By all means, show your guests the CN Tower, Queen Street West, Casa Loma and Canada’s Wonderland, if you’ve got young ones staying with you. But save an afternoon for Yonge and Eglinton.
5. Yonge and Eglinton is a shining example of smart urban planning
Yonge and Eglinton is great for drivers, bikers, walkers, store owners, restaurateurs, professional service providers and dogs. And the best part is that you notice the features that make it so. The sidewalks and streets are wide, but there’s still an intimacy to the area. It doesn’t feel overwhelming: once you get north of Broadway, it’s almost all unique low-rise buildings.
4. The shopping’s great
You’ll find a few big boxes on the strip, but it’s by and large independent boutiques. And even the national names have a neighbourhood feel. The Roots store at Yonge and Lytton is one of the city’s best.
3. Strolls through the neighbourhood are awesome
Back to the urban planning thing again, the area’s full of beautiful, tree-lined streets, little green spaces and a giant park with a pretty perfect walking path through its ravine. Also, Yonge and Eglinton homeowners have great taste. You’ll see some amazing houses.
2. So. Much. Good. Food.
Every taste is represented here and it’s all delicious. You’ll find cheap and cheerful breakfast joints, 5-star dining at Marc McEwan’s North 44˚, Korean, Middle Eastern, Thai, Italian, French, Greek, Canadian and a new Poke place. Mmm.
1. The people
We’re really nice. Sure, people say that about Toronto in general, but it’s amplified at Yonge and Eglinton because people are genuinely happy to be here – and it comes through. Lots of big bright smiling around here. The shopkeepers get a lot of business. The restaurants are full. Foot traffic is pretty regular, but never overwhelming.
You won’t find Yonge and Eglinton in any guide books. And most people don’t think of it. But if you want to see the neighbourhood Toronto Life chose as the city’s best to live in, this is it.
Coming by subway? Get off at Eglinton Station on the #1 line.
