Toronto Off the Beaten Path Tips by tpal

One of Carol's and my favorite travel activities is to visit the neighborhoods of the cities we visit. Toronto has great choices. On this visit we explored the east end, in an area called The Beaches. My first thought was this was a really odd designation in a large metropolitan city better known more for its snow than its sand but everyone we asked said "You'll love it!".

We could have gotten there more quickly by taking the expressway but it was a lot more interesting just driving up Queen Street East, especially while following a street car up most of the way...at least we had plenty of stops to enjoy the sights. In fact, the street car line was being extended and upgraded right up into the Beaches...a sure sign that the area was growing rapidly in popularity.

When we arrived we found a neighborhood much like the one we live in back home in Buffalo...vital and welcoming. The main street (Queen St E.) is lined with dozens of shops and restaurants. The sidewalks were calmly crowded with a very diverse mix of people, clearly from the neighborhood, walking their dogs, their children, their lovers and friends.

The side streets were quiet and well cared for. Generally smaller homes sporting small front yard gardens. Like many urban neighborhoods parking is at a premium as not every house has a driveway but probably two cars. Still, for committed city dwellers this is rarely an issue as we long ago traded vehicle convenience for the chance to live in a great place.

Oh...and yes, there is a beach! Take virtually any side street off to the south and you will bump into Lake Ontario. Here, however, the shore is not lined with million dollar condos and toney promenades...here there is sand and a boardwalk. It was a pleasant April day when we visited but the water temperature was probably about 45º F. Still it was a popular place with kids playing in the sand and lots of folks strolling on the boardwalk.

Note: Click photo, follow the boardwalk and you will see the ever present CN Tower in the distance.

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Another interesting Toronto neighborhood is known as Greektown. Located on Danforth between Chester and Donlands it is easily accessed by way of the subway which has a stop at Chester off the Green Line.

Carol and I have been visiting this neighborhood for the past several each April for a Contra Dance Fesitval (see Local Customs tip for more on this). This is a very middle class ethnic Greek area that most definitely wears it's national heritage on it's sleeve. You will find any number of Greek restaurants as well as several wonderful Greek markets that smell as good as they look.

You will also find several other dining opportunities including Japanese and Indian. Additionally, if you are into any alternative spiritual, physical, or metaphysical improvement you will find any number of choices oddly clustered in the area.

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