The Junction
The Junction is one of Toronto’s older neighbourhoods with a rich history and lots of character. A family oriented community with schools, parks, libraries and many homes backing onto laneways where kids play after school. The Dundas strip which runs through the community includes a range of shops, restuarants, salons and other commercial establishments with a local feel. Many semi-detached and detached homes to choose from including an old church turned modern condo residence. Neighbouring communities include High Park, Bloor West Village and Wallace Emerson.
The Junction gets it’s name from it’s geography-the intersection where four railway lines meet. The area was rural until the 1870s when businesses started to set up shop because taxes were cheaper than in Toronto. In 1884 the Village of West Toronto Junction was founded, later amalgamating with the City of Toronto in 1909.
The area was booming during this time with foundries, mills, furniture assembly, meat processing, nail and wire factories. Many labourers came from other parts of Toronto and the town had a population of 5000 by 1891.
In the early 1900s poverty struck leading railway and factory workers to spend their time drinking in the many pubs and taverns. It became so out of hand that in 1904 the sale of alcohol was banned. Believe it or not, the famous Prohibition in the Junction lasted until 1998.
Today, Dundas street is lined with some of the cities most frequented restaurants including NODO, Indie Ale house, The Alpine, Famous Last Words and A Hole in the Wall. Also on the busy street are unique shops like the Beau & Bauble, Coal Miner’s Daughter and multiple furniture stores such as Cornerstone.
Most call the area trendy but unique with old Victorian homes next to modern and colourful new aged homes. The Junction includes a mix of detached, semi detached, row homes and numerous “coming soon” condo developments. If you are looking for character this is the place to look for homes.
Some of the cities best schools are located in the area: Annette Street Public School, High Park Alternative School, Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School and St Cecilia Catholic School.
Junction Area Schools
Junction Area Child Care
High Park YMCA Child Care
Junction Day Care Centre
Teddy Bear Academy
General Mercer Early Learning
Angelgate Daycare Centre
Sunnyside Day Care - Keele
Kids & Company - Stock Yards
Green Apple Kids Child Care
Bloor West Nursury School
Junction Area Transit
Automobile
Drivers coming from the Junction are about 10 minutes away from Lakeshore Blvd and the Gardner Expressway. If you go in the other direction, it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the 401. Downtown is approximately 20 minutes away.
Bus
Bus routes crossing the Junction Area include the 40 Junction-Dundas West from Dundas West station, the 30 High Park from High Park station, the 71 Runnymede from Bloor and Runnymede and the 41 Keele from Keele station.
Streetcar
Catch the streetcar along St Clair Ave W using the 512 St Clair streetcar route which goes back and forth between St Clair subway station at Yonge and the Gunns Loop at Keele St. Or get on the 505 Dundas at Dundas West station and go east.
Subway
Subway stations close to the Junction Area include 4 stops along the Bloor St portion of the Bloor-Danforth subway line including Dundas West, Keele, High Park and Runnymede subways stations. Likely a 15 minute walk to Bloor St.
Junction Area Parks
Ravina Gardens
Located on Clendenan Ave south of Annette. Backing onto the grounds of Annette Community Recreation Centre. Includes an updated playground with multiple play-structures on wood chips and splashpad.
Malta Park
Situated in between Dundas St W and St Johns Rd adjacent to Tim Hortons. Includes playground with single play-structure within sandbox, swings, monkey bars, cement ping-pong table and a bunch of toys seemingly left for use.
Runnymede Park
Large green space beside the site of George Bell Hockey Area directly adjacent to the railroad tracks. Includes junior baseball field, grassy field, small older single play-structure where dogs are being walked.
Maple Claire Park
Near Stockyards shopping complex, just north of St Clair Ave W in between Viella St and Gunns Rd. Includes multiple updated play-structures on sand, swings, splashpad and large grassy field.
Junction Food & Drink
Nodo Junction
Italian comfort food served in a snug and modern setting including salvaged decor items.
Playa Cabana Cantina
Mexican food with a choice of tequilas. Offers a hip, rustic feeling on the Dundas Junction Strip.
Hole in the Wall
Casual global entrees alongside craft beer and live music. Menu items change, has local feel atmosphere.
Annette Food Market
Neapolitan-style wood-fired oven pizza tucked away off the main strip in a residential setting.
Dirty Food Eatery
Brunch or burgers, grilled cheese or gluten-free sweet potato latke’s with espresso bar.
The Good Neighbour
Espresso Bar & Coffee Shop and food traditionally served with coffee. Beside Annette Food Market.
Honest Weight
New England–style fish and seafood joint which features a daily catch served different ways.
The Alpine Bar & Restuarant
Classic and European snacks & dishes including draught beer and stylish interior with bar area.
Ice Cream Junction
Kawartha Dairy ice cream and all necessary toppings served in old school-style parlour.
Indie Alehouse Brewpub
Hearty pubfare, seasonal snacks and unconventional beers. Classy brewpub with patio.
Junction Area Attractions
Junction Mural & Street Art
Checkout Murals and street art in and around the Arts Market which is open daily between 11am and 6pm.
Toronto Food Adventures
Guided 3-hour walking tour of the Junction by local expert, explore local shops including tastings at 5 restuarants.
Rainhard Brewing Company
Tour expansive warehouse where beer is brewed or relax and enjoy a cold one with friends.
The Calm on Dundas
Message therapy and physio therapy. Address chronic pain, achieve a calm personal balance or simply escape.
The Backyard Axe Throwing League
Throw a great party and offer your guests the uncommon opportunity to also throw an axe at a bullseye.
Junction City Music Hall
Bar with craft beeer playing local music. Event space, rent equipment, recording music and DJ services.
Happy Kingdom Playground
Party rooms, playground and arcade for children and adults with a young heart. Closed during covid-19.
Stock Yards Village
Neighbourhood shopping centre achored by several major retailers including Winners and HomeSense.
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