Amelie CameronEveryone in Toronto knows that the Financial District is the beating heart of the city. This is where banking companies, corporate headquarters, insurance companies, and stockbrokers are located, which is why this area is densely populated.
But to me, it’s more than just the place where big moneymakers go. It’s also a shopping and dining paradise because the variety of shops and restaurants here is impressive. I already have my favourites, but to this day, I still keep finding new establishments to support!
If you’d like to explore the area, here’s everything you need to know, plus the best activities to do, shops, and restaurants to check out!
Where is the Financial District in Toronto?
Toronto’s Financial District is located downtown, specifically in an area dubbed Old Toronto. This specific neighbourhood is bordered by Yonge Street to the east, University Avenue to the west, Queen Street West to the north, and Front Street West to the south.
What is the main street of the Financial District?
In a way, Bay Street is the main street of the Financial District. It cuts through the neighbourhood lengthwise (roughly north to south), and it’s also where most public transportation stops and major business establishments are located.
That said, all the streets in the neighbourhood are busy and thriving in their own way.
How to Get to the Financial District
Public Transportation. All public transportation in the Financial District connects with Union Station, which is located at the south end of the neighbourhood. You can disembark there from the subway or bus. Or you can ride a bus to get to certain locations in the district.
By Car. There are many parking lots in the district. The most commonly used ones are the Green P Parking on 40 York Street and the one on Adelaide Place on 150 York Street. Keep in mind that these parking lots are paid, usually by the hour.
What to Do
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
From: thehockeyhalloffame
Address: 30 Yonge St, Brookfield Place
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14163607765
I may not be the biggest hockey fan, but even I have to admit the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit. One of the best museums in the city, it celebrates the history and legacy of hockey.
Seeing all the memorabilia on display makes me feel immense pride as if I were a player myself!
My favourite section is the one they call “Hockeypedia.” Essentially, it’s one big history lesson about the sport. As an outsider, I loved learning more about the NHL dynasties, how hockey has fared in the Olympic Winter Games, and—my personal fave—how women’s hockey started and its status right now.
If you’re a massive hockey fan, there are other parts that you’ll definitely be delighted to check out. For example, there’s a section with various silverware trophies, and of course, there’s a shop filled with all kinds of hockey-themed souvenirs.
Catch a show at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
From: sashaexeter
Address: 145 Queen St W
Contact Number: +14163638231
The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is a theatre made especially for the Canadian Opera Company (COC) and the National Ballet of Canada. If you’ve never watched a live opera or ballet, then this is your sign to fix that by coming here!
I watched a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream there, and I was enthralled! The set looked magical, and the performance was amazing.
There’s always something going on there, so I recommend checking the COC website, and if there’s a show that captures your attention, book your ticket immediately!
Browse local art at the Collision Gallery
From: collisiongallery
Address: 30 Wellington St W Unit G114, Workhaus Coworking and Office Space
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday—12 pm to 6 pm
Collision Gallery is one of my most recent discoveries, and already, it’s made its way to my list of favourite places to visit in the Financial District. It’s one of the many local art galleries that uplift local artists.
As a self-proclaimed art enthusiast, of course, I’m going to love this place!
The lineup of exhibitions always changes there, which makes things more exciting. One of my favourites is Guided Distractions, which was an experimental installation that made use of alternative materials and techniques in addressing various city-building issues. I’m no architect, but that exhibition fascinated me all the same.
Support Indigenous works at the Toronto Dominion Gallery of Inuit Art
From: heritagetoronto
Address: 79 Wellington St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 4 pm
Most people know Toronto Dominion as a renowned bank, but did you know that they also have an art gallery? Well, now, you do!
The main reason I love this gallery is that it features Inuit art, which is something that we need to see more of. Plus, the collection also has works by marginalized artists that explore complex issues like race, gender, identity, and diaspora.
There are many pieces that I love there, but one of the highlights is Edge of a Moment, a Giclée pigment print that depicts the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta. This piece blends history and personal identity in such a beautiful way that I still think about it.
Where to Eat
King Taps First Canadian Place
From: kingtaps
Address: 100 King St W, First Canadian Place
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473612025
King Taps is one of the best local places to go with friends, so I’m happy to learn it has an outlet in the Financial District. Now, if I go shopping with friends, I just know where to go afterwards!
I’m obsessed with their peri peri chicken, their own take on the classic Portuguese dish. The chicken itself is savoury and spicy, the kind of spicy that tickles your tastebuds instead of setting them on fire, and the Mexican rice is aromatic, earthy, and buttery.
Don’t miss out on their cocktails as well. I recommend Moonwalker, which combines the bittersweet flavours of coffee and chocolate and the strong punch of the vodka.
