Moving to the Junction Triangle: 5 Things to Know

Until recently, the Junction Triangle was one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. Its charming restaurants, cafes, and watering holes tended to fly under the radar—along with its burgeoning art scene. Where is the Junction Triangle in Toronto? Located in a promising pocket of the West End, I’ve been hearing a lot more about his up and coming Toronto neighbourhood lately.

Are you one of a growing number of Torontonians who are planning to make the Junction Triangle real estate home? If so, here are five things you should know if you want to make the most of your new neighbourhood.

1) You’ll want to check out the Sterling Road strip immediately

There’s been a ton of recent buzz around Sterling Road. This relatively short strip, which runs from Dundas to Bloor, is lined with warehouses. If you’re looking for something fun to do during your first week in the area, I suggest exploring the businesses inside.

For fantastic local beers, try Henderson Brewing. In the mood for hearty, from-scratch offerings? The Drake Commissary is probably your best bet. You’ll even find one of Canada’s most esteemed literary publishers on Sterling (House of Anansi Press).

2) You’ll want to pull out your bike more often

The Junction Triangle has a bit of a reputation for being cut off from the rest of the city, and it’s undeserved. In particular, cyclists will find that the West Toronto Railpath provides a quick, safe, and convenient route to downtown.

For those unfamiliar with the railpath, it’s a multi-use asphalt trail that runs south alongside the Milton and Kitchener GO lines. An upcoming extension will connect to more existing cycling paths and provide west-enders with even better access to the city’s core. The railpath is easily accessible from your new neighbourhood—so if you work or play in central Toronto, it’s time to get your bike tuned up.

3) Transport in The Junction Triangle

Of course, bikes aren’t the only way to get around. Wherever you live in the Junction Triangle, the real estate is never far from public transportation. With buses that run along Dupont, Dundas, Keele, Symington, and Landsdowne, the TTC has you covered. Most routes will get you to a subway line pretty quickly, making for an easier daily commute than you might expect.

One of the first things you’ll probably want to do once you’re settled in is use the TTC’s trip planner function to map out routes to the places you travel to most frequently.

4) Some of Toronto’s best coffee is in The Junction Triangle

If you’re a caffeine lover, you won’t have to go far to get your morning fix. In the Junction Triangle, you’ll find the perfect java joint for every occasion.

When you’re on the go, pop into Wallace Espresso. This tiny, Wallace Avenue coffee bar serves up perfectly-crafted espresso basics. When you have a bit more time, try Noble Coffee. Located at Bloor Street and Sterling Road, this kitschy, family-friendly spot offers flavourful coffee and cheap eats.

If you’re looking for a new go-to for weekend meet-ups with friends, I recommend Hale Coffee Company. Part roastery and part cafe, this industrial space in the Clock Factory Building is surprisingly comfortable. Between the fresh coffee and savoury soups, it also smells incredible.

5) You’ll probably have a lot of new neighbours soon

New businesses along Sterling Road are drawing a lot of attention to the Junction Triangle—and the best is yet to come. This increasingly-lively strip will soon be the new home of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which is slated to open in September of this year. The cultural institution is bound to bring new visitors—and residents—to the local Junction Triangle real estate.

Given the recent hype and influx of traffic into the Junction Triangle neighbourhood, I firmly believe that it’s about to become the new “it” and safe neighbourhood. There are townhouses under construction on Perth Avenue, and the area is ripe for further future development.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain: the distinctive character of the charming Junction Triangle West End Toronto neighbourhood is here to stay.

Still looking for your perfect house or condo in the Junction Triangle? You can check out recent listings in the neighbourhood here. If you have any questions about the area, feel free to get in touch!