Toronto/Etobicoke

Etobicoke (pronounced /ɛˈtoʊbɨkoʊ/ and the last two letters are silent) is the westernmost of the six former Metropolitan Toronto boroughs before the city of Toronto was amalgamated in 1998. It is a predominantly suburban area, intersected by several major arterial highways, and home to a population of over 500,000. Most of the borough's industry is located in the northwest corner of Etobicoke, near Pearson International Airport in adjacent Mississauga.

While a majority of this enormous chunk of land is single family-homes and there are also notable enclaves of high-density high-rises apartments in the north, and low-rise apartments along Lakeshore Blvd. in the south. Other exceptions include the neighbourhood surrounding Islington subway station, at the intersection of Islington Avenue and Bloor Street which was intended as a 'downtown-west' with a transit-oriented centre integrated with a high-rise office / condo project, and plenty of street-level restaurants and retail outlets. Continuing to the east along Bloor Street around its intersection with Royal York Road the affluent Kingsway neightbourhood is widely known for it's high concentration of high-end restaurants and boutiques. The current City-Centre-West is located at the former Etobicoke City Hall at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road and Highway 427, however in 2017 a design competition will be held for a new Downtown adjacent to the Kipling Subway Station at the intersection of Kipling Avenue, Bloor Street West, and Dundas Street West (the 'Six Points' Interchange).

Some other well-known and popular neighbourhoods in Etobicoke are Markland Woods and the furthest residential community along Bloor Street West and the trifecta of Mimico-New Toronto-Long Branch, which cover the entire width along Lakeshore Boulevard from the Humber River to the border with Mississauga, and Rexdale-Thistletown-West Humber which cover the entire portion north of Highway 401.

As it was formerly a separate municipality ('the City of Etobicoke'), this section of Toronto has clearly defined perimeters: the Humber River (which separates Etobicoke from Old Toronto, York andNorth York in the east), Etobicoke Creek / Eglinton Ave / Highway 427 (the border with Mississauga in the west), Steeles Ave (the border with York Region in the north) and Lake Ontario (in the south).

Toronto/Etobicoke Halal Travel Guide

Etobicoke has some pocketed communities, such as the shops on Bloor Street West near the Royal York subway station. Abundant with restaurants such as the French Merlot, Spanish Barcelona's and Italian cuisine it is rather nice to take a stroll before dinner and experience some smaller, community oriented shops.

The Kingsway area has always been known for its opulence. Large, older homes have a lot of character and full-grown trees that canapé the roads in the area. They are particularly beautiful in the autumn season.

Surrounded by trails that connect Etobicoke's many parks, residents are often found jogging, bike riding or going for a stroll. The Terry Fox Run monuments can be found throughout the trails.

The crown jewel of Etobicoke parks is Centennial Park, a 525 acre park inaugurated in 1967 on the occasion of Canada's centennial birthday. Today it offers Etobians myriad opportunities for: Skiing, BMX Biking, Frisbee Golf, Go-Carts, an 18-hole Public Golf Course & Driving Range, Triple Indoor Hockey Rink, as well as hiking, trails, fishing, soccer and baseball fields, and plenty of free parking. It also plays host to many seasonal Festivals including Ribfest and Jerkfest.

Travel as a Muslim to Toronto/Etobicoke

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Toronto/Etobicoke

Etobicoke is directly across the Toronto-Mississauga border from Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA Code: YYZ), Canada's largest. Two Toronto TTC bus routes (52 and 192) serve Malton; both must cross Etobicoke to reach the subway at Lawrence West (52)] or Kipling (192). Premium fares apply if travelling beyond the airport into Malton village (effectively and the standard TTC fare plus the equivalent of the Mississauga MiWay fare).

