Aliu Isa11 Fun Things to Do in Toronto’s Dovercourt Village
Ever stumbled upon a neighbourhood that feels like a local secret? Well, that's Dovercourt Village in Toronto for you.
This area of the city blends history with cool art vibes and boasts a cosy, tight-knit community. If you’re looking for a nearby destination for a chill and fun, quick getaway, then Dovercourt Village is a great choice.
Here are things to try and spots in the neighbourhood that you can’t miss out on:
11 Fun Things to Do in Toronto’s Dovercourt Village
Hangout at Christie Pits Park
— From: @blogTO
Address: 750 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 3K4, Canada
Hours: Open 24 hours
Named after the Christie Pits, which were a series of gravel pits that were used to extract sand and gravel for construction, this park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists mostly due to its rich history.
It was the site of the Christie Pits Riot in 1933, which was a race riot between Jewish and Italian residents of Toronto. The riot was a major turning point in Toronto’s history, and it led to the creation of the Canadian Jewish Congress.
The park offers a range of recreational facilities including sports fields (baseball, soccer, and cricket), a basketball court, a children’s playground, and tennis courts. It also has an outdoor swimming pool that provides relief during Toronto’s hot summer months.
Pro tip:
Make sure to pack a picnic basket when you visit! There are plenty of picnic tables in the park, so you can enjoy a meal outdoors.
Explore the InterAccess Gallery
Address: 950 Dupont St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M6H 1Z2, Canada
Website: https://interaccess.org/
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fee: Free admission
InterAccess is a non-profit artist-run centre and production studio facility in Toronto founded in 1983. The gallery is dedicated to the creative use of technology, electronic art and new media culture.
It’s one of the first organizations in Canada to focus on the use of new technologies for artistic expression. They have exhibits featuring works that incorporate electronic media, interactive installations, digital art, sound art, and other forms of new media.
The gallery also offers workshops, artist talks, and educational programs regularly, which you can check out for free. On top of that, InterAccess has an affordable studio space available for lease for artists.
Pro tip:
If you want to keep updated with their events and activities, we suggest signing up for their newsletter.
Catch a show at the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
— From: @intermissionmag
Address: 12 Alexander St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4, Canada
Website: http://www.buddiesinbadtimes.com/
Hours:
- Box Office: Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Admin Office: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fee: ~$25 per person per show
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is Canada’s largest and oldest queer theatre. Founded in 1978, the theatre is dedicated to showcasing, supporting, and promoting LGBTQIA+ voices and stories through theatre productions and artistic programming.
The theatre company produces and presents a diverse range of performances, including plays, musicals, cabarets, and experimental works that explore themes related to queer identity, social issues, and contemporary culture.
Their mainstage productions often include original works, adaptations, and collaborations with queer artists. Some of their most popular works are The Drowsy Chaperone, The Way of the World, and The Seven Percent Solution.
Pro tip:
Remember to keep an open mind! Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is known for its queer and experimental programming, so be prepared to see something that challenges your expectations.
Get stuffed at Big Trouble Pizza
— From: @ibeantravelling
Address: 191 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2C1, Canada
Website: https://sites.ambassador.ai/?s=bigtroublepizza
Hours: Thursday to Sunday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Big Trouble Pizza was opened in 2018 by chef Grant van Gameren and his wife, Jen. The restaurant is known for its creative pizzas and a variety of other dishes, such as salads, pasta, and desserts—all of which are made with fresh, local ingredients.
Named Big Trouble because the owners had no idea what they were doing, they grew to be one of the most popular quirky spots in the area. This pizza joint serves pies with toppings you won’t find at other pizzerias like jam and truffle ricotta.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to try their signature Butter Jam Jam, which features a white sauce base, mozzarella cheese, butter, raspberry jam, and fresh basil.
Sunbathe at Sugar Beach
Address: 115 Queens Quay East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hours: Open 24 hours
Although it’s a short drive from Dovercourt Village, Sugar Beach stands to be one of the most popular chill spots nearby. It’s situated in Toronto’s East Bayfront neighbourhood, along Queens Quay East, near the intersection of Lower Jarvis Street.
