Amelie CameronI’ve always liked how Don Mills has its own rhythm. Whenever I’m there, I find myself slowing down in the parks and green spaces, just taking in the trees and open air.
The streets are full of variety, with older homes that have real character sitting right alongside newer places that bring a fresh look. This was Canada’s first planned community, so there’s a sense of order and purpose in how everything fits together.
There’s history in the way it’s laid out, but it still feels modern and full of life. I put together a guide so you can see what I see and find your own favourite spots in Don Mills!
Where is Don Mills?
Don Mills is a neighbourhood in the North York district of Toronto. It sits between York Mills Road to the north, the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to the south, the Don Valley Parkway to the east, and Leslie Street to the west.
What is the main street in Don Mills?
The main street running through Don Mills is Don Mills Road. It cuts right through the neighbourhood from north to south, connecting it to major routes like York Mills Road at the top and Eglinton Avenue at the bottom.
Many of the area’s key spots, like shops, local parks, and community hubs, are just off this road, making it the backbone of the neighbourhood.
How to Get to Don Mills
By Bus: You can reach Don Mills by hopping on bus routes like the 25 Don Mills, 925 Don Mills Express, 54 Lawrence East, 100 Flemingdon Park, or 162 Lawrence-Donway. Your bus stop will be the Don Mills Station Bus Terminal.
By Train: The easiest subway access is via Don Mills Station on Line 4 Sheppard, which links to Line 1 at Sheppard-Yonge. If you’re coming in on GO Transit, Oriole Station on the Richmond Hill line is the closest and just a short bus or taxi ride away.
By Taxi: In Toronto, the starting fare is about $4.25, with roughly $1.75 added for every kilometre. Many visitors get dropped off at Shops at Don Mills, Edwards Gardens, or the Aga Khan Museum.
By Car: Drivers will find plenty of parking nearby. CF Shops at Don Mills offers both surface and underground spaces, Edwards Gardens has its own lot, and the Aga Khan Museum provides paid parking on site.
What to Do and See in Don Mills
Appreciate Islamic art at the Aga Khan Museum
Photo credit: agakhanmuseum
Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org/
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York
Contact details: +1 416-646-4677
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (TUES, THURS, FRI, SAT, and SUN)
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (WED)
Price:
Adult – $20
Senior (65+) – $15
Student – $12
Child (6-13) – $10
I’ve been to the Aga Khan Museum a few times now, and every visit leaves me with something new to think about. Located beside the Don Valley Pkwy, the building itself is a work of art and was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki.
This museum is dedicated to showcasing Islamic art and was built around a collection started in the 1950s by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. Inside, you’ll find centuries-old manuscripts, intricate ceramics, delicate textiles, and more.
One of the moments that has stayed with me was seeing a page from the Blue Qur’an. The deep indigo parchment and gold Kufic script were quite a sight to see and made me appreciate the amazing skill that went into creating these manuscripts.
Admire the awe-inspiring architecture of the Ismaili Centre
Photo credit: ismailicentretoronto
Website: https://the.ismaili/ca/en/spaces/ismaili-centre-toronto/visit-us
Address: 49 Wynford Dr
Contact details: +1 416-646-6965
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
After your visit to the Aga Khan Museum, don’t forget to stop by the nearby Ismaili Centre. It serves as a place of worship for the city’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community and is also a common venue for most of Don Mills’ local events and celebrations.
They offer free guided tours, and I had the chance to join one during a quiet afternoon. That’s where I learned that the glass roof was inspired by traditional Islamic domes, and it has a subtle line of clear glass pointing east toward Mecca.
We were shown the prayer hall, meeting rooms, and areas used for community gatherings. After the tour, I spent some time in the surrounding gardens, which were a good spot to sit and take in the Ismaili Centre’s beautiful architecture.
Stroll in the Toronto Botanical Garden
Photo credit: tbg_canada
Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E
Contact details: +1 416-397-1341
Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SUN)
To say that I like plants is an understatement, as I’m a regular visitor to the Toronto Botanical Garden. Nestled beside Edwards Gardens, it may not be large, but it’s definitely full of character and variety.
The grounds are made up of 17 themed gardens, each with its own personality. One of my favourites is the Woodland Walk, which is planted with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that reflect the natural landscapes of southern Ontario.
I’m also fond of the Perennial Borders, which burst into a riot of colour during the summer months. Furthermore, there are water features, green roofs, and even a spiral mound that offers a lovely view over the grounds.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Edwards Gardens
Photo credit: slankster_g
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York
Contact details: +1 416-392-8188
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Before continuing on your exploration of Don Mills, I recommend making a quick stop at Edwards Gardens. It’s like a “dessert” after your visit to the botanical garden, with more greenery that will help you relax.
Although the park is a pleasure to visit all year round, I find spring or summer to be the best time. In spring, the flowerbeds come alive with tulips and daffodils, while summer brings roses, perennials, and coneflowers.
