This weekend, Little Iran became the latest culturally significant neighbourhood recognized in Toronto, a city famous for its mosaic of areas celebrating different cultures from around the world.
The city first introduced its Cultural Districts Program (CDP) back in 2021, as a response to local advocates’ calls for culture support across several neighbourhoods.
The latest addition to the city’s CDP is Little Iran, unveiled in North York’s Willowdale area on Saturday, during an event attended by officials, including Mayor Olivia Chow, councillors Lily Cheng and Brad Bradford, and Member of Parliament for Willowdale, Ali Ehsass.
A celebration with vendors, performances and a sign reveal took place in Willowdale’s Centre Park over the weekend to celebrate the new district. The event took place at Yonge Street and Centre Ave., a green space that is the site of a proposed Persian Garden that would feature a monument with traditional columns.
As a city that houses newcomers from all over the world, Toronto had many different culturally significant neighbourhoods even before the CDP was ever conceptualized, from Chinatown to Greektown.
For those looking to venture into different cultures and explore the city, here are four other culturally-rich neighbourhoods in the city you should know about.
LITTLE INDIA
Located in the east end, on Gerrard St. E. between Coxwell Ave. and Greenwood Ave., the Little India area has no shortage of spots to enjoy rich dishes, check out cultural events, and find imported goods from India, and other countries like Egypt, Pakistan, and beyond.
While Toronto is known for its abundance of fabulous spots to grab authentic Indian food, this neighbourhood has an incredible amount of different gems to choose from, offering everything from street food to rich curries and multi-course meals.
Little India is also popular for its Gerrard India Bazaar, located at 1426 Gerrard St. E., which is the largest South Asian market in North America, according to Destination Toronto. So, if you’re looking for authentic jewelry, furniture, clothes, groceries and more, make sure you check this market out.
In addition, those who enjoy Bollywood art or who are looking to learn more about the genre can check out the Bollywood Music Centre, a store located at 1442 Gerrard St. E., which supplies a wide variety of music and movies.
LITTLE TIBET
Located on Queen St. W., this neighbourhood is home to the largest concentration of Tibetans outside of Tibet, according to the national not-for-profit organization the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
There are plenty of restaurants offering everything from Tibetan blood sausage to sweet and spicy tofu and momos, as well as different markets and shops offering goods imported from Tibet, China, and beyond.
The neighbourhood was also the location of 100 Sunset, a film that premiered at TIFF earlier this year, telling the story of two Tibetan women and the wider network of Tibetan immigrants living in the west Toronto neighbourhood.
Read More
KOREATOWN
From Korean BBQ to K-pop, there’s no denying the impact of Korean culture in Toronto, which shines even brighter in Koreatown.
Located on Bloor St. W. between Christie and Bathurst streets, Koreatown has lots of different businesses selling everything from groceries to clothing and beauty products. There are also plenty of milk tea shops, cafes, and even a few spots to practice your karaoke skills.
Enjoy classic Korean favourites like bibimbap, Korean waffles and bulgogi at various spots in the hood, and try some other Asian cuisine delicacies, with everything from Thai food and bubble tea to sushi and Chinese food, which are also found in the area, which has something for every taste.
The local BIA hosts an annual event, the Koreatown Street Festival, celebrating the culture of the country and businesses in the area.
LITTLE POLAND
While now more commonly known as Roncey or Roncesvale, this west-end neighbourhood is filled with places to grab some hearty Polish cuisine, enjoy a delicious pastry, or visit some landmarks with Polish influence, such as the St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and the Pope John Paul II Statue.
Every September, the neighbourhood also hosts North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture. The Roncesvalle Polish Festival, featuring vendors with authentic Polish food and imported goods, performance artists, including musicians and dance troupes, beer gardens and more.