By rail

Most intercity rail goes to Union Station in downtown Toronto, but a few "GO" commuter trains do stop in Etobicoke on their way into the city from points further west. Etobicoke's GO stations are on three different lines, which all converge in downtown Toronto at Union Station:
Long Branch and Mimico are on the Lakeshore line (Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton -Toronto-Oshawa daily) and the summer weekend service to Niagara Falls (Ontario)|Niagara passes through without stopping here.
Kipling is on the Milton line (Milton (Ontario)|Milton -Mississauga-Toronto, weekdays) and connects directly to the otherwise little-used TTC subway station of the same name.
Etobicoke North is on the Kitchener line (Kitchener-Guelph -Georgetown (Ontario)|Georgetown -Brampton -Malton (Ontario)|Malton -Toronto, weekdays)

By intercity bus

Most intercity bus ends at Bay/Dundas in downtown Toronto, although a handful serve Malton airport directly from Ontario cities such as Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston and Peterborough
GO commuter bus services stop at the Etobicoke North railway station, at the Woodbine mall/racetrack (Hwy. 27 Rexdale Blvd) and at Dixon Martin Grove Rd.

By subway

Etobicoke is the western endpoint of Toronto's subway system and has four stations (Kipling, Islington, Royal York, Old Mill) on the Bloor-Danforth line 2.

By local bus

From Mississauga, many (if not most) local routes use Islington TTC station in Etobicoke as the primary transfer point into Toronto. Mississauga "MiWay" transfers or transfers from other systems are not valid fare media on TTC vehicles within Toronto.
From Brampton (Züm) and Vaughan (York Region YRT, Viva), city bus connections lead to the Humber College North Campus in the northwest corner of Etobicoke

How to get around in Toronto/Etobicoke

With attractions spread out and free parking available at most places, vehicle is the most common and easiest way to get around.

TTC (393-INFO, +1 416-393-4636 or ttc.ca) provides local city bus, streetcar and subway system within metropolitan Toronto, including Etobicoke

What to see in Toronto/Etobicoke

Islington Village murals - Dundas Street West between Islington Ave and Bloor Street West - GPS: 43.650626, -79.527035 Take the 37 Islington bus to Dundas Street from Islington Station on subway line 2 - There is an impressive set of murals painted on the sides of buildings along Dundas Street West in Islington Village. Islington Village is a short distance west of Montgomery's Inn making both easy to visit in one day. Islington Village has a number of shops and restaurants, and a small town atmosphere.
Montgomery's Inn - 4709 Dundas Street West at Islinton Ave GPS: 43.651651, -79.525651 Take the 37 Islington bus to Dundas Street from Islington Station on subway line 2 ☎ +1 416-394-8113 Montgomery's Inn - Montgomery's Inn, an 19th-century colonial tavern, has been a landmark in Etobicoke for over 180 years. Restored to its heyday of 1847 and the Inn still extends its tradition of hospitality, started by the Montgomerys in the 1830s. Visitors can view the lodgers' bedrooms and the barroom, second floor assembly room and the Montgomery family bedrooms, sitting room and office. The inn has a tea room for visitors.
Etienne Brulé Park - 13 Crosby Ave GPS: 43.652600, -79.492019from Old Mill Subway Stn along Old Mill Road over a stone bridge A Etienne Brulé Park - The park has hiking trails along the Humber River valley. It is a good spot to watch the fall salmon run up the Humber River. While walking from the subway station, take a look at the public spaces around the very quaint Old Mill hotel where there are some ruins of an old water mill. You cross into the park over a very attractive stone bridge built in 1916.
GO Transit Willowbrook Rail Maintenance Facility & Via Rail Toronto Maintenance Centre | 830 Islington Ave GPS: 43.610665, -79.507672 501 streetcar to Islington Ave and then walk ½ kilometers north, or 110 bus to Judson Street - For railfans: Both GO Transit (commuter trains) and Via Rail (inter-city trains) have their maintenance facilities and storage yards here. Railfans can get great views from the Islington Avenue bridge over the yards.

Humber Bay Shores

The Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood has a beautiful series of inter-connected lakeside parks and walkways west of the Humber River in southern Etobicoke. There is about 7 kilometers of walking distance if you decided to walk all the parks listed here. Thus, if either time or energy is in short supply, a short list would be: Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat, Humber Bay Park East (more attractive than Humber Bay Park West) and Mimico Waterfront Park. The following sites are listed in roughly east-to-west sequence.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge - Martin Goodman Trail & Humber River GPS: 43.6319, -79.4712 - Humber Bay Arch Bridge Toronto - ON - Humber Bay und Humber Bay Arch Bridge - This very attractive pedestrian/bicycle bridge connects the Sunnyside Boardwalk in Toronto/West End to Humber Bay Shores. The bridge is over the mouth of the Humber River, and offers a good view of the CN Tower on its south side.
Sheldon Lookout | Martin Goodman Trail GPS: 43.6311, -79.4714 - This small park with decorative boulders provides views of the mouth of the Humber River, Humber Bay Arch Bridge and the CN Tower.
Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat - Butterfly Garden Humber Bay Park East GPS: 43.6242, -79.4773along the base of Humber Bay Park East

