It’s called Kingston Road for a reason: when it was established in 1817, it was the only route connecting Toronto and the town of Kingston.
American engineer Asa Danforth Jr. began building the road in 1799 at a cost of $90 per mile times have changed a bit. When it was finally completed it was used mostly as a post road for stagecoaches delivering mail.
Later it formed a key portion of Highway 2, the main road to towns east until the 401 was built, and became famous for its quaint inns and motels. The term Upper Beaches emerged around 2001, coined by developers and real estate agents to indicate the area directly north of the Beach neighbourhood. The Upper Beaches has often been seen as the poor relative to the splashier Beach, but fans say it’s many times more soulful. And besides, who needs the parking hassles?
You can ride the Gerrard streetcar to Main and you’re just a short walk from the Bloor subway line. And now the zone boasts a swath of funky stores and eateries. Here’s a profile of the area.
Neighbourhood snapshot
Boundaries
The city doesn’t officially recognize the Upper Beaches as a distinct neighbourhood, so the area gets split up for statistical purposes. If you’re south of Kingston Road between Woodbine and Victoria Park, you’re slotted in with the Beaches proper. And if you’re north of Kingston (but south of Balfour and Newmarket Avenue, which are just north of Danforth), then the city puts you in East End-Danforth.
Political Representation
The Upper Beaches falls within the electoral district of Beaches-East York, which is represented federally and provincially by a pair of recently elected Liberals, MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and MPP Arthur Potts, and municipally by city councillors Mary-Margaret McMahon (south of Danforth) and Janet Davis (north of Danforth).
Demographics
As of the 2011 census (still the most recent data), the Beaches and East-End Danforth each had a population of roughly 21,000. South of Kingston, English was the sole language spoken at home by 95 per cent, but north of there it was 84 per cent (still well above the city’s overall 64 per cent). Couples with children formed the most common type of private household living arrangement in both areas, but the south had more couples without children than the north, and the north had more single-parent-family households than the south.
Economic Profile
In 2011, households’ after-tax income was substantially higher below Kingston Road, with a $70,957 median and $108,809 average, compared to the north’s respective $56,179 and $70,004. In the south, 9 per cent of residents were low-income, whereas above Kingston, it was 17 per cent, closer to the city’s 19 per cent average.
Residence costs
According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, average rents are lower north of Kingston (a bachelor goes for $849, a one-bedroom for $990 and a two-bedroom for $1,151) than south ($890, $1,131 and $1,513 respectively). And according to the Toronto Real Estate Board, the difference in property prices is even more pronounced: a detached house in the Beaches goes for $1,367,000, compared to East End-Danforth’s comparatively reasonable $837,000. Even for smaller residences (row houses, condo townhouses and condo apartments), you’re looking at a difference of about $100,000.
Tanja-Tiziana
Where to shop
The Upper Beaches has become a pretty hot place to live. East Toronto is the new west end, right? In terms of retail, though, there’s a relatively tiny patch around Kingston and Victoria Park, and while it’s small, it’s mighty, mighty cute.
The neighbourhood’s an independent store haven, and many of those stores have been there for decades. One of them, Rosie’s Fine Jewellery (1028 Kingston, 416-686-7900), is the place to take your broken chains and watches. Clothing store Neo (933 Kingston, 416-698-7366) is another long-time retailer, selling womenswear for casual and big-night-out occasions.
The area has a couple of bookstores, each with its own personality. At The Great Escape Bookstore (957 Kingston, 416-691-7150), where you can buy, sell or trade books, the shop’s dog sits by the door watching the world go by. Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore (991 Kingston, 416-698-2665) is a teal-painted dream of a children’s emporium that has a rabbit in the back. You’ll find it hard to walk out of either without a purchase.
When it comes to home decor, the area shines. If you want to buy a unique gift or decorate your home, check out Collected Joy (1035 Kingston, 416-546-5989), which specializes in small-batch jewellery, cards, stationery, pottery and glassware with a focus on Canadian-made items.