The beach park is part of Toronto’s waterfront revitalization project and is characterized by its vibrant pink umbrellas, white sandy shores, and iconic candy-striped rock sculptures that resemble large pieces of sugar.
Sugar Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. It also features a variety of amenities, including a water play area, a sundeck, and a plaza with food trucks and vendors.
Pro tip:
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the sandy areas of the beach. But there are designated pet relief areas nearby for dog owners.
Try out the Filosophy Pastry and Espresso Bar
— From: @Kess2000
Address: 912 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L1, Canada
Website: https://filosophy.ca/
Hours:
- Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Another perk of being around Dovercourt Village is the easy access to everything that Bloorcourt Village offer, just like the famous Filosophy Pastry and Espresso Bar. It’s a bakery and cafe known for its freshly baked pastries, filling dishes, and espresso drinks.
The menu at Filosophy changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find a variety of fresh pastries, such as croissants, danishes, muffins, and cakes. They also have a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items, such as sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Pro tip:
Filosophy is a popular spot, so it can get crowded on weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit during the weekdays.
Check out Dovercourt House
— From: @shawnmicallef
Address: 805 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON M6H 2X4, Canada
Website: https://todovercourt.com/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Dovercourt House is a heritage building built in 1913 as a fraternal lodge for the International Order of Odd Fellows. Now, the building is used as a coworking space and event venue.
Dovercourt House is widely recognized for its role as a dance hub. It hosts a variety of dance classes, workshops, and social dances covering a range of dance styles, including swing, salsa, tango, ballroom, and more.
Visitors to Dovercourt House can rent out office space, hold events, or take a tour of the building. The building also has a cafe and a gallery.
Pro tip:
Dovercourt House hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so it’s always a good idea to check the calendar before you visit.
Visit Wallace Emerson Community Centre
— From: @JocelynSquires
Address: 1260 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 4C3, Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/294/index.html
Hours:
- Monday to Friday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Wallace Emerson Community Centre offers a range of recreational facilities for residents of all ages, including a gymnasium, fitness rooms, indoor sports courts, and more.
The centre often offers free programs for youth and children, including after-school activities, summer camps, arts and crafts, and educational workshops. It’s also a popular venue for local community gatherings and private events.
Pro tip:
Some activities at the centre can be tiring, so we suggest bringing a bottle of water and a fresh change of clothes if needed.
Shop at Bloorcourt Village Market
Address: 868 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M4, Canada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloorcourtvillagemarket/?hl=en
Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
The historic Bloorcourt Village Market is also a short drive away from Dovercourt Village. This public market was founded in 1989 and is open year-round.
It offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and other local products.
One of the things that makes this market special is its commitment to local food. They only sell products that are grown, raised, or produced within a 100-kilometre radius of Toronto, supporting local farmers and businesses.
Pro tip:
Remember to bring your own bag! Aside from its commitment to supporting local vendors, many booths are also dedicated to being eco-friendly.
Eat at the Progress Bakery
Address: 996 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON M6H 2X5, Canada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressbakery996/?hl=en
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Founded in 2016, Progress Bakery is a Portuguese bakery that has grown to be one of the go-to shops in the area for delicious sourdough bread, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. They also have a great selection of coffee and tea.
If you’re visiting with an empty stomach, Progress Bakery also offers affordable and filling sandwiches, pizzas, and a variety of warm meals.
Pro tip:
They don’t accept credit cards, so make sure to bring cash with you when you visit.
Get inked at Passage Tattoo
— From: @jaydecator
Address: 80 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 2B5, Canada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passagetattoo/
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What’s a cooler trip souvenir than a tattoo? Passage Tattoo is a popular tattoo parlour just north of Dovercourt Village that’s been around since the early 1990s.
The shop was established by tattoo artist Jay Decator who specializes in traditional and neo-traditional tattoos. Decator is also accompanied by two more highly skilled local artists, Roumen Kirnikov and Dom Keigher.
Pro tip:
Check out the shop’s and the artists’ portfolios on their Instagram accounts to get a feel of the wide variety of styles to choose from.