A habitat created for butterflies consisting of meadow-like environment with wildflowers, tall grasses, bushes and other plants. See the web link for the best times to see butterflies, which do not like wind, rain or the mid-day heat on hot days. Even if there are no butterflies to see during your visit and there are still the wildflowers.

Humber Bay Park consists of two man-made peninsulas each being a separate park, logically named Humber Bay Park East and Humber Bay Park West. Both protrude into the bay. The two parks are separated by Mimico Creek but connected by a pedestrian/cyclist bridge at the base of the two peninsulas. The east park is more rustic than the west park.

Humber Bay Park East - GPS: 43.6227, -79.4733 501 Queen streetcar to Park Lawn Road - Humber Bay Park - Humber Bay Park East has a large pond within the peninsula crisscrossed with footbridges. There is a small waterfall beside a bridge along the north side of the park. The far tip of the peninsula is rustic, and provides a view of the CN Tower in the distance.

AirIndia 182 Memorial - Humber Bay East Park GPS: 43.6231, -79.4756 AirIndia Flight 182 - A memorial to the victims of the AirIndia Flight 182 disaster caused by terrorists. The flight originated at Pearson International Airport located just outside of Toronto.
Humber Bay Park West - GPS: 43.6156, -79.4787 501 streetcar to Legion Road - Humber Bay Park - Unlike in the east park, automobiles can penetrate the 1.1 KM length of Humber Bay Park West to its end at Etobicoke Point. The west side of this park is fenced off from public access to accommodate two private boating clubs.

Etobicoke Point | Humber Bay Park West GPS: 43.6127, -79.4794

A lookout point with a beacon to guide boats.

Large lighthouse | Humber Bay Park West GPS: 43.6181, -79.4814 - This four-story lighthouse was built in 1895 and moved to its current location in 1981. The lighthouse is in a fenced-off location (to accommodate the Mimico Cruising Club) but can be viewed from the gazebo along Mimico Waterfront Park.

Small lighthouse | Humber Bay Park West GPS: 43.6147, -79.4832 - This small two-story lighthouse was built in 1895 and moved to its current location in 1981. The lighthouse is in a fenced-off location (to accommodate the Etobicoke Yacht Club) but can be viewed in the distance from the gazebo along Mimico Waterfront Park.

Mimico Waterfront Park is a promenade running along the lakeshore from Humber Bay Park West to Norris Crescent Parkette for a distance of 1.1KM. Some of the walkway is on footbridges over the water along the shore. Inconsistant park signage names the promenade as Humber Bay Promenade Park and Mimico Waterfront Park. Another sign says the promenade is a component of the much longer Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

Humber Bay Promenade Park - Mimico Waterfront Park - GPS: 43.6188, -79.4816 - Eastern end of Mimico Waterfront Park.
Gazebo - Mimico Waterfront Park - GPS: 43.6179, -79.4838 - This gazebo juts over the water, providing views of the yacht harbour and its two lighthouses.
Norris Crescent Parkette - Mimico Waterfront Park | Web: +waterfront+park - GPS: 43.6117, -79.4871 501 streetcar to Hillside Ave - Western end of Mimico Waterfront Park.

What to Do

A walk/jog/cycle path along the Etobicoke Creek (the Etobicoke-Mississauga border) stretches from Neilson Park Community Centre to Centennial Park. Millwood Park, near the centre of this path in the quiet residential community of Markland Wood, has some of Etobicoke's oldest growth forest and an oak tree that dates back over 300 years.

