the most culturally diverse city in the world, with a majority of the city’s residents born outside of Canada.
Generations of immigration have shaped Toronto into what it is today. And that has left the city with an incredible food scene and an eclectic variety of different neighbourhoods. After all, immigrants tend to congregate together in areas where they know they can find people who speak their language and share their culture. Over the years, Toronto’s ethnic enclaves have become some of the most interesting and most popular neighbourhoods in this sprawling city.
Drop off your bags at a convenient luggage storage in Toronto and check out some of the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods. The truth is, there are many different Torontos, not just one, so the more of them you see for yourself, the more of a sense you’ll get of what makes Canada’s largest city what it is.
The Danforth
Once upon a time, Toronto was a centre for Greek immigration. Although not many Greeks up sticks and move to Canada these days, at the turn of the last century, thousands of people from this Mediterranean country travelled by boat to start a new life in Canada. And many of them ended up in the Danforth area.
The Danforth was established in 1907 and quickly became the centre of cultural life for Toronto’s Greek population. Over the generations, though, as Greek immigrants adapted and assimilated to Canadian culture, many of the original families moved away. Around 45 minutes from central Toronto, the Danforth is now a neighbourhood packed with bars and restaurants where locals come to enjoy the incredible nightlife. And the presence of the Danforth Music Hall, a popular venue for shows, helps this neighbourhood maintain its cool character through the present day.
Kensington Market
This is perhaps Toronto’s best-known and best-loved neighbourhood. This is not an ethnic enclave so much as it is a bohemian area that attracts people from many different origins, creating a fun and countercultural vibe that makes it one of the trendiest parts of the city.
Kensington Market is full of vintage clothing stores, bookstores, cool cafés, hip bars, and great restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day shopping in quirky stores unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in Toronto, then spending the night enjoying excellent food and drinks in one of the city’s premier party neighbourhoods.
There’s always something going on in Kensington Market, by day or by night, so it makes a great place to visit. However, if you’re planning to stay here, know that it can be quite noisy, especially on the weekends, so it’s a better choice for night owls than for those who like to get to bed early.
The Distillery District
This former industrial neighbourhood has gone through a recent transformation to become one of the most up-and-coming parts of the city. The old Victorian brick buildings have been converted into bars, restaurants, and art galleries, making this one of the most architecturally distinct and beautiful neighbourhoods in the whole city.
This artistic part of the city is more of a place to visit during the day than at night. The art galleries and exhibition spaces make it a wonderful place to come to appreciate the culture of the city, but it’s not the raucous party area by night that you’ll find in other parts of the city. Then again, if you just want a quiet drink or a meal, there are plenty of establishments to serve you here.
Little India
India remains one of the main sources of immigrants to Canada, and it’s been that way since the days of the British Empire. That means Toronto’s Little India is a big and bustling place where you’ll find not only incredible Indian restaurants but also cultural organizations and art galleries displaying the work of Indian-Canadian artists. This neighbourhood is also home to several festivals throughout the year, which transform this part of the city into an incredibly vibrant place.
Old Town
Although Toronto is not a particularly ancient city by world standards, it does have a history that dates back hundreds of years, and the city’s Old Town is where you can encounter buildings that date back to Toronto’s founding. Some of the most famous buildings in the city are here, including the angular Flatiron Building and, perhaps most importantly, the St. Lawrence Market.
St. Lawrence Market has been where Toronto shoppers go to pick up food and produce since 1803. Expanding through the years, the market has become the premier destination in the city for foodies to exchange recipes and hunt for the freshest ingredients available. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and just enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Eglinton West
Sometimes known as Little Jamaica, this is the best neighborhood in the city to soak up Caribbean charm. Canada has had a lot of immigration from the Caribbean, including Jamaica. In fact, back in the 19th century, there was even a plan for Jamaica to become part of Canada!
That didn’t happen, but take a stroll through this neighbourhood, and you could be forgiven for thinking it did. This always-lively neighbourhood is a great place to come to hear Jamaican music and enjoy incredible Caribbean food.
Toronto’s diversity
One of the most striking features of Canada’s largest city is its diversity. Every neighbourhood has its own feel and its own story, and you’ll notice that as you explore the city.
Check out some of these intriguing neighbourhoods to get a better sense of what makes Toronto tick. With your bags safely stored, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the diversity of this big city.
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