Parkdale is a true embodiment of what makes Toronto so great. The affordable and diverse neighbourhood is one of the most bustling and vibrant communities in the city.
Parkdale’s lower cost of entry compared to most Toronto neighbourhoods has attracted many artists and newcomers to Canada, who add so much texture to the area’s rich cultural tapestry.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or want to explore the area further, come see what Parkdale has in store.
Shops
Vintage hunters, you’ve found your treasure! Parkdale is packed with a variety of vintage clothing stores like Public Butter, House of Vintage, Stella Luna, and In Vintage We Trust to upgrade your fits.
Looking for some accessories to finish off the look? Head over to Made You Look to add a little sparkle from its custom jewellery.
Branded as having “cute stuff for cute people,” Loohoo sells fun homeware, accessories, and more — you definitely won’t leave disappointed (just maybe with a lighter bank account).
Other recommendations:
Restaurants
Come hungry, because Parkdale has something for everyone’s tastes.
A staple of Parkdale is Ci Ci’s Pizza, a family-run joint that not only serves up some of the best ‘za in the city, but also does great work supporting the local community.
If West Indian food is your jam (specifically if you love West Indian Roti), Ali’s Roti is a must. Afrobeat Kitchen is also a wildly popular spot.
Last, but certainly not least, you cannot talk about Parkdale’s food scene without mentioning the contributions of Little Tibet. Loga’s Corner, Himalayan Kitchen, Tiny Cafe — you can’t find momo shops anywhere else in the city that do it better.
Other recommendations:
Coffee shops
While the area has lost some crucial coffee spots (RIP Larry’s Folly), Parkdale still boasts great spots if you’re looking for a quick cup of joe or caffeinated work space for the day.
Osprey Cafe is definitely a go-to coffee spot for most in the area, and you shouldn’t skip on the chocolate chip cookies.
If you love a cool aesthetic, Atlantis Coffee Co. is a steampunk-inspired cafe located in the same building as Parkdale Hall.
Other recommendations:
Bars
The Rhino has been the neighbourhood’s watering hole since 1992. It features 25 craft draft taps and is always hosting fun events, one of them being its killer trivia nights.
If you’re looking for a queer community space, Parkdale has a ton of choices like Tammy’s Wine Bar and Three Dollar Bill.
For late-night eats with a great cocktail or a bar with a cool vibe, Guu Izakaya and Food & Liquor are both charming spots perfect for a date night.
Other recommendations:
Things to do in Parkdale
Parkdale Hall is a historic spot in the city, and always has eclectic concerts, specialty markets, and other cool events to check out.
Fun is never far with a library card, and no TPL branch showcases this better than the Parkdale Public Library — featuring a Music Instrument Lending Library and regular events. Fun fact: this branch inspired the cult classic Canadian series Shelved.
If you want to get a bit more culture, there are a plethora of art galleries to explore, like General Hardware Contemporary, Northern Contemporary Gallery, and Gallery 1313.
Other recommendations:
- A stroll through the Toronto West Railpath.
- Beach day at Sunnyside Beach.
See you in Parkdale!
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