It’s official: the Junction is no longer up-and-coming—the neighbourhood has officially arrived! Home to cozy cafes and watering holes, eclectic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and an enviable design scene, this west-end area is more vibrant than it’s ever been.

We’ve been watching the changes in the Junction over these last few years, and we couldn’t be more excited about them. While the area’s gorgeous older homes and Dundas West retail strip have always been promising, the transformation has really come together recently. Now, we’ll take any opportunity to head to down to the neighbourhood and explore!

Whether you’re living in the Junction or you just want to head down and see what all the buzz is about, here are our top five things to do when you’re in the area…

1) Grab a coffee

We love a good cup of joe (or a latte, or a mochaccino…you get the idea). Fortunately for residents and visitors, there are plenty of places in the Junction to get a flavourful caffeine fix. One of our favourites is Crema, a little nook on Dundas West that serves up perfectly-crafted espresso drinks. We also highly recommend the Good Neighbour. In addition to the classics, this Annette Street gem offers inventive feature drinks, so there’s always something new to try! Both cafes are family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids.

2) Get outdoors

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll love the Junction in part for its proximity to the city’s largest public park. From its hiking trails to its off-leash dog area, High Park is 161 hectares of gorgeous green space. For those who’d rather take a casual stroll, there’s always something happening along Dundas West. On Saturdays in the spring and summer, that includes the local farmer’s market—so grab a canvas bag and meet the local vendors! Lastly, when you need to entertain the kids for an hour or two, head over to Vine Avenue Playground (also known as Train Park due to the nearby train tracks).

3) Explore the shops

The Junction is a great place to hit up some one-of-a-kind boutiques. For unique women’s apparel, self-care products, and other fun odds and ends, check out the Beau and Bauble. Its brother store, Beau Men, sells similarly eclectic goods. While there are all kinds of shops in the neighbourhood, furniture is its real claim to fame. Mjolk features collaborations between local artisans and international designers, and it’s a must-visit for statement pieces. Cornerstone Home offers everything from gorgeous furniture to textiles and glassware, while the Art of Demolition sells antiques and custom-made furniture.

4) Have a culinary experience

Living in the Junction means having an incredible selection of restaurants and local grocers at your fingertips. Don’t live in the neighbourhood? Trust us when we say the food is worth the trip! For Italian, try the staples at Bricco Kitchen and Wine Bar or the creative fare at Nodo. The dishes at Leela Indian Food Bar are bold and inventive, while Stadt Cafe serves up delicious German standards. More in the mood to do some cooking? Stop in at the Sweet Potato for organic ingredients or Honest Weight for some fresh fish.

5) Enjoy a beer (or cocktail)

If you like to unwind over a drink with friends, the Junction is a great place to do it. The neighbourhood is home to one of our all-time favourite pubs, the Hole in the Wall. This dimly-lit hotspot offers great ambiance, upscale pub grub, and (of course) an expansive drink menu. You might also want to check out Indie Ale House—a restaurant, brewpub, and bottle shop with an impressive beer selection. If you prefer cocktails, you’ll find plenty of creative options (with a fun literary twist, no less) at Famous Last Words.

These are just a few of the things we love to do when we’re in the Junction. That said, there’s only one way to discover your own neighbourhood go-to’s—and that’s by checking the area out for yourself!

Thinking about moving to the Junction? We know the local market—and what life in the area is really like. If you’re looking to learn more about what’s available in the neighbourhood, get in touch!

Our West End Expertise

We know West Toronto like the back of our hands. From real estate to restaurants to neighbourhoods, we have the intel you need to know. Learn more about our local expertise here.

Learn More