Weston to Little Mogadishu (11.7 km)
Details
Always wanted to explore Rexdale but afraid to do so? This hike will take you around the best food spots of the Somali community there. It starts at the charming village of Weston, a surprising contrast to the suburbia around it. It was once an actual village that has since been absorbed into Toronto. Traces of its heritage lives on in murals and historic buildings.
Early Somali immigrants to Toronto settled around Dixon and Kipling, drawn by cheap property and airport jobs. Today, Dixon Road is known as Little Mogadishu. To be honest, you wouldn't know it because it's a sprawling, featureless suburb. It suffers from the same urban planning mistakes as Jane and Finch. This part of the hike involves slogging through a lot of bland scenery. However, there are some notable buildings and restaurants to punctuate the trip.
Speaking about food, there are some one-of-a-kind places, like Toronto's only Dutch supermarket and a Bahamian restaurant that gained fame in the last few years. We'll end the hike at one of the most established Somali restaurants in Toronto. Get your fix of suqaar (stir-fried meat) and Somali spaghetti.
Highlights
- Weston GO Station (depart 1:30pm)
- Multicultural murals in Weston Village
- El Almacen Yerba Mate Cafe / ZEAL Burgers / P&M Restaurant
- Weston sign / UrbanArts Weston
- Memorial Park
- Weston Library and other historic buildings
- Old Nassau Authentic Bahamian Cuisine
- Cruickshank Park (depart 2:10pm)
- Holland Store
- Thistletown Lions Club
- Rexdale Mall (depart 3:20pm)
- Hamdi Restaurant / Taudo's
- Mushkaki
- Salaama Hut (depart 3:55pm)
- Briarcrest Estate
- Istar Restaurant (arrive 4:45pm)
Neighbourhoods
Weston > The Elms > Rexdale > Kingsview Village
Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1TCRXrluMVJOrouwpGwoNWHt4Y5S-4H8&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.