Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Like many Toronto neighbourhoods, Leslieville began as a village — an area packed with nurseries owned by the spot’s namesake, George Leslie, and populated with gardeners. It later shifted into a more industrial zone, home to factory workers and, eventually, leftover sludge. Today, it has evolved into a charming, family-forward pocket with a sweet, sleepy vibe and plenty of bakeries and bougie home shops to match.
The area’s history is deep and varied. The prominent Ashbridge family once owned land stretching all the way to the Danforth. There are parks worth exploring too, perfect for lakeside strolling.
It’s also home to a couple of the city’s favourite vintage shops. (Don’t worry: neighbourhood stalwart GUFF just moved down the road to 1 Davies in Riverside and is worth the extra steps.)
Walking perks:
Leslieville is one of the city’s larger neighbourhoods and comes with a few main stroll-worthy drags: the Queen East corridor, the Gerrard Street East strip and the greenery with lakeside views at Tommy Thompson Park. To make the most of your visit, start at one end of Queen or Gerrard and walk to the other, then double back along the second street. Feeling less energetic? Stick to one strip and save the other for next time, or simply wander the park. Leslieville’s mix of vintage signage, heritage sites and cute eateries means every block offers something to catch the eye.
How to get there:
Just hop on the Queen streetcar, or if you’re coming from the north, any bus that intersects with Queen East.
Stop #1: Leslieville Cheese Market (891 Queen St. E.)
Start your tour at Toronto landmark De Grassi Street, namesake and original filming location of the CanCon classic. Head east and check out the graphic design splashed across the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre (870 Queen St. E.) and the Wes Anderson-esque ‘70s-era sign for the mysterious K.L. Coin Co. (817a Queen St. E.).
Cross the street for your first stop: a gourmet shop stocked with double-cream gouda from Holland, spicy Genoa salami, fancy chips and crustless salted caramel cheesecake, plus artisanal crackers and international dips from tyrokafteri to smoked mozzarella.
Farther east you’ll spot one of the city’s grandest vet office façades at 923 Queen St. E. The Black family opened their practice in 1899 and ran it for generations.
Hot tip: Need to fuel up for the trek ahead? Continue east to Leslie’s Sandwich Room (969 Queen St. E.), where the menu ranges from a cured salmon–beet combination to a roast chicken sandwich with garlic bomba.
Stop #2: Johnson Family Bakery (993 Queen St. E.)
Keep heading east, peeking into 985 Queen St. E. for a glimpse of some of the city’s loveliest mid-century finds at Zig Zag. (If you want to check out the wares, you’ll need an appointment.) At the Johnsons’ bakery, enjoy customer service as warm as their freshly baked bread. The proprietor started making sourdough mid-pandemic then turned it into a brick-and-mortar that does bustling business. Make sure to try the Betty White, a 48-hour-aged option that sells out every day.
Hot tip: Window shop at the 60-year-old Anvil Jewelry (1015 Queen St. E.) for gorgeous gold options, and enjoy the vibrant Al Runt mural on the side of the building.
Stop #3: Maude&Arte (1107 Queen St. E.)
Stroll eastward and enter this sweet boutique filled with vintage art, locally made items and gorgeous home goods. There’s colourful glassware, pretty paintings, sturdy ceramic mugs, and plump pillows, each perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself).
Stop #4: Leslie Grove Gallery (1158 Queen St. E.)
Cross the street and continue east to take in some more art at this gallery that offers up accessible exhibition space to artists. There’s all kinds of lovely shows that happen here, from colour-themed exhibits to shows about Canadian identity or landscapes. And it’s free.
Stop #5: Gadabout (1300 Queen St. E.)
You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you pass the giant nose, the familiar mascot of Gio Rana’s Really, Really Nice Restaurant (1220 Queen St. E.), a Leslieville institution. Another local legend, Gadabout is a treasure trove crammed with vintage trinkets and curiosities. Open one of the store’s many tiny drawers to discover slide rules and calculators, Ontario ephemera, sewing notions, sports cards and letter openers. There are also cabinets full of Indigenous art, piles of cashmere sweaters, plenty of peacock feathers, brownie cameras and books upon books.
Hot tip: Head south down Laing Street to the Dine Alone merch outpost (864 Eastern Ave.) where you can pick up records and music geegaws from artists on the popular Toronto label like City and Colour and others.
Stop #6: Ashbridge Estate (1444 Queen St. E.)
Finish the walking portion of your tour by doubling back up Laing Street to the aptly named Memory Lane, then heading west to Maple Leaf Forever Park — a calming urban pocket featuring a community garden, a descendant of the silver maple that inspired “The Maple Leaf Forever,” and the composer’s historic cottage. Return to Queen Street and walk east once more, noting the Leslieville mural on the side of 1401 Queen St. E. and the yard where the streetcar fleets settles in for the night.
Cross the street to visit the Ashbridge Estate, a darling historical site with a jade-green roof and intricate patio latticework, along with a fascinating history. The Ashbridges are the only Toronto family to live on the land they settled for more than two centuries. (They actually stayed in the estate until the late ‘90s.)
Hot tip: If you’re in need of a post-walk refresher, walk back west a few blocks and complete your Leslieville visit with some trashy booze at the delightful “Shining”-themed dive bar Lloyd’s (1298 Queen St. E.).
Adam Graham, co-owner of Poor Romeo
Why I love Leslieville
Growing up in the east end my whole life and seeing the transformation of Gerrard into what it has become today has been a great experience. I’m very proud to be a part of a community and getting to know the neighbourhood and all the great people. There are so many great options for all on Gerrard — we are all very supportive of each other and our businesses, which makes for a stronger communal vibe on the east.
Vatican Gift Shop (1047 Gerrard St. E.) and Dive Shop (1036 Gerrard St. E.)
“These places complement the block, building solid options for all that seek a full night of bopping around Gerrard.”
Lake Inez (1471 Gerrard St. E.) and Belle Isle (1455 Gerrard St. E.)
“Head here for a most definitely unique and fun night out! Great staff all around.”
Occasions Restaurant & Pub (30 Eastwood Rd.)
“When I need a familiar and grassroots kind of joint, I go here. I used to frequent this place in the late ‘90s and hasn’t changed. Get the amazing wings, a Greek salad and a pint of Canadian.”
Batifole (744 Gerrard St. E.)
“Some proper French cuisine from chef/owner Pascal is also a must.”
Farside (600 Gerrard St. E.)
“Go for a nightcap or three to make your way back west — if you must!”