Woodbine Racetrack - Woodbine Racetrack 555 Rexdale Blvd. GPS: 43.715589, -79.603160 ☎ +1 416-675-7223 - wukipedia=Woodbine Racetrack - Thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing, gambling and restaurant on-site.
Centennial Park - 256 Centennial Park Road GPS: 43.653950, -79.588618 Exit Highway 427 at Rathburn Road West ☎ +1-416-394-8750 - Large park with many facilities, including bike park, sports fields. During the winter, skiing and snowboarding is available; one of two locations in Toronto.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Toronto/Etobicoke

Shopping malls

Humbertown Mall - 270 The Kingsway GPS: 43.661595, -79.519829 Bus 48 to Strath Humber Ct from Royal York Stn ☎ +1 416-239-2012 +1 416-239-1912 - Post office outlet within Shoppers Drugmart store.
Sherway Gardens - 25 The West Mall GPS: 43.611960, -79.557032 Bus 80 to 1800 The Queensway ☎ +1 416-621-1070 | Opening Hours: open until 9pm daily / 6pm Sunday Sherway Gardens 200 stores. Post office outlet within Shoppers Drugmart store.
Woodbine Centre - 500 Rexdale Blvd GPS: 43.720421, -79.601100 Bus 11 or 12 ☎ +1 416-674-5200 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 9PM wkdays, Saturday 9:30-6, Sunday noon-5PM Woodbine Centre

Shopping neighborhoods

The Kingsway - Bloor Street West at Royal York Road GPS: 43.647371, -79.511430 Royal York Subway Stn - The Kingsway - Bloor Street between Prince Edward Drive and Brentwood Road is lined with stores and restaurants on both sides of the street. Post office outlet within Shoppers Drugmart store (3010 Bloor Street W).

Halal Restaurants in Toronto/Etobicoke

Anatolia Restaurant - 5112 Dundas Street West GPS: 43.64471, -79.53294 ☎ +1 416-207-0596 - Turkish Halal cousine.
LaVinia Restaurant - 2350 Lake Shore Blvd West GPS: 43.61643, -79.48813 ☎ +1 647-748-2350

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Toronto/Etobicoke

Toronto/Etobicoke - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Toronto/Etobicoke, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Toronto/Etobicoke. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Toronto/Etobicoke and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Toronto/Etobicoke. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Toronto/Etobicoke. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inToronto/Etobicoke: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Toronto/Etobicoke.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Toronto/Etobicoke: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Toronto/Etobicoke, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Toronto/Etobicoke.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Toronto/Etobicoke, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Toronto/Etobicoke, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Toronto/Etobicoke and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Toronto/Etobicoke, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Toronto/Etobicoke, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Toronto/Etobicoke without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Toronto/Etobicoke is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Toronto/Etobicoke.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Toronto/Etobicoke is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Toronto/Etobicoke, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Toronto/Etobicoke Media: info@ehalal.io

Islam in Toronto

Here, we explore some notable mosques in Toronto that reflect the diversity and unity within the Muslim community.

1. Masjid Toronto @ Adelaide

Address: 86 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K6, Canada

Masjid Toronto @ Adelaide is a prominent mosque situated in the heart of downtown Toronto. The mosque, with its distinctive architecture, serves as a spiritual haven for worshippers in the bustling urban landscape. Its central location makes it accessible to both residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community in the heart of the city.

2. Toronto Islamic Centre & Community Services

Address: 817 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G9, Canada

The Toronto Islamic Centre & Community Services is not just a place of worship but a hub for community engagement and social services. The center emphasizes the importance of not only spiritual growth but also the well-being of the community at large. Its central location on Yonge Street makes it a focal point for various community activities and events.

3. Madinah Masjid

Address: 1015 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M1, Canada Phone: +1 416-465-7833

Madinah Masjid stands as a symbol of the diversity within Toronto's Muslim community. Located on Danforth Avenue, the mosque is known for its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming worshippers from various cultural backgrounds. The mosque also plays an active role in community outreach and charitable initiatives.

4. Masjid Toronto

Address: 168 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C6, Canada Phone: +1 416-596-0507

Masjid Toronto, situated near Dundas Street West, serves as a spiritual and cultural anchor for Muslims in the city. With a commitment to fostering understanding and tolerance, the mosque is not only a place of worship but also a venue for educational programs and interfaith dialogue.

5. Masjid Darussalam

Address: 4 Thorncliffe Park Dr, East York, ON M4H 1H1, Canada Phone: +1 416-467-0786

Masjid Darussalam, located in East York, exemplifies the community spirit embedded in Toronto's mosques. The mosque serves as a center for both spiritual and social activities, fostering a strong sense of unity among its diverse congregation.

