Toronto/West End

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The West End of Toronto is bounded roughly by Bathurst Street to the east, Street Clair Avenue to the north and the Humber River to the west and Lake Ontario to the south. The West End covers a vast swath of Toronto and includes ethnic enclaves and quiet, residential neighbourhoods inhabited largely by recent immigrants to Canada. The West End has undergone explosive growth and gentrification, and is quickly becoming one of the hottest areas in the city in which to live.

An introduction to Toronto/West End

High Park Toronto October 2012

The neighbourhoods of the West End are some of the most diverse in the city, owing to its significant immigrant population and also to the gentrification of former industrial areas and formerly rundown neighbourhoods.

From the early 1900s, Italian immigrants who worked in railway and road construction began buying up affordable Edwardian-style homes and opening up shops along College Street, in the area now known as Little Italy. The neighbourhood has become popular with young professionals because of its great restaurants and cafes, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to the downtown core. More recent Italian immigrants have chosen to settle a little farther north, along St. Clair Avenue, in an area known as Toronto/Midtown|Corso Italia.

Little Italy also has a strong Portuguese presence. However, that presence is more visible along Dundas Street with neighbourhoods marked as Little Portugal and Rua dos Açores (street of the Azores) on the local street name signs. You can find authentic churrasqueiras (Portuguese BBQ restaurants) in these areas.

Ossington Village is an area of shops and restaurants between Queen Street and Dundas Street. Prior to gentrification, this was a semi-industrial area with a number of automotive servicing shops of which the only one is still in business; another has been converted into a restaurant with the dining room in the former service bays. Some Portuguese businesses are found towards the north end of the area.

High Park is a huge park on the west side of the neighborhood having gardens as well as naturally wild landscapes. There is also a pond big enough to be considered a small lake. The 506 streetcar ends just inside the park in a rustic setting.

Just east of High Park lies Roncesvalles Village, named after a valley in northern Spain, which, oddly enough, is the heart of the city's Polish community where you will find Polish restaurants and pastry shops.

North of High Park, centred on the junction of Dundas Street and Keele Street, you'll find The Junction, so named because of the railway lines that meet in this neighbourhood.

Along Queen Street west of Bathurst Street, formerly run-down neighbourhoods have been gentrified becoming very trendy locales. East of Dufferin Street is the ultra-hip West Queen West neighbourhood, an area home to many of the city's hottest bars, lounges and cafes, including the ever-popular Drake and Gladstone Hotels. Going west of Dufferin Street, we pass through Parkdale and the new "it" neighbourhood, with its antique shops and quaint Victorian-style homes.

South-east of King Street and Dufferin Street is Liberty Village, a former industrial area that used to be crisscrossed with railway tracks that served the many factories in the area. With gentrification and the factories in the eastern part of Liberty Village were demolished and replaced by condominiums. The central portion of the area became a small shopping area. On the western side and the factories have largely been preserved but converted to house numerous small businesses.

Adjacent to Mirvish Village is Koreatown, located between Bathurst Street and Christie Streets (just west of Toronto/The Annex|The Annex and north of Little Italy). The neighbourhood is home to dozens of Korean (and Japanese-Korean) restaurants, as well as Korean grocery, clothing and bookstores.

Much further west, past High Park, lies Bloor West Village, an area with quaint shops, lovely grocery stores with fruits and flowers piled high outside and a wide variety of restaurants line Bloor Street from Jane Street to Runnymede Road, while older houses, many in the American Craftsman style, line the area's side streets. The area has a Ukrainian presence with its Annual Ukrainian Festival in September.

Get in

By subway

The West End is served by Bloor-Danforth subway line 2. Dundas West station is a major transit hub for the area, providing connections to streetcar lines, buses, and GO Transit commuter trains at the Bloor GO station.

By streetcar

Streetcars run across much of the West End, making it easy to get around.

The 501 Queen route runs along Queen Street from Toronto/East End|The Beach, through the downtown core and the West Queen West and Parkdale neighbourhoods, and out to Toronto/Etobicoke|Etobicoke and the Mississauga border in the west.

The 504A King route runs along King Street, through Parkdale's southern edge, and north through Roncesvalles Village to the Dundas West subway station. (Route 504B King terminates on Dufferin Street at Exhibition Place.)

The 505 Dundas route serves Little Portugal and connects to the Dundas West subway station.