Luminous Mystery (926 Kingston, 647-555-5555) has a dazzling collection of ornate chandeliers and candle holders, and at Bath City (974 Kingston, 416-699-8999), you can get everything from taps to a toilet with built-in bidet.
Finish decorating with handmade items from Yellow House Gallery & Framing (921 Kingston, 416-792-8460) and Cobalt Gallery (870 Kingston, 416-694-0156). If you want to decorate your body, there’s tattoo studio Elevated Ink (1006 Kingston, 416-694-4465).
Finally, Beach Sound Records (898 Kingston, 647-409-1838) will fulfill all your vinyl needs. We saw an Apollonia 6 album, which gave us all the Prince feels.
Tanja-Tiziana
Snap up Swedish goodies at Beaches Bakeshop & Café.
Where to eat
The Upper Beaches’ homey feel is reflected in the scores of approachable local cafés, eateries and bars catering to the neighbourhood clientele.
Madhus Cafe (982 Kingston, 647-464-6541) places a strong focus on local music and art Savoury Grounds (283 Scarborough, 647-688-7306) roasts its own beans and Grinder on Main (126 Main, 416-901-0290) prides itself on being a community hub.
If you like a baked snack to go with your java, Beaches Bakeshop & Café (900 Kingston, 416-686-2391) is famous for its Swedish cardamom-infused take on cinnamon buns, as well as quiches and other treats. (Don’t rush over, though – they’re on vacay until mid-July.).
Health-conscious folks looking to stock their pantries head to Close to the Bone (929 Kingston, 416-699-2663) for meat from Ontario suppliers, or Courage Foods (946 Kingston, 416-693-2233) for fresh eats and standout prepared foods. (The grocery offerings in the area are set to beef up big time when the Big Carrot lands in the neighbourhood next year.)
If you’re looking to grab a bite, there’s plenty of options. The Real Jerk (1004 Kingston, 416-690-8752) serves some of the city’s best-known (and Rihanna-approved) Caribbean eats, while the roti and oxtail at Cool Runnings (146 Main, 416-693-8724) also have their share of fans.
Another can’t-miss meal in the Upper Beaches: fish and chips, thanks to Foodoe’s (1036 Kingston, 647-344-0090) a close second.
Stone Pizza (281 Scarborough, 416-690-0100) deals in quirky pizzas (like the “Don Ho” with pineapple and spicy capicollo), while No Bull Burgers (1019 Kingston, 416-698-8131) does hefty Angus burgers and poutines topped with brisket and pulled pork. Got a special occasion? Head for the Beech Tree (924 Kingston, 416-699-4444), which focuses on local and seasonal cuisine.
And if it’s a pint or some pub grub you’re craving, you could scarcely find yourself in a better neighbourhood. The Grover (676 Kingston, 416-691-9200) offers a long list of Ontario pints, plus eye-popping pub food like peppercorn steak sandwiches, curry-mango fries and pork belly bao. Mullins (917 Kingston, 416-691-9300) offers a straight-up Irish pub atmosphere and Feathers Pub (962 Kingston, 416-694-0443) prides itself on its single malt selection and UK-style pub food (hello, Cornish pasties).
More Upper Beaches businesses
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1
Collected Joy
We are a little store in East Toronto dedicated to the ongoing discovery and collection of beautiful things. Located in the heart of Kingston Road Village, our store is filled with products and customers looking for lovely, functional, small-batch quality gifts, jewellery, cards, stationery, pottery, glassware and everything in between. Explore the store and our area – we look forward to seeing you soon!
