Neighbourhood: Parkdale
Once a lakeside escape for Toronto’s wealthy, Parkdale was known for its grand homes and genteel atmosphere — an early destination for those seeking a refined day away from the city core. But everything changed in the 1950s, when the construction of the Gardiner Expressway physically cut the neighbourhood off from the lakefront and set in motion decades of transformation. In the years that followed, Parkdale became known for its working-class character, its waves of newcomers and its deeply rooted sense of community.
Today, Parkdale’s unapologetic grit is part of its appeal. The neighbourhood embraces its diversity — culturally, economically, and creatively — and its residents (sometimes called “Parkdaliens”) take pride in the area’s unique, unpolished spirit. Free from the kind of rapid development and towering condos seen elsewhere in the city, Parkdale remains a patchwork of sprightly small businesses and long-standing community institutions. It’s a little neighbourhood with a lot of heart.
Walking perks:
Parkdale is a pretty linear neighbourhood, essentially stretching from Dufferin in the east to Roncesvalles in the west, so it’s great for anyone who tends to get turned around easily. It’s also a snacker’s paradise, offering some of the city’s best momos, doughnuts, and sandwiches (make sure to try the Gold Standard breakfast sandwich). The area is very dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along; you can dip down leafy side streets off Queen West to admire Parkdale’s bougie architectural past together.
How to get there:
The 501 Queen streetcar heads there, as does the 504 King. If you’re coming from the north, the 29 Dufferin and 47 Lansdowne buses will get you there, too.
Stop #1: Public Butter (1290 Queen St. W.)
Every visit to Parkdale should begin with at least a cursory browse through the vintage treasure trove that is Public Butter, a Queen West institution for almost two decades. Rifle through a rainbow of sweaters, bright sunglasses, and old-school denim galore, all at budget-friendly prices. (Want something a little more high-end? Skip across the street to the venerable House of Vintage at 1239 Queen St. W. for unique collectible pieces.)
Hot tip: The colourful lion (1294 Queen St. W.) and streetcar piece a couple doors west of Public Butter.
Stop #2: Graffiti-lined Milky Way
Cross the street and pop down Gwynne Avenue to Milky Way and head west a few blocks. Marvel along the way at the beautiful bold murals by a variety of artists both local and international. (Keep an eye out for a piece by the famed Buff Monster.)
Hot tip: Pop out at Cowan Street and peep 1313 Queen St. W., a handsome brick building with perfectly oxidized trim in a brilliant shade of seafoam. The compact library and accompanying globe statue next door are also worth a gander.
Stop #3: Loohoo (1380 Queen St. W.)
Selling “cute stuff for your cute life,” this shop specializes in super-kawaii wares, like flower-shaped box-cutters, pastel vibes, swirly 3D-printed lamps and affirmation tarot decks. Check out their event schedule to see if you can time your walk with one of their events, like a sticker swap, zine-making class or spooky market.
Hot tip: Need a pit stop? Head a block west and take a load off in one of the cosy booths at The Skyline Restaurant (1426 Queen St. W.) and refuel with a slice of pie or cherry whiskey sour (or if you’re getting hungry, try the Skyline club with turkey salad).
Stop #4: Loga’s Corner (216 Close Ave.)
No Parkdale jaunt would be complete without a pilgrimage to the legendary momo spot (OG location, of course); Parkdale is home to Little Tibet, so named for its large Tibetan community — though the area is also home to many Nepalese residents. itself. Continue another block west to procure some of these tasty little treats: nothing tastes better than a humble to-go box stuffed with succulent dumplings and lashed with extra-hot sauce, eaten curbside. (In need of a host gift soon? They sell jars of the sauce here.)
Hot tip: Cross the street and head west a few blocks to make it to the end of Parkdale proper. This part of the strip has some A-plus window shopping, whether you’re peeking at the Technicolour toys of Studio Brilliantine (1518 Queen St. W.), the baked goods by Letterbox (1590 Queen St. W.), or the gorgeous tomes in Book People on Queen (1640 Queen St. W.). Cross the street just before Roncesvalles to check out the towering display of vintage purses at Stella Luna (1627 Queen St. W.); bring cash if you happen to come on a weekend and want to browse for real.
Bonus walk extension: Craving some more steps, or a little more greenery? You have two options:
a) Double back to Sorauren Avenue and head north to the most lovely Sorauren Park. It offers peak pup-watching and nice benches for the perfect pit stop.
b) Head south and walk west along the lake for a bit; there’s some nice boardwalks down there and sumptuous skyline views.
Stop #5: Tilt (1255 Queen St. W.)
Squeeze in a bit of the King Street West portion of Parkdale, too, by walking back east along that road instead, taking in the pretty brick buildings and houses along the way. Once you reach Elm Grove, hang a left and go back up to Queen Street West to check out a fun alien-themed mural by Christiano De Araujo. Dip into Tilt for a few rounds of your favourite old-school video games, whether it’s getting into the driver’s seat for a course or two of Cruis’n USA or firing up your Super Mario installment of choice.
Stop #6: Simpl Things (269 Dunn Ave.)
Finish off your day with a final nosh at this wonderful spot that serves Italian comfort food during the day and Asian snacks at night. (Hell, if you want to reverse this walk, start off your day with brunch here; just make sure to get the awe-inspiring French toast with caramelized brown sugar.) Score the $12 daily cocktail; it’s sure to be delicious.
A local’s favourite spots
Diana Huynh, owner of Cici’s Pizza, which has been in the neighbourhood for almost two decades
Why I love Parkdale
It hasn’t changed much at all. I find that neighbours still stop and say hello to each other, I still find creative people, I also find the kindness that our neighbours have for each other, never excluding the at-risk members of our community as well. The businesses change and the people move in and out but there’s always the sense of community that exists here that I don’t really find in other parts of Toronto.
Larry’s Place (1390 Queen St. W.)
I love the cosy vibes in there: the owner was really mindful in creating the space and setting the scene for a place to sit and feel peace and quiet. Those cheese croissants they make are also to die for; I love the excess of cheese!
Letterbox Doughnuts (1590 Queen St. W.)
They have great cappuccinos. I also like that they have sweet and savoury baked goods, and maybe they’ll toss in a misshapen doughnut that didn’t make the cut for me.
Three Dollar Bill (1592 Queen St. W.)
I love their patio and their creative cocktails! They’re also a huge supporter of the Toronto queer community and it feels good to be contributing to an establishment like that.
Food & Liquor (1610 Queen St. W.)
They have the best small bites. The menu changes over time but it’s always the most inventive.