The 506 College route runs along College Street and passes through Little Italy on its way to High Park. It has connections to Main Street in the Toronto/East End|East End, and the College and Queens Park subway stations.

By car

Bloor St, Dundas St and Queen St provide east-west transit across the breadth of the West End and connect it to Etobicoke in the west and downtown and the East End to the east. From the 401, heading south on Dufferin St or Jane St (via the 400) will bring you to the West End. From the Gardiner Expressway and the Jameson Ave exit will put you in Parkdale.

Travel on a Bus in Toronto/West End

Bus 63 runs along Ossington Ave and Bus 29 runs along Dufferin St.

Bus route 47 runs from Yorkdale Mall to Parkdale along Lansdowne Ave, also serving Lansdowne station on Bloor-Danforth subway line 2.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Toronto/West End

Some GO Transit trains stop at the Bloor GO station, adjacent to the Dundas West subway station. UP Express and the train that operates between Toronto Pearson Airport and Union Station in downtown Toronto, makes a stop at the Bloor GO Station as well.

How to travel around Toronto/West End on a bicycle ?

College Street has bicycle-only lanes on either side of the street, one of the only major streets with bicycle lanes downtown. There are numerous poles to which you can lock your bike all along College St. The bike lanes run next to parked cars and therefore it is important to watch for drivers opening doors.

