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The 13 most walkable neighbourhoods in Toronto
For those that love the heel-toe express, we'll give you the rundown on the best places to live that are walkable to anything and everything you'll need.
Julian TerenzioSr. Product Manager @ Pine
8 min read
There's nothing better than summer in GTA. That means it’s time to slide on your sunglasses and set out for a city stroll because (in our humble opinion) the best way to discover the Toronto area is by foot with your family and friends.
Our team of Toronto locals found the most walkable Toronto neighbourhoods to inspire your future Saturday hot girl walks or house hunting. We'll tell you about each neighbourhoods' tastiest foods, most generous outdoor spaces, and buzz-worthy events. Let's get started.
1. Kensington Market
Kensington borders Chinatown, which means you can stop for dumplings or dim sum as you stroll up Spadina.
After browsing all the street and sidewalk sales, swing by the famous butcher shop, Sanagan's Meat Locker, and the bakery next door, Blackbird Baking Co., to grab some BBQ goodies.
You can also round off your afternoon in this novel neighbourhood with a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario, which offers diverse programming, and summer art classes for kids.
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2. The Distillery District
The pedestrian-only Distillery District is like stepping into a time capsule. With a high volume of visitors during the colder months (it has a whimsical Winter Village every year), this neighbourhood’s cobblestone streets are wonderful to walk any time of year.
Nestled among the Victorian-era industrial architecture are some of the city’s best coffee roasters, including Arvo, Arena and Balzac’s. Fancy something a bit harder? Sample the whiskey that gives the neighbourhood its namesake at Pure Spirits, which also offers a variety of fresh oysters.
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3. Old Town
Continue your trek into the past in Old Town, the most historic neighbourhood in Toronto, with landmarks dating back to the 19th century. One of the most iconic of these is the Gooderham building (a.k.a. the Flatiron building), whose distinctive narrow architecture is instantly recognizable on many motifs of the city (and one of the most photographed), and in the feature image of this article!
Here, you can take in the scenery and stock up on fresh summer fruit like cherries and peaches at the St. Lawrence Market, then make your way to the nearby ferry for a family picnic on Toronto Island.
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4. The Annex
Near the University of Toronto campus and home to both students and families, The Annex is where you’ll find the city’s best used bookstores and record shops.
There is simply too much to choose from in this entertainment-heavy neighbourhood. Duck into Snakes & Lattes for board games and a bite after visiting Toronto’s famous castle, Casa Loma. If you happen to get caught in a summer rainstorm, check out the Hot Docs cinema for a film.
Ready for dinner? The South Annex neighbourhood of Harbord Village is home to one of the city’s most talked about new restaurants, Dreyfus, and the dessert staple: Harbord Bakery.
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5. Queen West
Famously named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue, West Queen West holds up to the title. Every tourist guide tells you to check out Graffiti Alley that runs parallel to the street, but don't waste your time. Instead, spend an afternoon thrift shopping, getting some Montreal-style bagels from Bagels on Fire, and exploring the boutiques that dot the strip.
Cool down at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, where unique flavours like lychee rosewater raspberry are sandwiched between their homemade cookies. Or, caffeinate at the White Squirrel Coffee Shop window, which gets its name from the critters that inhabit one of the city’s most beloved parks—Trinity Bellwoods.
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6. Dundas West
Dundas West runs through some of Toronto’s best food neighbourhoods, including The Junction, Little Italy, and Little Portugal.
Get your shopping fix at the many vintage stores that dot the street, then stop for a pastry at the vegan, gluten-free, and very delicious Bunner’s Bake Shop.
And, make sure you spend happy hour at Famous Last Words – a cocktail bar whose drinks are named after celebrated novels.
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7. Yorkville
This is one of Toronto's most posh, yet pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood. It's home to art galleries, designer boutiques, and amazing food locales like Eataly and Paris Baguette. Old York Lane is a pedestrian-only street that runs through the neighbourhood, with plenty of window-shopping (and splurging) opportunities. If you're a fan of omakase, you're going to love it here.
Take the family to The Royal Ontario Museum (the ROM), the largest natural history museum in Canada, where special summer exhibits and yearlong favourites are both educational and exciting. Don't forget to keep your momentum by caffeinating on-the-go at the Jacked Up coffee truck—a blue van with the best brew north of Bloor.
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8. The Entertainment District
On game nights, the streets around the Rogers Centre fill-up with Jays fans, giving the whole area a block‑party feel. The Entertainment District keeps buzzing after the sun goes down with tucked‑away speakeasies and cozy wine bars like Piccolo & Vino. It’s easy to stumble onto something unexpected wether you find a live comedy show or wander into one of the many cocktail bars. By day, The Well brings a mix of retail, dining, and people‑watching right at the edge of downtown, making the neighbourhood as much about discovery as it is about big‑name attractions.
If you don’t feel like hanging in the downtown core, make a reservation at one of Canada’s top restaurants since there are plenty to choose from in The Entertainment District. Try PAI for unforgettable Northern Thai cuisine, or treat yourself to some fantastic Mexican food at Campenchano on Adelaide.
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9. Liberty Village
This waterfront neighbourhood has seen a boom in recent years thanks to millennials looking to "escape the concrete jungle." Masses line up outside of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen every weekend for their famous brunch—the pancakes and profiteroles are well worth the wait. If you don’t want to queue, there are plenty of other great options nearby, like Vietnamese at Pho 90. Liberty Village locals also love Brodflour Bakery which is arguably one of the best bakery's in Toronto.
Liberty Village is also a short walk from Exhibition Place, where all the city’s biggest events are hosted. If you're a concert-goer, Budweiser stage is very close where hit artists play every day during the summer. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, also known as Caribana, takes place the first weekend in August, so depending if you want to embrace or avoid the chaos, keep that in the back of your mind.
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10. Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown gets its distinct name from its Irish inhabitants who allegedly planted the cruciferous vegetable on their front lawns.
While the beautiful Victorian homes likely don’t grow the same amount of produce anymore, the neighbourhood’s Riverdale Farm comes pretty close. Other gorgeous greenspace around these parts includes Allan Gardens Conservatory, which is home to six greenhouses.
Stop for a slice at Salt & Tobacco, a casual pizzeria, or for upscale pub fare at the classic House on Parliament.
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11. Leslieville
East Toronto’s hippest ‘hood is Leslieville, where you’ll find countless vintage shops and stunning street art. Get your nature fix in nearby Riverside by hiking the Lower Don River Trail.
The best bites here are brunch at Lady Marmalade and Egyptian at Maha’s. Leslieville is also home to the original location of Ed’s Real Scoop, one of Toronto’s most-loved ice cream shops.
Related topic: Best neighbourhoods to shop locally
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12. The Beaches
Summer was meant to be spent beachside, so there’s no better spot than the lakeside neighbourhood The Beaches. Woodbine Beach is a family favourite (and is also dog-friendly!). After a beach day, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants along Queen Street East.
The free Beaches International Jazz Festival takes place all July and boasts top performers from Canada and around the world.
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13. Roncesvalles
Fondly known as “Roncy”, Roncesvalles is a neighbourhood that feels like its own separate village. Spend a sunny day at High Park, where plenty of trails and even a small zoo await. Refuel at The Ace, whose kitschy kitchen is in a restored 1950’s diner.
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There is an impressive amount of walkable neighbourhoods to be found in Toronto, and we hope our roundup provides you with inspiration for exploration. Did we miss your favourite? Let us know!
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