11 Reasons Why East Downtown Toronto Is Better Than West Downtown Toronto
The unwritten rule of Downtown Toronto is that there's this invisible line called Yonge Street that separates the East from the West. Yes, of course #WeTheNorth and we all still love each other, but us East-enders have something to prove: East Toronto is better than West Toronto.
Don't argue. Just listen:
1. The Beaches
Not just the neighbourhood, but HELLO East Toronto is way closer in proximity to our wonderful beaches. Sugar Beach, Cherry Beach, Woodbine Beach ... Okay maybe Hanlan's Point belongs to the west...but still.
Photo by Tibor Kovacs
2. The Distillery District
Not only is The Distillery District a popular tourist destination, but also it's a designated heritage site, being at one point the largest distillery in the world and at another the second largest film location outside of Hollywood. Now, The Distillery is the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America.
Oh, and it's home to Toronto's Christmas Market, Love Locks and a number of award winning restaurants too. Plus, don't forget Mill Street.
Take that, west side.
3. St. Lawrence Market
92-95 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
One of the world's greatest markets is just east of Yonge Street
You know how people say "welcome to the dark side, we have cookies"? Well, the cookies at St. Lawrence are quite good.
4. Cabana
11 Polson Street, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4
If there's any indication that Toronto is actually Ibiza, this is it. Paying to float on an oversized swan pool toy is worth it because Toronto summers are just too short. And no, you can't have this experience on the west end. It's not the same.
Photo via @Suhciety on We Heart It
5. The Docks Drive-In
176 Cherry St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4
The only drive-in theatre in Toronto is in the east end. YUP.
Photo by John Vetterli
6. Evergreen Brickworks
550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
A community environmental centre, park, event space, farmer's market ... all in one. The list goes on. The west end doesn't have that. Do they?
7. A Coffee Shop You Can Take Your Furry Friend To
2 Matilda St. Toronto, ON M4M 1L9
It's called Merchants of Green Coffee. You can take your dog there. Don't ask how. It's east end magic.
Photo by Deciare
8. Allan Gardens
19 Horticultural Ave, Toronto, ON M5A 2P2
Allan Gardens is located in one of Toronto's oldest parks, and houses exotic plants and flowers from around the world. This place is cool, okay?
9. Church Street
Which is home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world with over 1 million people in attendance.
This one you really can't argue against.
10. Leslieville
Some of the best brunch spots in the city + some of the coolest music venues in the city = a recipe for literal greatness. Bonjour Brioche, Lady Marmalade, The Opera House,(with the Art & Pancakes Show) ... like really? There's no better place to be in the 6ix.
Photo via @toronto.skyline.daily
11. The View
Without all those buildings in the way, the east end has got a pretty darn good view of the city and skyline. You just can't beat that.
... #Winning
So here's to nominating Queen or King East as one of Vogue's future 15 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World.
Is Toronto East better than Toronto West? Comment below!
