A former industrial and working-class neighbourhood that was technically dry (no alcohol licenses) until 2000, now full of indie galleries, vintage shops, strange restaurants, record stores, and murals. Still feels undiscovered compared to its neighbours, because it came to the arts scene later and hasn't been fully smoothed out.
Area: The Junction (Dundas W & Keele) · Address: Dundas St W between Keele & Runnymede, Toronto, ON · Best time: Weekend afternoon
Insider tip
The stretch of Dundas between Keele and Runnymede has more genuinely independent businesses per block than almost anywhere in the city. The side streets — particularly Pacific and Vine — have extraordinary murals that most people have never seen. Hole & Corner (books) and The Beguiling (comics/art) are Toronto institutions. The Junction Craft Brewing taproom is worth a stop.
Getting there
Subway to Keele (Line 2), then walk south on Keele to Dundas. Or streetcar 505 Dundas from downtown westbound to Keele.