Lucie
From: restaurantlucie
Address: 100 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—4 pm to 9 pm
- Thursday and Friday—4 pm to 9:30 pm
- Saturday—5 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167889054
There are only a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants in Toronto, and fortunately, one is located in the district. This restaurant, Lucie, doesn’t just serve amazing food; they also provide a memorable experience, which is why they always have a long line of people wanting to get in.
I’ve only come here once, and it was probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. I felt like I was dining with royalty, what with the luxurious ambience and the beautifully plated dishes.
The menu here is prix fixe, so you’ll be able to enjoy multiple courses. We tried the L’Experience Pithivier, and the standout dish for me was the titular Le Pithivier, aka French-style beef wellington. It was incredibly rich and savoury; I don’t think my words could ever do it justice.
JOEY King Street
From: joeyrestaurants
Address: 20 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—11 am to 1 am
- Wednesday and Thursday—11 am to 2 am
- Friday—11 am to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16476785639
The menu at JOEY draws inspiration from various cuisines all over the world, so dining here feels like you’re taking a global adventure. The vibe there is also chill, making it perfect for casual hangouts with loved ones.
I love their lobster spaghetti. The sauce is buttery and tangy, with a hint of acidity from the cherry tomatoes, and that flavour profile pairs really well with the mellow sweetness of the lobster pieces and prawns.
Cafe Landwer
From: cafelandwercanada
Address: 165 University Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7:30 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477481165
If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, then I have a recommendation for you: Cafe Landwer. This place has a vibe of an old-school diner, which is part of the reason why I love coming here.
I’m obsessed with their Mediterranean shakshuka. The tomato sauce has a wonderful jammy consistency, and its flavour profile is savoury and tangy. This dish comes with poached eggs and feta cheese as well, so you can also taste rich and salty flavours with every spoonful.
The Rabbit Hole
From: therabbithole.to
Address: 21 Adelaide St W, Scotia Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—4:30 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16474806963
I love going to a pub after a long day at work, and one of my favourites I’ve ever visited is The Rabbit Hole.
The fish and chips is a classic option, and this place nails it! I love how crispy and flaky the fish (haddock) is. As for the fries, they’re thick and salty and taste even better when dipped into the tangy tartar sauce.
LOUIX LOUIS
From: louixlouis
Address: 325 Bay St., The St. Regis Toronto
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14166375550
Boasting an air of imposing grandeur, LOUIX LOUIS is the restaurant to go for romantic dates or elegant celebrations. It’s also located atop St. Regis Toronto, so you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the city while dining.
I love coming here for dinner because the view outside gets even more beautiful (the lights from the other buildings make the cityscape look like it’s twinkling).
I recommend getting the Cowboy Steak. At 16 oz, this steak is massive, making it perfect for sharing!
It also tastes divine—so rich and savoury, and the herbed butter makes it even more delectable. If you want the steak to have a slightly tangy kick, add several spoonfuls of the in-house chimichurri.
Canoe
From: canoerestaurant
Address: 66 Wellington St W, 54th floor, Toronto Dominion Centre
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—11:45 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163640054
Canoe is another great place to go if you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the city because this restaurant is located on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Centre. The atmosphere here is also romantic, making it a perfect spot for couples on a date.
Their Brome Lake Duck keeps haunting my dreams because it’s so good! The duck is slow-cooked, so its meat is tender and juicy. It also tastes sweet, thanks to its glaze and the poached pear it comes with.
Sud Forno
From: terroni.to
Address: 132 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—8 am to 9 pm
- Friday—8 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169551100
If you’re a big fan of Italian cuisine (who isn’t?), then Sud Forno should be on your itinerary!
You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. My current favourite is Cavatelli Al Frutti di Mare, which is loaded with all the best seafood, such as calamari, mussels, shrimp, salmon, and clams. The sauce tastes garlicky and tangy, complementing the subtle sweetness of the seafood well.
Richmond Station
From: richmondstation
Address: 1 Richmond St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—3:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +16477481444
Richmond Station is a popular spot among people who work in the district because it’s conveniently located. Plus, the food is amazing, so all the more reason to come here.
Their burger is my favourite thing to get here because it’s so delicious and filling. The patty is made with pasture-raised beef, so its flavour is—well, for lack of a better word—extra beefy and rich.
It’s paired with aged cheddar and beet chutney, so you can also taste salty and sweet notes with every bite. This flavour combination works well together!
Black+Blue
From: bandbsteak
Address: 130 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473688283
Are you a steak fan? If yes, then you have to check out Black+Blue!