Another spot I enjoy here is the rock garden, with its carefully placed stones and flowing water that make it feel like something out of a movie. If I visit during lunch, I often sit on one of the benches and enjoy a takeout meal in silence.
Browse art & artifacts at the Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre
Photo credit: japanesecanadianculturalcentre
Website: https://jccc.on.ca/
Address: 6 Sakura Way
Contact details: +1 416-441-2345
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
If you’re fond of Japanese culture, then you’ll probably want to make a quick visit to the Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre. Built in 1963, this place is all about preserving and sharing Japanese culture with the people of Ontario.
There is a lot of stuff to see here, including the Moriyama Nikkei Heritage Centre. It’s a museum within the complex where over 10,000 art pieces and artifacts are stored, including a special exhibition dedicated to the Japanese immigrants of Canada.
By the way, the centre also features events on a regular basis, like martial arts demonstrations and Japanese film festivals. There are also a couple of sakura trees planted outside, which are a delight to see whenever spring comes around.
Explore the Don Mills Trail
Photo credit: angcerpa
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/
Address: 813 Lawrence Ave E
With how scenic Don Mills can be, it would be a missed opportunity not to walk along the Don Mills Trail. It’s a short but memorable path that follows the old roadbed of the Leaside Spur, a former railway line of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The trail runs from York Mills Road down toward Eglinton Avenue East, passing through a mix of residential areas, pockets of industrial land, and tree-lined stretches that feel far removed from the city.
At some intersections, there are ornamental circles in the pavement, and a few even have embedded rails as a quiet reminder of its railway past. You can also cycle here, but it’s best to keep a finger ready on the bell for the safety of fellow visitors.
Where to Eat and Drink in Don Mills
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar
Photo credit: scaddabush
Website: https://scaddabush.com/?locationId=855
Address: 67 O’Neill Rd
Contact details: +1 647-254-1790
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (SUN-WED)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (THURS-SAT)
For lunchtime, enjoying a couple of classic Italian dishes is usually the way to go. That’s why whenever I’m in Don Mills, I usually stop by Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar on O’Neill Road.
Their menu is filled with many popular Italian dishes, including fresh pastas, hand-stretched pizzas, and desserts like tiramisu and zeppole. They also offer a decent selection of red and white wines to complement their meals.
One of my favourite dishes here is their signature meatball. Served in a cast-iron skillet, the meatball is massive, tender, and topped with fresh ricotta and served with warm focaccia. Paired with chardonnay, it’s pure comfort food!
Añejo Restaurant
Photo credit: anejorestaurant
Website: https://www.anejo.ca/en/locations/on/toronto/7-marie-labatte-road
Address: 7 Marie Labatte Rd
Contact details: +1 647-368-7170
Operating hours:
11:30 AM – 12:00 AM (SUN-THURS)
11:30 AM – 1:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
If Mexican is more your style, then Añejo Restaurant is the one I’d recommend. Located at the CF Shops at Don Mills, it offers authentic Mexican flavours with one of the most impressive tequila selections in Toronto, offering over two hundred varieties!
I’ve eaten here a couple of times, and I can confidently say their Quesabirria taco is my favourite. It has a blend of bold and comforting flavours thanks to its delightful mix of braised beef, melted Oaxaca cheese, and pickled onions.
Aside from good food, the atmosphere is another key reason why I say this restaurant is a must-visit while in Don Mills. The interior is vibrant and roomy, and there’s also a patio if you prefer alfresco dining.
JOEY Don Mills
Photo credit: clukinggoodfood
Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-don-mills#
Address: 75 O’Neill Rd, 1090 Don Mills Rd., North York
Contact details: +1 416-445-6391
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
For those who prefer a bit of everything, JOEY might be the better choice compared to the two I mentioned earlier. Also located at CF Shops at Don Mills, this one has a concept blending upscale casual dining with a globally inspired menu.
To give you a rough idea of what to expect here, their menu features various dishes, like Korean fried cauliflower, ravioli bianco, and Japanese gyoza. They also serve desserts like doughnuts and pies for those with a sweet tooth.
Personally, I find their ravioli bianco to be their best dish. It pairs slices of grilled sirloin with prawn-stuffed ravioli, crispy onions, and a rich truffle beurre blanc sauce. It’s indulgent without being heavy, perfect for a quick meal before leaving Don Mills.
Where to Shop in Don Mills
CF Shops at Don Mills
Photo credit: cfshopsdonmills
Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-shops-at-don-mills
Address: 1090 Don Mills Road
Contact details: +1 416-447-6087
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SAT)
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (SUN)
One of the prime shopping centres to check out during your visit to Don Mills is CF Shops. I often visit whenever I’m in the area since it follows an open-air layout that gives it a small urban village vibe rather than a traditional mall.