6. Muslim Prayer Room at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Address: 2075 Bayview Avenue ECG 05, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada

Within the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a Muslim Prayer Room provides a quiet space for prayer and reflection, catering to the spiritual needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. This inclusion reflects the city's commitment to accommodating diverse religious practices in various settings.

7. Turkish Canadian Islamic Trust

Address: 336 Pape Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2W7, Canada Phone: +1 416-469-2610

The Turkish Canadian Islamic Trust, located on Pape Avenue, is a cultural and religious center that promotes the Turkish heritage within the Muslim community. Beyond serving as a mosque, the trust is actively involved in cultural events, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Halal Restaurants in Toronto

For those adhering to Halal dietary restrictions, the city offers a plethora of options that cater to various tastes and preferences. In this article, we will explore some noteworthy Halal restaurants in Toronto, each offering a unique blend of flavors that reflect the city's rich cultural diversity.

Umi's Kitchen: Halal Caribbean Delights

Located at 346 Dundas St E, Umi's Kitchen stands out as a gem offering Halal Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant takes patrons on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, all while adhering to strict Halal guidelines. From jerk Chicken to flavorful seafood dishes, Umi's Kitchen is a delightful spot for those craving a taste of the tropics while maintaining their dietary preferences.

Naan Kabob Afghani: A Culinary Journey to Afghanistan

For Afghani cuisine enthusiasts, Naan Kabob at 691 Yonge St is a must-visit. Known for its authentic Afghani flavors, the restaurant boasts a menu that showcases the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Afghanistan. The warm ambiance and aromatic dishes make Naan Kabob a favorite among those seeking a taste of Afghanistan in the heart of Toronto.

Shah's Halal Food: A Downtown Halal Haven

Situated at 65 Duncan St, Shah's Halal Food has earned a reputation for its delicious offerings and convenient downtown location. With a diverse menu that includes Kebab, biryanis, and other flavorful dishes, Shah's Halal Food caters to a broad range of tastes. The restaurant's popularity is reflected in its impressive 4.1 rating, as reviewed by 272 satisfied customers.

Chamsine Authentic Halal New Cuisine: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Found at 235 Queen St E, Chamsine Authentic Halal New Cuisine transports diners to the Mediterranean with its delectable offerings. The menu features a fusion of Mediterranean flavors, showcasing dishes inspired by Lebanese and other regional cuisines. The restaurant's commitment to using only Halal ingredients ensures that patrons can enjoy their meals with confidence.

Sizzler Kabab: A Spadina Avenue Sensation

Nestled at 381 Spadina Ave, Sizzler Kabab is a go-to spot for those craving mouthwatering Kebab and Middle Eastern delights. Boasting a menu that includes a variety of grilled meats, falafel, and flavorful Sauces, Sizzler Kabab provides a satisfying Halal dining experience in the heart of Toronto.

Lahore Grill & Fast Food Halal Restaurant: (Pakistani) Culinary Delights

Located at 1274 Gerrard St E, Lahore Grill & Fast Food Halal Restaurant is a haven for fans of (Pakistani) cuisine. From succulent Kebab to aromatic biryanis, the restaurant offers a diverse array of dishes that capture the essence of (Pakistani) flavors. The welcoming atmosphere and authentic preparations make Lahore Grill a standout choice for Halal dining.

Almadina Bistro: Casual Afghani Fare in Yorkville

Situated at 10 Edward St, 2nd Floor, Almadina Bistro offers a casual yet sophisticated spot for those seeking Afghani cuisine. With a diverse menu that includes Kebab, stews, and flavorful Rice dishes, Almadina Bistro brings the authentic taste of Afghanistan to Yorkville. The second-floor location provides a cozy and intimate setting for a delightful dining experience.

Toronto's Halal restaurant scene is a testament to the city's multicultural vibrancy. From Caribbean delights to Afghani and (Pakistani) specialties, each restaurant on this list offers a unique culinary journey for those seeking Halal options. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring Toronto's diverse neighborhoods, these Halal restaurants provide a taste of the rich cultural tapestry that makes the city a global culinary destination.