Danforth & Riverdale Travel Guide

Greektown energy, green space and a local dining scene along Danforth Avenue.

• Best for: Food-focused stays and local nightlife
• Vibe: Lively, community-minded and family friendly by day
• Nearest station: Broadview / Pape (TTC Line 2)
• Price level: $$
• To the main sights: About 25-35 minutes to downtown by subway
• Safety: Generally safe; stay cautious late-night around busy bars

Great for:

• Food explorers
• Couples seeking relaxed nightlife
• Visitors who want parks and city views
• Budget-conscious travellers

Maybe skip it if:

• You want high-end hotels and Michelin dining
• You need a major luxury shopping district
• You dislike nightlife noise

The neighbourhood runs along Danforth Avenue from Broadview to Greenwood, with Riverdale Park and its skyline viewpoint to the north. Key north-south streets are Broadview Avenue and Pape Avenue. TTC Line 2 - the Bloor-Danforth subway - serves Broadview, Chester, Pape, Donlands and Greenwood stations along the strip.

• Festival timing: Visit in August for the Taste of the Danforth street festival.
• Transit card: Carry a Presto card for seamless TTC travel and transfers.
• Riverdale viewpoint: Go to Riverdale Park at sunset for excellent skyline views.
• Evening noise: Expect lively street noise late at night near busy bars.
• Cash and card: Most places accept cards, but small bakeries may prefer cash.

• Greektown on the Danforth: Eat at long-standing Greek tavernas and bakeries and browse speciality food shops along Danforth Avenue.
• Riverdale Park: Walk the ridge for a wide Toronto skyline view, use the sports fields, or picnic on the grass.
• Danforth Music Hall: Catch live music or comedy at this historic venue on Danforth Avenue.
• Independent shopping: Stroll Danforth between Broadview and Pape to find boutiques, bakeries and speciality grocers.

• Toronto Pearson (YYZ): Public transport - Take the UP Express to Union Station, then TTC subway Line 1 to Bloor-Yonge and transfer to Line 2 east to Broadview/Pape; allow 60-80 minutes, fares depend on operators. Taxi/ride-hail - direct taxis take around 35-60 minutes depending on traffic; expect a higher fare than inner-city trips.
• Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ): Public transport - Use the pedestrian tunnel or shuttle to the downtown ferry terminal, then TTC subway from Union to Bloor-Yonge and Line 2 east to Broadview/Pape; allow 30-45 minutes. Taxi/ride-hail - about 20-35 minutes to Danforth area, fares are lower than from Pearson.
• From the main sights: Public transport - From Union/CN Tower take Line 1 to Bloor-Yonge then Line 2 east to Broadview or Pape, around 25-35 minutes. Taxi/ride-hail - typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

• Subway: TTC Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) is the fastest way along the Danforth - use Broadview, Chester, Pape, Donlands or Greenwood stops.
• On foot and bike: The area is compact and very walkable; Riverdale Park and the Danforth strip are easy to cycle between.
• Buses and taxis: Local buses fill in gaps and taxis / ride-hail are plentiful for late nights; carry a Presto card for transfers.

Accommodation around Danforth & Riverdale tends to be budget to mid-range rather than luxury. Expect independent guesthouses or hostels and small B-and-Bs close to Broadview and Pape stations. Central locations put you a short walk from restaurants, parks and the subway.

Budget

• Dream Catcher Travel House: Guest house a short ride from the Danforth food strip; budget-friendly and community-style lodging.
• The Only Backpacker’s Inn: Hostel accommodation popular with budget travellers; simple rooms and easy access to TTC Line 2.

Danforth & Riverdale is best known for Greek cuisine along Danforth Avenue, but the strip also offers cafés, ramen shops and international eats. Most restaurants are casual to mid-price - head to Danforth between Broadview and Pape for the densest concentration. Cafés open early and are good for weekend brunches.

• Mezes: Greek restaurant - $$.
• Estiatorio Soulas: Greek restaurant - $$.
• The Friendly Greek: Greek restaurant - $$.
• Kalyvia: Greek restaurant - $$.
• Trinacria: Cafe - coffee and light treats - $.
• Ramen Buta-Nibo: Japanese ramen - $$.
• SUPERNOVA Coffee: Cafe - specialty coffee - $.
• Riverdale Perk Cafe: Cafe - neighbourhood coffee shop and light bites - $.

Nightlife here is local and lively - think crowded taverns, beer bars and cosy pubs rather than big nightclubs. Most action centres on the blocks around Broadview and along Danforth; bars tend to stay busy from early evening into the late night. Expect casual prices and a friendly crowd.

• The Auld Spot Pub: Pub - neighbourhood favourite with a lively atmosphere - $$.
• The Fox & Fiddle: Pub chain location popular with local crowds - $$.
• The Ballyhoo Public House: Pub - casual spot for drinks and sport on TV - $.
• Black Swan Tavern: Bar - live music and regular events - $$.
• Allen’s: Pub - traditional pub atmosphere and pints - $$.
• Sidebar: Bar - small bar for drinks and conversation - $$.

Shopping is a mix of independent boutiques and everyday retail - find speciality grocers, bakeries and clothing shops along Danforth, with a few larger stores and a mall a short ride away. Weekdays are good for browsing; weekends get busier with locals and visitors.

• Gerrard Square: Small neighbourhood mall with a food court and shops; a short TTC ride or a 15-20 minute walk.
• Evergreen Garden Market: Marketplace for plants, home goods and seasonal items; accessible by a short ride.
• Winners: Department store for discounted brand items; reachable by local transit.
• Walmart: Large department-store selection for practical shopping needs; best reached by short transit ride.