Brianna HarrisonA Newbie’s Guide to Thorncliffe Park, Toronto
If you're itching to dive into Toronto's vibrant culture and feel the buzz of its lively neighbourhoods, Thorncliffe Park should be your first stop.
This neighbourhood is all about mouthwatering adventures, pockets of nature that'll make your heart sing, a warm and tight-knit community, and easy access to some pretty cool spots.
Here's your cheat sheet for enjoying Thorncliffe Park like a seasoned local:
A Newbie’s Guide to Thorncliffe Park, Toronto
Visit Thorncliffe Park Community Hub
Website: http://thorncliffehub.org/
Address: Entrance No.6, exterior entrance, (close to A& W, 45 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1C3, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thorncliffe Park Community Hub is a multi-service community hub that serves as a central gathering place for the residents of Thorncliffe Park and the surrounding communities. It houses a library, gym, daycare, and community centre.
The hub plays a pivotal role in building a strong and cohesive community and offers a variety of services, including health and social services, community programs, cultural and recreational activities, and educational programs.
Pro tip:
The community hub hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Check the website or call ahead to see what services are available when you visit.
Explore the Toronto Public Library – Thorncliffe Branch
Website: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/thorncliffe/
Address: 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr, East York, ON M4H 1J7, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Toronto Public Library network is one of the largest and most comprehensive library systems in North America. One branch is the Thorncliffe Library which has a collection of over 100,000 books, magazines, and other materials.
It also offers a variety of programs and services, including story time for children, computer classes, ESL classes, job search assistance, and digital literacy classes.
Pro tip:
Make sure to bring your library card if you have one! You can visit this link to learn more about Toronto library cards and how to apply for one.
Shop at Thorncliffe Community Market
Website: https://www.tpwomenscomm.org/our-community-market
Address: R.V. Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr., East York, ON M4H 1J7, Canada
Operating hours:
- May to September Fridays 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Thorncliffe Community Market has been serving the neighbourhood for more than a decade. It’s open from 3 PM to sunset every Friday from May to September.
The market is spearheaded by the Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee, a non-profit organization that aims to empower newcomer women and youth through entrepreneurship.
It features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and other local goods. There are also a number of food trucks you can explore and live music performances you can catch.
Pro tip:
Make sure to bring cash with you, as some vendors don’t accept cards.
Check out the Leaside Bridge
Address: Millwood Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, the Leaside Bridge is a great option. Formerly known as the East York Leaside Viaduct, this historic bridge was also commemorated as the Confederation Bridge.
The bridge is 440-metre long and was built in 1927. It spans the Don River and connects the neighbourhoods of Leaside and Thorncliffe Park.
Aside from being one of the most important transportation links in TO, the Leaside Bridge is a popular spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Don Valley and the surrounding area, go biking, or enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Pro tip:
The Don River is also a popular spot for fishing. If you have a fishing license, you can try your luck catching some fish from the bridge.
Take a stroll at E.T. Seton Park
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1061/index.html
Address: 73 Thorncliffe Park Dr, East York, ON M4H 1L4, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
E.T. Seton Park is connected to other parks in the area by a network of trails, forming a continuous green corridor along the river.
The park is named after Ernest Thompson Seton, a Canadian naturalist and author. It has a variety of features, including an archery range, a disc golf course, a playground, a basketball court, a bike trail, and even a dog park for your furbabies.
Pro tip:
There’s limited parking at the park, so it’s best to take public transportation or walk if you’re nearby.
Indulge at Karahi Point
Website: karahipoint.com
Address: 60 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1B6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday, Sunday 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Karahi Point is a popular Pakistani restaurant known for its unique dishes prepared in the traditional karahi style, which involves cooking in a wok-like, shallow, and rounded pot.
The restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Pakistani dishes, including biryanis, kebabs, curries, and a variety of breads like naan and paratha.
Because of its delicious and filling food, affordable prices, and casual atmosphere, Karahi Point is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Pro tip:
We suggest trying out one of their signature dishes and our personal favourite: the karahi chicken.
Relax at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Website: https://www.handandstone.ca/locations/leaside
Address: 85 Laird Dr, East York, ON M4G 3T8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you’re looking for a massage or facial spa in Thorncliffe Park, Hand & Stone is a great option. This franchise spa offers a variety of massage and facial services as well as body treatments, waxing, and makeup.
This spa is known for its affordable prices and its commitment to providing a relaxing experience.
Pro tip:
The spa regularly offers a variety of promotions and discounts, so make sure to keep an eye out for a great deal.
Have fun at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Website: https://www.skyzone.com/ca-toronto/
Address: 45 Esandar Dr, Toronto, ON M4G 4C5, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Thursday, Sunday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
If you’re planning to unleash your inner child and break a sweat, head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park. It’s an indoor trampoline park that offers a wide range of activities and attractions centred around trampolines.
Visitors can enjoy open jump sessions, dodgeball, basketball slam dunks, foam pit jumps, and more.
They have different zones with specialized trampoline setups for various activities such as dodgeball, sky slam, and battle beam, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience.
Pro tip:
Jumping trampolines can get extreme, so make sure to wear and bring a fresh set of comfortable clothing and shoes.
Shop at East York Town Centre
Website: https://eastyorkshops.com/
Address: 845 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1C2, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
East York Town Centre is the neighbourhood’s go-to shopping centre. It opened in 1960 as the Thorncliffe Market Place and was renamed the East York Town Centre in 1999.
The mall has over 100 stores and services, including a Loblaws grocery store, a Cineplex Cinemas movie theatre, and a number of restaurants.
But, more than anything, this is a popular spot that serves as a community hub where locals gather for shopping, dining, and socializing.
Pro tip:
East York Town Centre often offers free events and activities, such as live music performances, movie nights, and family fun days. Be sure to check their website or social media pages for the latest updates.
