Ye olde East York centre (5.7 km)
Details
The centre of East York looks old compared to Riverdale just to the south. And not in a historic way. This neighbourhood is low-rise and lined with modest businesses on 3 main streets (Coxwell, Donlands, Pape). Food choices are rather lacklustre.
Thankfully, there are a few exceptions that we'll highlight in this hike. There are also some minor architectural marvels, like a circular library and a school house modelled from the 1890s.
For food, influences of Greektown stretch here with Greek bakeries, fast food, and a Macedonian restaurant. Surprises include one of the oldest Kenyan/Tanzanian-Indian restaurants in Toronto, where you can try ugali (corn meal mash) and mishkaki (meat skewers).
Highlights
- East York Civic Centre (depart 6:30pm)
- S Walter Stewart library / Cosburn Park Lawn Bowling Club
- Century School House
- East York Collegiate Institute
- Holy Cross Church
- Shawarma Frenzy (depart 7:25pm)
- California Restaurant / Phyllo Cafe / Masa Buka Greek Restaurant
- Westwood Middle School
- Cafe Serano
- William Burgess Elementary School
- RajKapuri Paan & Snacks / Simba Grill (arrive 8pm)
Neighbourhoods
East York Centre > Pape Village > Old East York
Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=131XOPvcXL3of5rwz0uEY73iqRmUgORM&usp=sharing
How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.
We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. See the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.
Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.
Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.
See our About section for more info.