St. Clair West
I wouldn't describe St Clair West as a tourist destination. When we first moved to Toronto, this is where we rented for the summer and once you get to know it, it's quite a lovely neighborhood!
Outdoors
Whether you're working out or simply want to stretch your legs, check out Humewood Cedarvale Park. As you get off line 1 at St Clair West subway station, be sure to use the St Clair West exit and you will find yourself right be the park entrance behind Loblaws. Cedarvale park stretches all the way north of Eglington Ave and is a great trail for running, walking the dog and picnics.
South of the subway station, the park turns into the Nordheimer Ravine and stretches South; if you take the steps up to Spadina Rd, it's a short walk to Casa Loma!
For another respite from the big city, head to Wychwood Park, a hidden enclave of architecture and nature. Walk around and take in the private mansions in this forest-like pocket of Wychwood.
Should you find yourself in St Clair West on a Saturday morning during the summer, be sure to swing by the farmers market. Let the kids roam the playground and splash pad while you shop for kale other seasonal produce!
Coffee
Shopping
Outdoors
Whether you're working out or simply want to stretch your legs, check out Humewood Cedarvale Park. As you get off line 1 at St Clair West subway station, be sure to use the St Clair West exit and you will find yourself right be the park entrance behind Loblaws. Cedarvale park stretches all the way north of Eglington Ave and is a great trail for running, walking the dog and picnics.
South of the subway station, the park turns into the Nordheimer Ravine and stretches South; if you take the steps up to Spadina Rd, it's a short walk to Casa Loma!
For another respite from the big city, head to Wychwood Park, a hidden enclave of architecture and nature. Walk around and take in the private mansions in this forest-like pocket of Wychwood.
Should you find yourself in St Clair West on a Saturday morning during the summer, be sure to swing by the farmers market. Let the kids roam the playground and splash pad while you shop for kale other seasonal produce!
Coffee
- Fleur du Jour: My favorite spot for croissant & coffee! The pastries makes you feel like you're in Paris and George, the owner, is always up for a chat!
- Krave Coffee, with a juice bar next door
- Cocoalatte: Great little neighborhood cafe with really good breakfast options! But be warned, on weekends you might find the line out the door!
- Craque de Creme: Unsuspecting spot for waffles, canneles, macaroons and other French fare.
Shopping
- St Clair West is far from a shopping mecca but if you find yourself there with some lose change, check out of Toronto's few Salvation Army thrift stores which is conveniently close to Twice as Nice, one of the equally rare consignment shops for children's apparel.
- Par Par Boutique is cute. Pricey and a little hip for my taste but it might be right up your alley!?
- If all else fails, take the 512 streetcar west to the Stockyards District where you'll find all of your major brands conveniently located in one big outside mall.
Roncesvalles
Roncy has a lot going for it. Located right by High Park, you will find lovely little shops and cafes all the way along Roncesvalles Ave! As a previously Polish neighborhood, you can still find a few Polish outlets who have been joined by a variety of small businesses and coffee shops.
Caffeine
Shopping
If you want to make a day out of it, I suggest either one of these:
Caffeine
- Reunion Island: B Corp certified coffee (yasssss!) and make sure to try one of their specialty drinks like the Dark & Stormy: A shot of espresso in ginger ale with orange bitters.
- Fantail for French pastries, good coffee and a wild mix of cups and saucers.
- Extra Butter
- Lit Espresso
Shopping
- Fresh Collective for Canadian designers.
- Tealish for teas & accessories
- Scout
- Muttonhead
- Cookery (kitchen utensils and all that makes you want to reinvent Jamie Oliver)
- Coal Miner's Daughter
If you want to make a day out of it, I suggest either one of these:
- Option 1: Pack a picnic and head for High Park. Check out the little zoo, go for walks, head to the adventure plauground.
- Option 2: Either walk or take the King streetcar to the South end of Roncesvalles Ave. Cross the Queensway via footbridge and walk West to Sunnyside Pavillion (which might be open if you're lucky). Or walk East toward the City and take in the sailing boats and water front parks. If you're on non-motorized wheels (bike, skateboard, etc.), hop on the Martin Goodman trail that leads you all the way into the City (east) or to Niagara (West).
The Junction
I find it tricky to get to but it's a hipster little neighborhood that is fun to stroll through!
Keep your eyes open and check out whatever looks good! My highlights include:
Keep your eyes open and check out whatever looks good! My highlights include:
- The Coal Miner's Daughter
- The Unemployable Baker
- Take Note (Pens & Stationary Store)
- Snug as a Bug (baby & children's needs)
- Stadt (German restaurant with a focus on local produce and sustainability)
Cabbagetown
Get off line 1 at College and walk East. Once you cross famous Church Street, you are within eyeshot of Allan Gardens and its Conservatory. Keep walking along Carlton Street and take a break and a beer at one of the local pubs:
If you keep walking along Carlton Street, enjoy the architecture of historic Cabbagetown and before you know it, you'll find yourself at Riverdale Farm, a working farm with cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens.
- The Irv
- Stout
- House on Parliament
- Daniel et Daniel
- Velvet Lane Cakes,
- Epicure
If you keep walking along Carlton Street, enjoy the architecture of historic Cabbagetown and before you know it, you'll find yourself at Riverdale Farm, a working farm with cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens.
