Here at Lokafy, we love to talk about Toronto! There’s just something magnetic about it… Its multiculturality, rich history, astonishing architecture and delicious cuisine are all parts of what makes Toronto so incredible. They simply create an eclectic atmosphere in which we all can feel welcome and where we know there’s something for us all. You just have to explore and you surely will find it. In previous blogs we’ve already talked about Toronto’s multiculturality and the events and districts that will allow you to travel around the world without leaving the city. Now, we wanted to focus on two neighborhoods that undoubtedly will answer the question: What are Toronto’s unique charms?
As a form of introduction, let me tell you that we’re talking about the Distillery District and Kensington Market. Both are landmarks of the city in their own rights, and their histories say a lot about Toronto’s development as the cosmopolitan city that we know and love nowadays. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of these two neighborhoods and what role they have in the vibrant and wonderful puzzle that is Toronto.
Welcome to Toronto, a diverse and electric city where there’s something for everybody.
Distillery District, Where History Meets Creativity:
Its name really gives away what it is. As you can guess, the Distillery Historic District once was the Gooderham and Worts distillery. It was created as such in 1832, and it became the largest distillery in Canada and the British Empire. It has been a long time since it has served this purpose, and after a careful restoration process, the cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial architecture became home for galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars that have created a cultural hub in Toronto like no other. All year round, you’ll find groups of friends, families, couples and tourists enjoying the endless forms of entertainment found in the District. For example, during the summer, live music and pop-up events are the norm, and for the winter, the Distillery District becomes a whimsical Christmas Village to celebrate the festivities.
For those curious about what you can actually find in the District, you’ll need plenty of time to explore the whole area. There are over 40 boutiques selling clothes, accessories, beauty treatments and food-and-wine gifts. All of them are locally owned and small businesses, giving the opportunity to local creativity and entrepreneurship to flourish. Everyone involved in the Distillery District has been vocal about the need for this local space, which is the reason why they have refused to allow large corporations or franchises to participate in the space. On the other hand, if you’re the hungry type, you have come to the right place. There are plenty of high-end restaurants ready to give you a special experience with exotic ingredients and complex recipes, or, if you prefer, there are also pizza parlors and other more laid-back restaurants. Even if the District has long moved on from its distillery days, beer production has taken over the area, and you will find 13 specialty beers made on-site, so be ready to taste several award-winning beers.
The Distillery District has become one of Toronto’s most important cultural and gastronomic hubs.
Kensington Market: A Bohemian Haven
When someone names you Kensington Market, what would be the first thing on your mind? Perhaps, some would think about a market, in any variations that might exist. But in reality, when we talk about Toronto’s Kensington Market, we’re referring to a whole neighborhood that of course, includes a market (actually, several), but that also has street food, boutiques and vintage clothing stores. The history of this neighborhood is the perfect example of Toronto’s multiculturality, because during the 20th century, it was known as The Jewish Market, and it was where most of the city’s Jewish community (approximately 60,000 people) lived. The neighborhood’s market attracted Toronto’s immigrants thanks to the rare imports from all around the world that you could find there. For the second half of the 20th century, the Jewish community of the area started migrating to the north, and the neighborhood became Kensington Market, attracting the Caribbean immigrants instead. Today, the area is a wonderful melting pot of cultures with its Jewish roots intact thanks to two synagogues that remain, where Caribbean, Middle Eastern, South American and Asian immigrants live in harmony, creating a vibrant and eclectic microcosm of Toronto’s diversity.
Something that you’ll notice as soon as you set foot in Kensington Market is that it is indeed a very strange and unique place. From graffiti covering every single wall of the neighborhood, to bongo drumming circles and tightrope walking, there’s just so much happening all of the time that you won’t know where to look. Additionally, people at Kensington take fashion seriously, and you’ll find vintage lovers, hippies and bohemians showing off their stylish garments, as well as selling pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. If you want to get a piece that you won’t see ever again, this is the place to shop around. And for those that are worried about where to eat, you’ll find plenty of street food stalls, restaurants, bars and cafés that combine ingredients and recipes from all over the world, or that have brought a little bit of their home countries to Canada with them through the food.
Kensington Market is the best example of Toronto’s multicultural nature.
Well, this is it for us. What did you think about this short adventure through Toronto’s neighborhoods? We tried our best to showcase why they are so iconic and such an important part of the city’s identity. We hope that we have picked your interest and that you’re planning on adding both the Distillery District and Kensington Market to your list of places to visit on your next trip to Toronto.
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