Because of this, I often find myself casually strolling along the pedestrian-friendly streets to do some window shopping. Once my legs grow tired, I like to sit by the fountain to relax and watch people pass by.
I also stop by the local McEwan Fine Foods branch whenever I want to pick up something a little special for dinner. The variety of gourmet items there is impressive, and it’s a nice change from the usual grocery run.
Dollarama
Photo credit: dollaramaontario
Website: https://www.dollarama.com/en-CA/locations/on/toronto-3030-don-mills-rd
Address: Peanut Plaza, 3030 Don Mills Road
Contact details: +1 888-365-4266
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SAT)
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SUN)
If you’re looking for a decent souvenir to remind you of your visit to Don Mills but aren’t willing to splurge, Dollarama might be what you need. This dollar store has a wide range of items in stock, like stationery, snacks, and kitchenware.
Even though the products here are cheap, I find most of them to be quite durable. I bought a couple of mason jars here before the COVID lockdowns, and I still use them as drinking glasses.
They also sell seasonal decor, especially when the holidays come around. If you happen to visit during winter, don’t forget to pick up one of their cute decorations so you can have a quick and inexpensive gift for Christmas.
Oomomo
Photo credit: oomomo_bc
Website: https://www.oomomostore.com/
Address: 896 Don Mills Road
Contact details: +1 416-391-2781
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON-THURS)
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (FRI-SUN)
Another store that’s worth a visit while you’re in Don Mills is Oomomo. It opened in 2018 and features thousands of products imported directly from Japan, including a large selection from the popular Daiso brand.
One of the things I like most is the variety. You can find Japanese kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, craft supplies, home goods, and snacks all under one roof.
They also have plenty of anime figurines made by Good Smile Company. As someone who’s been binging on Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer, it’s nice that there’s a place where I can score some great figurines at decent prices.
Where to Stay in Don Mills
Pan Pacific Toronto
Photo credit: panpacifictoronto
Website: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-toronto.html
Address: 900 York Mills Rd, North York
Contact details: +1 416-444-2511
Check in: 3:00 PM
Check out: 11:00 AM
Price ($ for $199 and below, $$ for $200–$300, and $$$ for $300 and up): $
Pan Pacific Toronto is one of the better places you can stay in while you’re visiting Don Mills. They’ve held a CAA and AAA Four Diamond rating for over 40 years, so it’s safe to assume they maintain high standards.
A friend of mine stayed here last year, and he told me the room he got was spacious and quiet. It even had a terrace view where he had the chance to relax and admire the sweeping views over Don Mills.
When I asked him about the amenities, I learned that Pan Pacific has tennis courts and a well-equipped fitness centre. Of course, there’s also the usual seasonal outdoor pool, which he unfortunately hadn’t had the chance to try since it was winter.
Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites
Photo credit: torontodvhotel
Website: https://www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com/
Address: 175 Wynford Dr, North York
Contact details: +1 416-449-4111
Check in: 3:00 PM
Check out: 12:00 PM
Price: $
For my exploration of Don Mills, I’ve decided to stay a night at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites. My house is quite far from the neighbourhood, so this hotel served as my convenient base while I gathered information for writing this piece.
One thing I especially liked about this hotel is its location. It sits along Wynford Drive, just a short drive from the CF Shops at Don Mills and other neighbourhood highlights. The rooms are also quite spacious, so I had a good night’s rest here.
As for the amenities, they have both an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, so you can go for a swim at any time of the year. There’s also a fitness centre, a sauna, and a restaurant and bar, so almost everything you need is already here.
FAQs about Don Mills
Is Don Mills a good place to live?
Yes, Don Mills is considered one of Toronto’s better places to live, offering a well-planned mix of residential streets, green spaces, and convenient amenities. Its location also provides quick access to major highways and reliable public transit.
The main drawback is the cost of housing, which can be high, and traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Still, for those who value a balance of urban convenience and a quieter, suburban atmosphere, Don Mills remains a strong choice.
What is the best way to get around Don Mills?
The best way to get around Don Mills is by combining walking with public transit. The neighbourhood was designed with pedestrian-friendly streets and plenty of pathways, so walking works well for short trips between shops, parks, and community spots.
How long would it take to fully explore Don Mills?
It would probably take you a full day if you plan to explore only the main highlights of Don Mills, such as Edwards Gardens, the Aga Khan Museum, and the Toronto Botanical Garden.
If you prefer checking out the shops and restaurants as well, it might be better to set aside a weekend so you can experience more of the neighbourhood’s character without feeling rushed.
What is the history of Don Mills?
Don Mills began as farmland and mill sites in the early 1800s, remaining rural until the 1950s when industrialist E. P. Taylor and planner Macklin Hancock transformed it into Canada’s first planned “New Town.”
Designed with separate zones, green spaces, and pedestrian paths, it became a model for suburban development and still reflects that vision today.
