The Vibe
Known as one of the most diverse and accepting cities in the country, Toronto even has an enclave that has developed into a LGBT friendly neighbourhood. Church and Wellesley, known as The Village or the Gaybourhood, sits between Bloor and Gerrard north-south and Yonge and Jarvis east-west.
The Homes
The housing is rich in traditional Victorian style homes and apartment complexes with a blend of modern condominiums that have popped up over the past few decades. Buyers can still get into the village real estate for under $500,000.
Who Lives Here?
The neighbourhood is full of restaurants, shops, community centres, bars, greenspaces and local hot spots, often geared at accommodating the LGBT population, while providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all those who visit and become part of the community.
What's There To Do?
Popular restaurants include Carman’s Steakhouse on Alexander—celebrating over five decades in its Tudor style locale, Get Melted—the upscale grilled cheese house on Church and the trendy O.NOIR dine in the dark experience developed to enhance your senses! The local bar scene is known for Zipperz and Woody’s (catering primarily to the gay crowd) and the Churchmouse & Firkin and O’Grady’s featuring traditional pub fare—to name but a few!
This vibrant community has a range of festivals and cultural events open to everyone, most notably Pride Week (the last weekend in June) which celebrates diversity with costumes, marches, and the famous parade that hits the street with colourful celebration!
If you’re looking for green space, the village has the Greenspace on Church featuring a 4-day music festival, outdoor film screenings, and cultural events, Cawthra Square Park on Church, Norman Jewison and George Hislops Parks both on Isabella.
What About Commuting?
Transportation is readily accessible with Wellesley subway station offering transit on the Yonge-University-Spadina line, while the Bloor-Danforth line stops are just a short walk away! Buses and streetcars service the area along Sherbourne, Wellesley, Yonge, Carlton, and Jarvis.