What to see in Toronto/West End

  • High Park - GPS: 43.6531, -79.4651 Subway line 2 to High Park Station or 506 streetcar to the High Park loop or 501 streetcar to Colborne Lodge Dr High Park - High Park is a large recreational and natural park. One-third of its area, spanning 161|ha, remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology. The park features:
  • Cherry blossoms - GPS: 43.650180, -79.467595 - Roughly during the first week of May and the cherry trees bloom for a short time in High Park. A good place to see them is at a grove along the West Road near the north end of the park. Check the website for accurate predictions of when the cherry trees start to blossom. Parks elsewhere having cherry blossoms are on the Toronto Islands and beside the Toronto/Yorkville and the Annex#Western campus|Robarts Library on the U of T campus and in Trinity Bellwoods Park and the latter also being in the West End but closer to downtown.
  • Grenadier Pond GPS 43.6414,-79.4668
  • Landscaped gardens GPS 43.6448,-79.4664 just south of theGrenadier Restaurant GPS 43.6455,-79.4660
  • High Park Children’s Garden GPS 43.6471,-79.4629 . castle-like playground
  • High Park Zoo - GPS: 43.6435, -79.4631 - Free admission - The zoo's nine paddocks are home to a variety of animal species from around the world including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and sheep.
  • Colborne Lodge - 11 Colborne Lodge Dr GPS: 43.6405, -79.4603 Colborne Lodge A City of Toronto historic site, this common Regency picturesque cottage is a graceful monument to John and Jemima Howard and the couple who founded High Park. John Howard, one of Toronto's first architects, as well as a City engineer and surveyor, built Colborne Lodge in 1837. The museum features many original furnishings and artifacts and some of John Howard's own watercolours depicting images of early Toronto.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art - former name: Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art - MOCCA | 158 Sterling Road GPS: 43.6546, -79.4452 504A/506 streetcar to Sterling Road, 500 metres north of Dundas Street West ☎ +1 416-395-0067 | Opening Hours: Temporarily closed; facility opens 2017 Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art - The museum’s facility is modest in scale, impressive in design and functions effectively as a nucleus of energies for the production and exchange of creativity, ideas and innovation.
  • Roncesvalles Carhouse | 20 The Queensway GPS: 43.6389, -79.4475 A Roncesvalles Carhouse - For railfans: the Roncesvalles Carhouse, at northwest corner of the Queensway and Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto, is the oldest of the Toronto's streetcar depots opened in 1895 but the older building is from shortly after 1921 and there is a much more modern addition on the east side for the new low-floor streetcars. The south side of the facility is viewable from the public sidewalk.
  • Sunnyside Boardwalk | long= Access by a pedestrian bridge at King Street West & the Queensway - Sunnyside Boardwalk is a 2-km pedestrian path running through parkland along the shore of Lake Ontario. Along the way and there are beaches and monuments with the w:Martin Goodman Trail|Martin Goodman Trail for cyclists running parallel. The following are points of interest along the boardwalk.
  • Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion - Sunnyside Beach Pavillion | 8046 Martin Goodman Trail GPS: 43.6377, -79.4564 - Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion - - The Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion is fanciful structure and a remnant of the former w:Sunnyside Amusement Park|Sunnyside Amusement Park, demolished in 1955. The arches and towers on the south side of the building seem similar to Mexican Colonial architecture. The south side overlooks a beach. On the west side of the pavilion there is an entrance to a courtyard containing plants and a water fountain. Be sure to go around to the north side of the building to see the rather grand-looking entrance. WC is available from the courtyard.
  • Monument to Sir Casimir Gzowski - GPS: 43.6367, -79.4620 - Casimir Gzowski - The monument is dedicated to Sir Casimir Gzowski, a Polish-born engineer who produced a number of engineering works in Canada. Inside the monument and there are plaques about his life and engineering accomplishments. Because he was considered a railway builder and there are a short section of railway track at each of the three portals of the monument.
  • Joy Gas Station - Martin Goodman Trail GPS: 43.6356, -79.4659 just west of Ellis Avenue, 60 metres north of the Sunnyside Boadwalk - Joy Gas Stations - Built in 1937, this fanciful structure is probably the cutest gas station you will ever see. It has a Château style of architecture with one corner of the building having a historic castle tower. No longer in use as a service station, it was moved to Sir Casimir Gzowski Park for preservation.
  • Queen Elizabeth Way Monument - GPS: 43.6332, -79.4704 about 60 metres north of the Sunnyside Boardwalk and partly hidden behinfd trees - Queen Elizabeth Way - This monument commemorates the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Way by King George VI and his wife w:Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother|Queen Elizabeth in 1940. The highway was named after the mother of the Queen Elizabeth II. The monument has a stone lion positioned under a cameo of the royal couple.
  • Humber Bay Arch Bridge - Martin Goodman Trail GPS: 43.6319, -79.4713 - Humber Bay Arch Bridge - The Sunnyside Boardwalk ends here at this very attractive pedestrian/bicycle bridge, but the Martin Goodman Trail continues on into Etobicoke's Toronto/Etobicoke#Humber Bay Shores|Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood, where there is a series of attractive lakeside parks The bridge is over the mouth of the Humber River, and offers a good view of the CN Tower on its south side.
  • Trinity Bellwoods Park | Queen Street & Strachan Ave GPS: 43.6455, -79.4139 501 streetcar to Strachan Ave Trinity Bellwoods Park This is one of the largest and most pleasant parks in central Toronto. It has the feel of a communal back garden, with families picnicking, students reading while getting a tan, pickup baseball and frisbee games and children playing in the large playground. The park also has tennis courts and a dog run in the last remaining section of a dried up ravine.
  • Cherry blossoms - GPS: 43.6459, -79.4126near Gore Vale Ave & Queen Street West - There is a grove of Japanese cherry trees on the Southeast corner of Trinity Bellwoods Park. It is feasible to take a photo of the trees with the CN Tower in the background. The trees bloom in late April or early May (depending on weather) and blooming lasts for only one or two weeks. There is a web page to find more precise information about when cherry trees bloom in Toronto.

Liberty Village

  • MZTV Museum of Television - 64 Jefferson Ave GPS: 43.637168, -79.421674 504 streetcar to Joe Shuster Way or Atlantic Ave; south of Liberty Street ☎ +1 416-599-7339 | Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 2PM Monday - 5PM but telephone to confirm Free admission - This private museum displays many old televisions including a few from the late 1920s plus many from each of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Sometimes the museum is reserved for private events; so call ahead of time to confirm.
  • Toronto Carpet Factory - 67 Mowat Ave GPS: 43.638269, -79.425130 1 block east of Dufferin St; 504 streetcar ☎ +1 416-533-3000 - The Toronto Carpet Factory is a former carpet manufacturing facility, a full city block in size, built between 1899 and the 1920s. This turn of the century office complex features several buildings clustered around internal courtyards and laneways that visitors may walk. In the internal laneway one would see the remains of a railway spur for the delivery of carloads of coal to an on-site power and heating plant that still stands intact but out of use. There is a café at the back. Today the building is a "centre of creativity" providing space to a variety of small businesses. History].

