Leslieville Toronto is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its diverse mix of cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Toronto Suburb Leslieville
The Toronto suburb of Leslieville offers an authentic experience far from the typical tourist trails. We were once again in Toronto, a city that we already know well from numerous visits. But as is the case with a city with 2,6 million inhabitants, you never know it completely.
Toronto attractions off the beaten track
This is no different in Toronto. Leslieville is one of the hidden Toronto Attractionsthat you have to see. In addition to the Bata Shoe Museum with its fascinating exhibitions of footwear from all over the world, this time we took a look at one of the suburbs. We came across Leslieville, a hip neighborhood in East Toronto that is definitely worth a visit.
Streetcar Toronto
Leslieville can be easily explored using the Toronto Streetcar. We get on the Queen Street Streetcar and follow the same road all the way to Leslieville. This suburb is located on the other side of the Don Valley Parkway, roughly between Carlaw Avenue and Coxwell Avenue.
Authentic insights into everyday life in Leslieville Toronto
You could of course drive there, but then you would miss out on a great insight into the everyday life of people in Toronto. So we decided to take the Toronto Streetcar. A young mother and her child got on the streetcar. Three men jumped up and helped her to lift the stroller onto the car.
In front of us sits a couple who are newly in love. She has heavily tattooed arms and he has so many rings in his lips, ears and nose that I wonder what a kiss tastes like. But it's obviously not bad, because the two of them are practicing intensively.
On the platform between the two tram cars, a tired Chinese man is trying hard to stay awake, but keeps collapsing until he finally gets off the tram at one of the stops outside the city center. How he realized that this was the right station will forever remain a mystery to me, because he wasn't really awake.
Leslieville, the hipster district of Toronto
Leslieville is considered the hipster district of Toronto, perfect for creative discoveries. We don't have much time, so we limit ourselves to a walk along Queen Street between these two streets. But even then we get a good impression of what makes Leslieville so charming.
It is a wild mix of brightly painted houses, a general store reminiscent of a saloon, a wild jumble of restaurants and bars, facades decorated with flowers and street art on some walls.
In between, we can take a look into a tattoo studio. In the shop window, we admire the patterns that you can have tattooed there.
Things to do in Leslieville Toronto
The best things to do in Leslieville Toronto include strolling along Queen Street and visiting the local markets.
On the way we meet people who are on their way to some destination - an older gentleman in crumpled Bermuda shorts and a wrinkled sweatshirt hurries along the street in front of us. A few meters further we follow a young man dressed all in black. He has just come out of a bakery with a full bag of donuts, obviously his lunch. We finally discover a café in a side street.
Two young women are sitting on the bench in front of the door in the sun, having a pleasant chat. No trace of the hustle and bustle of the big city! The place is more reminiscent of a small town in the countryside. As we look at the handwritten menu on the dark board above the counter at the restaurant entrance, one of them gets up and comes into the restaurant to serve us.
Restaurants in Leslieville Toronto
The Restaurants in Leslieville Toronto offer culinary variety from international to local. We also like the young woman's attentiveness. So we decide to take a break in her café.
I order a vegetable stir fry with rice and Petar chooses a green salad with nuts. Both turn out to be good choices. We like the café with the fresh bouquet of lilacs on the counter, the homemade tea cabinet, the windows with opaque glass surfaces and the mirrors in the middle that make the restaurant look bigger than it is.
On our self-made table, where we sit on simple wooden chairs, lies a copy of Time's special issue "100 Ideas that changed the world". In the background we also listen to the songs of Sade and Harry Belafonte. Everything is a sign of good taste.
Friendly people in Leslieville Toronto
We take our time eating because we feel comfortable in this environment. When we finally go to the cash register to pay after our good meal, I hear a foreign accent in the words of our friendly waitress.
When I asked, it turns out that Barbara is from Austria. She has been running this café on a small side street off Queen Street in Toronto for several years. "I feel at home here," she says. I can understand that when I look around her cozy little café, which she set up in a former horse stable.
You can experience Toronto authentically in Leslieville
Almost reluctantly, we leave the café and look for the nearest streetcar stop. We want to take Queen Street back to the skyscrapers of downtown Toronto. Even though Leslieville doesn't have any world-famous sights or highlights, we are glad to have taken this excursion into everyday Toronto life, as it helps us to understand the city and its people a little better.
Conclusion about Leslieville in Toronto:
Leslieville, a charming neighbourhood in Toronto, has established itself as a true gem for visitors and locals alike. With its mix of historic architecture, trendy cafes and creative boutiques, it offers a unique atmosphere that invites both relaxation and exploration. Particularly striking is the vibrant art scene, reflected in the numerous galleries and street art. This creative energy makes Leslieville an inspiring destination for art lovers and creatives.
The district also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. From cozy breakfast cafes to innovative food trucks and fine dining restaurants, you will find an impressive variety of dining options here. This culinary diversity reflects the multicultural soul of Toronto and invites you to discover new flavors.
Leslieville in Toronto is not only a paradise for foodies and art lovers, but also a family-friendly place. With its many parks and playgrounds, it offers plenty of space for recreation and outdoor leisure activities. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ensures that visitors of all ages feel at home.
questions
What means of transportation can I use in Toronto?
Toronto offers a variety of transportation options, including subways, streetcars, buses, and ferries. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) public transportation system is well-developed and makes it easy to get around the city. Bicycles and ride-sharing services like Uber are also popular options. The Queen Street Streetcar is an easy way to get to Leslieville Toronto.
Are there any recommended day trips in Toronto?
Yes, Toronto is an ideal starting point for various day trips. Visit the impressive Niagara Falls, relax on the beaches of the Toronto Islands or explore the historical sites in the city of Kingston. These destinations are all easily accessible by public transport or by car.
What are the best shopping options in Toronto?
Toronto offers world-class shopping opportunities. The Eaton Centre Mall in the city centre, the luxury Yorkville boutiques and the trendy shops in the Queen West neighbourhood are just a few examples. There are also many local markets and specialty shops in different parts of the city.
What cultural attractions should I visit in Toronto?
There are numerous cultural highlights in Toronto. The Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Ontario Science Centre are just a few of the first-class museums. The historic Distillery District and the culturally diverse Kensington Market are also worth a visit.
Are there any special festivals or events in Toronto?
Toronto is known for its diverse festivals and events. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Pride Toronto Festival and the Toronto Jazz Festival are just a few examples. These events offer unique experiences and attract numerous visitors every year.
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Source Leslieville Toronto: own research on site. The trip was supported by Tourism Ontario. Our opinions, however, remain our own.
Text Leslieville Toronto: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos Leslieville Toronto: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Updated on 25.07.2024