FB: Collected Joy, IG: collected_joy
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2
Alma Florists
Alma Florists is connected to a network of over 20,000 professional florists in Canada, the US and around the world. We guarantee your flowers will arrive fresh and on time. Sending flowers from an online florist has never been so easy. Alma Florists offers beautiful floral arrangements, plants, chocolates, teddy bears and gift baskets for any occasion – and our prices will suit any budget. We offer same-day nationwide delivery on a wide variety of fresh flowers, plants and novelty containers. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
TW: @torontoflorists, FB: Toronto Florist
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3
Cool Runnings
Cool Running Restaurant & Bar – the Caribbean experience of the Beach – provides you with the best authentic Caribbean cuisine that spans the islands from jamaica to Trinidad to Barbados and beyond. Notorious for our Jerk Chicken, Oxtail and Curry Goat, you will enjoy a menu of mouth-watering Caribbean flavours across the board, all complemented by our paired wines and Caribbean rums, beers and specialty juices and sodas. Cool Runnings offers a full spectrum of dine-in, takeout and catering services to meet all of your needs and give you an experience to remember.
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4
The Great Escape Bookstore
Located in the heart of Kingston Road Village, owner Katya Nosko has transformed this business from a well-groomed used bookstore to an upscale book-lovers’ paradise. We carry an eclectic mix of books selected with quality in mind to appeal to young and old readers alike. The Great Escape features pop-up art exhibits, vintage typewriter displays, author readings and community events. If you’re interested in tuning into the world of written words and local happenings, this is where you need to be. And if all you need is a quick paperback fix, we have that too!
FB: Great Escape Book Store, TW: @GreatEscapeTO
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5
Yellow House Gallery
Yellow House Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and custom framing shop in Kingston Road Village. Owned and operated by Christina Kostoff, we feature local, regional and international emerging talent. Both an artist and a curator, Christina draws upon her love of experimental media to curate unique exhibitions every month. Join our mailing list online to receive personal invites to our monthly opening receptions. Our gallery also offers a full custom picture framing service as well, and is excited to announce we will be adding the service of antique frame restoration in the fall of 2016! YHG was nominated for Toronto’s best independent gallery in NOW’s 2015 Readers’ Choice poll.
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The Therapy Studio
At The Therapy Studio, we pride ourselves on high-quality care and personal service. Our experienced therapists focus on your specific health care needs and are dedicated to enhancing your health and wellbeing. We strive to offer you optimal muscular and skeletal care by utilizing the multiple skill sets of our Massage Therapy Team. We want you to feel your very best after treatment at our clinic, where you can experience a variety of treatments either directly or through our referral network. We believe in working together and are here for your massage therapy and health care needs.
FB: The Therapy Studio, TW: @therapystudiomt
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7
Grinder Coffee
126 Main, Toronto, Ontario M4E 2V8Grinder on Main isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s a community. The original Grinder Coffee, it’s a slightly odd, extremely welcoming hub at Main and Gerrard in Toronto’s east end. Helmed by James and Trish Feistner since 2009, along with a solid crew of amazing people, they have forged a great place to hang out, chat and eat.
There’s local art on the walls and a regular roster of musicians.You’ll find simple, delicious breakfast and lunch made in small batches with local ingredients whenever possible, expertly crafted espresso and many Toronto-made treats. Bring your stories to share – they always love to hear a great one.
FB: Grinder on Main, TW: @grinderonmain
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The Cube School
Welcome to The Cube! We encourage you to browse our technology course listings. Our courses teach a broad range of skills, from learning programming languages to designing video games, playing with EV3 Lego robotics, as well as with circuits and electronics. Teens get to use the Arduino microcontroller to make and recycle electronics, create Android apps, and create 3D models using 3D Studio Max and Unreal Engine 3, as well as other technologies.
Our summer technology camps are intended for children to learn, play and make new friends. Find out more on our website.
FB: The Cube Tech, TW: @thecubtech
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Night and Day Window Decor
Night and Day Window Decor is Toronto’s leading source for blinds, window coverings, shades, shutters and drapery. We offer the industry’s largest collection of energy-efficient, custom-made window treatments. Designed and assembled in Canada and the U.S., backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, our sheers, shades, honeycombs, blinds and shutters can be customized with lifting systems for added safety and convenience.
FB: Night and Day Decor, TW: @nightanddaydeco, P: @NightAndDayDeco, GP: NightAndDay, YT: NightAndDayDecor.
