This attractive historic Toronto district is famous for live music and shopping, its Greek neighbourhood and its annual food festival.
Danforth Avenue is a historic street that runs from Bloor Street Viaduct to Scarborough, an eastern suburb of Toronto. Come here to discover shopping, dining and entertainment centres, to explore one of the largest Greek towns in North America or to be part of an annual food festival. Bring good walking shoes, because Danforth Avenue stretches for over 90 blocks and is around 6 miles (10 kilometres) long.
The Danforth Avenue district is a shopper’s paradise. Start your visit at the western end of the street, where you’ll find a collection of over 350 shops, restaurants and services. Spend some time browsing the unique fashion boutiques, health and beauty stores, and home decor shops. Music lovers should visit the Danforth Music Hall, a playhouse and concert venue built in 1919. The venue has hosted big names in music, including James Brown and The Police.
Walk to Danforth’s intersection with Hampton Avenue to discover the start of Toronto’s Greektown, which traces its roots to the late 1960s. The neighbourhood counts over 75 dining options that reflect Toronto’s multicultural population - and not just the Greeks! Find Middle-Eastern kebab houses, Greek grill restaurants with buffets and Japanese sushi bars. You can also shop at a specialist Greek music store and visit a traditional Greek church.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate Greektown’s annual Taste of Danforth festival. This celebration of Hellenic food and culture began in 1994 when a group of restaurant owners wanted to create a way of encouraging people to discover Toronto’s Greek cuisine and community. It takes place over three days in August. Come to sample Greek food, such as souvlaki and tzatziki, and watch free music and dance performances. Visit the festival’s official website for further information.
Danforth Avenue and Greektown are easily accessible via Toronto’s public transport system. The metro, buses and streetcars all stop at various points along the street. Limited-hour street parking is available and there are also pay-and-display parking lots nearby. If you are feeling energetic, walk to the western end of Danforth Avenue, which is about a one-hour journey from Toronto’s city centre.
