The Danforth doesn’t typically make it onto recommendation lists for places visitors should go to in Toronto. Indeed, the east end is more under the radar than the downtown core, North York, or the famous west end. I supply the local comedy film Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie as recent evidence of this, despite my enjoyment of this hilarious work of art.
You see, Danforth Avenue is a bit of a time capsule. It’s a small town in a big city. It’s the “old Toronto” that I, admittedly, only got a short glimpse of the first time I visited Canada in the summer of 2014. No city’s charm is indestructible. However, you can still witness elements of a tight-knit community feel when you cross the Prince Edward Viaduct and keep going east. Independent and family-run shops and dining establishments spanning the world. Café culture. Pappoudes and nonni in flat caps, chatting and sipping on espresso. Green space. Beautiful architecture. Imperfection and individuality. It’s not that fancy, but it has heart.
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