Little Italy

  • College Street United Church - 452 College Street GPS: 43.656686, -79.408238 506 Streetcar to Bathurst Street or 511 Streetcar to College Street ☎ +1 416 929-3016 - College Street United Church This church, built in 1885 fell into hard times in the 1990s was partly demolished to build condominiums preserving only the original church tower. However and the church is still in operation, utilizing the ground floor of the condo building.
  • Piazza Johnny Lombardi - Grace - College Parkette | Grace Street at College Street GPS: 43.6548, -79.4156 506 streetcar to Grace Street - In this small park and there is a memorial consisting of two life-size statues depicting Johnny Lombardi chatting with a young boy both seated on a park bench. Johnny Lombardi promoted multi-culturalism in the city through broadcasting.
  • Luís de Camões Way | College Street at Crawford Street GPS: 43.6552, -79.4191 506 streetcar to Crawford Street - Little Italy has a strong Portuguese presence, an example of which is this tiny square dedicated to the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões (1524-1580) who wrote the epic poem Os Lusíadas in Homeric fashion to interpret the Portuguese voyages of discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. (The bust of Camões winks showing the effect of losing the right eye in a battle at Ceuta in 1549.) Behind the square is a mural composed of blue tiles (azulejos) depicting historical events of Portugal.

What to do in Toronto/West End

  • Palais Royale - 1601 Lakeshore Blvd West GPS: 43.6367, -79.4472 501 or 504A streetcar to Roncesvalles and then cross the pedestrian bridge over the Gardiner Expressway ☎ +1 416 533-3553 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 6PM - Palais Royale This former big band hall has been renovated and reopened. It hosts a number of different events, from comedy to swing music. It also serves gourmet seasonal food. Allan A. Lamport Stadium - 1151 King Street West GPS: 43.6390, -79.4232 504 streetcar to Fraser Ave Lamport Stadium This 9000-seat stadium remains largely unused, hosting mainly field hockey games and soccer camps. However, it is being renovated and may soon host major soccer games.

Revue-cinema-2007-10-18

  • Revue Cinema - 400 Roncesvalles Ave GPS: 43.651073, -79.451140 South of Howard Park Ave ☎ +1 416-531-9959 - Revue Cinema - The Revue Cinema, completed in 1912, is Toronto's oldest operating movie theatre. This community-run theatre is operated by the not-for-profit Revue Film Society since 2007. It shows 2nd-run Hollywood films & regular special-interest screenings.
  • Shakespeare in High Park - High Park Amphitheatre | Web: ntent::loadArticle::permalink=1314shakespeare High Park GPS: 43.6464, -79.4625 east of the Grenadier Restaurant - Live theatre for Shakespeare fans in the summer.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Toronto/West End

Little Italy

  • June Records - 662 College Street GPS: 43.655257, -79.416617 West of Grace St; 506 streetcar ☎ +1 416-516-5863 - Compact record store offering a mix of classic, new & collectable records & audio equipment.
  • Lilliput Hats - 462 College Street GPS: 43.6565, -79.4085 just west of Bathurst Street ☎ +1 416-536-5933 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 11AM Monday - 6PM - You'll never want to take your hat off at this famed milliner shop which sells all sorts of hats from fedoras, strawhats to tailored hats.

Roncesvalles Village

  • Doll Factory by Damzels - 394 Roncesvalles Ave GPS: 43.650956, -79.451028just south of Howard Park Ave; 504A streetcar ☎ +1 416-598-0509 | Opening Hours: Closed Mondays - NOW magazine: "The Toronto-based design duo behind Damzels’ retro-flirty frocks have one of the biggest cult followings in town."
  • LP's LPs - 2227 Dundas Street West GPS: 43.653974, -79.452188 504A or 505 streetcar to Roncesvalles Ave & Dundas Street ☎ +1 416-671-0420 - Record store specializing in vinyl LPs.

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.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Toronto/West End

Telecommunications in Toronto/West End

  • Parkdale Library - 1303 Queen Street West GPS: 43.641153, -79.432564 501 streetcar to Brock Ave ☎ +1 416-393-7686 Opening Hours: Daily including most Sundays between September & June - Wi-fi, computers with internet access.
  • Guardian Pharmacy Parkdale - Web: a0da6e09bc_0000105052 1488 Queen Street West GPS: 43.640525, -79.437572 501 streetcar to Lansdowne Ave or Jameson Ave Opening Hours: Open daily - Post office outlet.

Go next

Here is a list of adjacent neighborhoods:

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