A trip to Toronto is a chance to see Canada in all its beauty and diversity. This city is famous for its multi-ethnic culture, amazing landscapes, island life and historical architecture. Every district looks different and unusual here. While walking down the old streets, you can see skyscrapers, frontlines and parks located nearby. We offer to learn more about the districts that are recommended to visit and why they are so interesting at toronto-future.

The Financial District

It is a Toronto centre of business life. In 1796, locals started to build it up with skyscrapers, banks, firms, and insurance companies, which resulted in the emergence of advertising agencies and marketing companies. The Toronto Stock Exchange, where valuable assets are traded and the country’s economic activity is regulated, is also located here. This is the place where every tourist can feel the vibe of a busy life in the metropolis and walk alongside large Canadian financial enterprises.

In the second half of the 20th century, five Canadian banks were built in the Financial District. All of them were connected by a system of underground passages that also served commercial purposes. In 1927, the Union Railway Station was built in the southern part of the district. It provides a fast and convenient transport connection with the Toronto suburbs by train.

The Discovery District

It will definitely enchant every student and medicine enthusiast. This commercial district will surprise you with a wide variety of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and firms. In 1827, the old University of Toronto was founded here and later the Krembil Research Institute was opened here too.

Then the Discovery District was divided into three park zones: Macaulay (the first local residential area), Elmsley, which is associated with the history of the University of Toronto and Powell (University Park). There, you can have a walk enjoying wonderful views of nature. If you want to learn more about the city’s history and culture, you should visit historic buildings and landmarks, which were built in 1832, when the city of York was renamed Toronto. 

The Entertainment District

If you want to have fun in Toronto, the Entertainment District is the best option for cultural recreation or just to have a walk. In the 20th century, it became the venue for various events. The first theatres, cafes, cinemas, museums, art centres and nightclubs, including The Twilight Zone, Go-Go, Klub Max and LimeLight, were opened here. They quickly gained popularity, especially among students who often came here to hang out.

On the weekend, residents and visitors of the city could listen to disco, house, hip-hop and techno music played in the Entertainment District. Local and visiting musicians with David Morales, Johnny Daniel and Frankie Knuckles among them came here to perform. They held weekend concerts for locals and tourists. This tradition has been preserved through centuries.

In 1982, the cultural industry was enriched by Roy Thomson Hall, which was opened at the intersection of King and Simcoe streets. The film and theatre industries were developing actively too. Since then, the international film festival, which greets American and European cinema and theatre stars, has taken place in Toronto every year.

The Fashion District

Tailoring is the most popular commercial activity in this area. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the intersection of Bathurst Street, Spadina Avenue, Queen Street West and Front Street has housed many textile factories and warehouses due to its advantageous easy access to sea and rail transport. So, garment enterprises started to order the construction of skyscrapers and high-rise buildings there. In a few successful years, the area received the corresponding name, the Fashion District and became a home for many designers, artists, and students. The premises were converted into studios, publishing houses and galleries. Some of them are available for visiting, making the district more attractive among tourists.

Chinatown

As Toronto is a multicultural city, a large ethnic group of Jews and Chinese was formed here in the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, they were relocated from First Chinatown on Bay Street and Dundas Street West due to the Toronto City Hall construction plans. In the 1960s, the number of immigrants was increasing and as a result, Chinatown District was expanding too. In addition to residential buildings, all the necessary infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, shops, restaurants as well as Dragon City and Chinatown Center malls, was also developing. The Chinese district of Chinatown will definitely fascinate every tourist with the local traditions and architecture of small Asia in a big metropolis.

Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Toronto, which was formed in 1840. Back then, it was a village in the suburbs, which later merged with a large metropolis. The main feature and reason to visit Cabbagetown is the old red and brown brick Victorian houses.

According to historical information, the name Cabbagetown was invented by Irish immigrants who moved there because of the great famine in their homeland in 1945-1849 and then the First World War. People grew cabbage and other vegetables in their households until the area became more industrial and filled with grocery stores, offices and clinics. However, the Victorian houses were preserved in their original form. Today, they attract many tourists, who come here especially to see that part of the city’s history and have become the object of cultural heritage for locals.

Baldwin Village

Baldwin Village is one more place where you can learn more about the city’s multinational culture and history. The first residential buildings and cultural institutions started to appear there at the beginning of the 19th century. Small, brightly coloured houses with gabled roofs create a cosy atmosphere and attract the attention of passers-by with large signboards.

The district was named after William Baldwin, who owned the area. Since the 20th century, it has been populated by Jews and immigrants from Europe, who opened a lot of Jewish and Italian shops and restaurants. The first cafe opened in Baldwin Village in 1978. People also often come here to visit Kensington Market, one of the largest ones in Toronto. Unlike others, this district looks more like a suburb with lots of plants, trees, walking paths and single or double-story buildings.

Harbourfront

This neighbourhood is famous for its waterfronts, piers and beautiful views of the Ontario River. In the 1900s, it was transformed and served for maritime and industrial purposes. In 1972, the Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, announced the plans to build up Harbourfront with houses and cultural institutions. In addition, art galleries, concert venues, workshops and boating zones were organised here too.

The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, which offers a transfer to 15 islands nearby and a cruise along the Toronto shore, is also located here. In addition, you can visit the Queens Quay Terminal, which features a large number of shops and restaurants.