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Cobalt Gallery
Cobalt Gallery is a clay studio and gallery an intimate and casual gallery space available for emerging or established visual artists to rent and present solo or group shows. It’s a studio facility where owner and artist Annette Hansen teaches adult and kids pottery lessons, and a promoter of original art or craft by local artists working in glass, metal and clay.
FB: Cobalt Gallery and clay studio
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Elevated Ink
Elevated Ink has been a part of the Kingston Road Village neighborhood for the past two years. A collective of artists with roots in graffiti culture, Elevated Ink artists specialize in a vast array of styles that can meet any client’s needs. Don’t expect tired binders on a worn-out coffee table or disinterested artists – we are known for our clean and comfortable atmosphere, and friendly artists and staff. Elevated Ink‘s mission is to create custom artwork using your ideas and own personal taste. Come on in, we might even let you choose the music!
FB: ElevatedToronto
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Close to the Bone
Close to the Bone believes in a very simple premise: cook well, eat well, live well!
Our Products: Every animal is naturally raised on the best feeds, without hormones or chemical enhancements. All of our meat is locally sourced and humanely treated. We work only with whole or half animals that are cut on premises. We offer fresh beef, pork, lamb and chicken as well as pork, beef and lamb sausages – we even offer a line of gluten-free Italian sausages. And, whether you call it deli, charcuterie, or luncheon meats, we have a selection of eastern European, central European and Italian cured meats. We also carry a range of pantry items to help you create your own marinades and rubs
Special Orders: In order to maintain our freshness, we encourage our customers, whenever possible, to place orders in advance.
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13
Amy’s Place Handmade
Step into Amy’s Place Handmade and your nose will thank you. If you love those great little shops where the senses go into overdrive on arrival, you’ll want to visit this one.
Amy’s Place has quickly become a lovely space in the Upper Beach where a plethora of artisanal objects, home decor and beautiful accessories can be found. Specializing in locally made and ethically produced soy candles, contained in re-purposed tea cups, vintage mason jars, and aged paper wrapped vessels – the philosophy we stand by is be good to the earth and ourselves and use readily found existing objects in business and creative pursuits. A little resourcefulness and imagination can go a long way.
FB: Amy’s Place Handmade, TW: @amysplacestore, IG: @amysplacehandmade
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Laurier Homes & Mutual Developments
1572 Kingston, Toronto, OntarioLaurier Homes & Mutual Developments is excited to announce an all-new boutique condominium residence in a spectacular neighbourhood setting. Combining all the convenience of a prime Toronto location with the charming atmosphere of a lakeside resort, Upper Beach Club brings a superior standard of lakefront living to discerning homebuyers who want to have it all. Overlooking the iconic Toronto Hunt Club and just moments from the Scarborough Bluffs and the crystal clear waters of Lake Ontario, there’s simply nowhere else in the city quite like this. Located on Kingston Road, Upper Beach Club puts you in the heart of one of Toronto’s most exciting neighbourhoods. With so many things to see and do in the neighbourhood, buyers will enjoy calling Upper Beach Club home.
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The Sweetest Things
928 Kingston, Toronto, OntarioThe Sweetest Things is one of the best kept secrets in the east end – hand-picked and hand-crafted, the range of vintage inspired decor and housewares is unmatched in the neighbourhood. The selection is always changing, with fabulous finds, decor accents, pillows, wall art, crafts, candles and so much more. The shop also specializes in refinishing furniture, lovingly restoring beauty and timelessness to formerly worn-down pieces. Commissions are also welcome, please call or come in to the store for a chat.
And, maybe the best part, don’t leave without some vintage-inspired candy or chocolate!
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Courage Foods
946 Kingston, Toronto, OntarioOpened May 2010, this owner-operated store offers fresh Ontario produce, fresh bakery and home-cooked meals to go. All baking and cooking is done right on the premises. Specialties include: sticky buns and fresh muffins, brownies, lemon squares and pies hearty soups, stews, chili and gumbo quiches, chicken pot pies, tourtiere and a really slow-cooked pulled pork. A menu for both the vegetarian and otherwise diet. Catering, gift baskets and gift certificates available.
FB: Courage Foods