Steak frites is one of their best sellers here, and it’s also my go-to order. The steak is a 10-oz Canadian prime striploin, so it’s extra juicy and tender, and it comes with red wine jus that adds bittersweet notes to every bite. Meanwhile, the fries are perfectly salty and earthy, thanks to the truffle aioli.
Their beef Wellington is also noteworthy. The earthiness of the mushroom duxelles complements the beef’s rich savoriness and the slight sweetness of the pommes purée.
Where to Shop
First Canadian Place
From: hiromitango
Address: 100 King St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday
Contact Number: +14168628138
First Canadian Place is one of the most popular skyscrapers in the Financial District. This 298-meter-tall building mostly has offices for banks, firms, and broadcasters, but it also has a shopping mall section. So, feel free to come here and shop till you drop!
I love coming here for their accessory and jewelry shops; one of my current favourites is Maison Birks. This shop specializes in fine jewelry and luxury timepieces, and they’re all so gorgeous.
I recently bought a Birks Pebble here; it’s a gold drop necklace with pure freshwater pearls. This trinket is not cheap, but I didn’t regret the purchase. I love how it seems to shine in the light, and it makes any outfit I wear look even better.
Roots
From: roots
Address: 181 Bay St. Unit S 112, Brookfield Place
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14163640582
If comfortable clothing is what you’re looking for, then you can’t go wrong with Roots. This is where I go when I need a baggy hoodie or a loose-fitting shirt, and so far, this popular clothing brand hasn’t disappointed me yet.
Their clothes here are pretty simple; just a hoodie, crewneck, or shirt with a word, logo, or statement plastered in front. But it’s not the appearance that made a big fan; instead, it’s what the clothes are made of.
They’re made of organic cotton fibres (sometimes, with a mix of recycled polyester fleece), so they feel drapey and soft. Wearing their apparel feels like being enveloped in a warm hug.
New Balance Toronto
From: newbalance
Address: The Exchange Tower, 130 King St W, Concourse Level
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14163069992
Your outfit isn’t complete without footwear, and if you don’t have a good pair of shoes, then you have to stop by the New Balance outlet in the Financial District.
What makes New Balance stand out from other shoe stores is the fact that they use a 3D foot scanner to ensure that you’ll get the perfect fit for you. I really like that feature because I’m very picky with my shoes; if I feel that they’re the slightest bit tight, I instantly hate them.
Most of their shoes here come in basic colours, though—that’s the only complaint I have with this shop. I hope in the future they’ll come with pretty pastels or vibrant, almost neon-like hues because I want my shoe rack to be colourful.
Where to Stay
The Union Hotel
From: unionhotelto
Address: 60 York St
Contact Number: +14163633321
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a hotel in a convenient location, then The Union Hotel is the perfect choice. This 4-star hotel is centrally situated in the district, putting it near Union Station and other prominent establishments.
I also really love how stylish and modern the rooms are here. They have bright colours that never fail to lift my spirits, and they also come equipped with premium-quality furniture. No matter what type of room you book, you can expect to find a flat-screen television and complimentary high-speed internet.
You’ll also have access to a fitness center if you want to work out and an outdoor gathering space if you just want to relax for the moment.
Fairmont Royal York
Please embed this: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ-8pZoKSMm/
From: fairmonthotels
Address: 100 Front St W
Contact Number: +14163682511
Pricing: $$$
Fairmont Royal York already looks like a massive palace, so it’s not a surprise that staying here does make you feel like you’re some prince or princess.
All the rooms here look so elegant—even the “cheapest” options. They all have gorgeous art deco accents and high-end furniture like sumptuous beds with the softest sheets and blankets. If you go for the suites, you can even have a separate living room.
Aside from the amazing rooms, Fairmont Royal York has other exciting facilities that look just as fancy. The indoor pool comes with a glass ceiling, so you can see the sky while swimming, and the gym is equipped with the best workout tools and machines.
Hilton Toronto
From: finding.jules
Address: 145 Richmond St W
Contact Number: +14168693456
Pricing: $$
Hilton is a hotel chain that needs no introduction, and the one in Toronto’s Financial District lives up to the name. I really like that the hotel is located near the CN Tower, so if you’re lucky, you can have a great view of this iconic tower from your room.
All the rooms are great here, but personally, I prefer booking the executive rooms, especially when I’m with my family. The executive options are pretty big, and they have connecting rooms.
The furnishings are extra fine as well; the beds come with 250-thread-count sheets and 50-inch HDTVs.
The list of amenities is impressive. I’m personally stoked to see that Hilton has both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.
The St. Regis Toronto
From: stregistoronto
Address: 325 Bay St.
Contact Number: +14163065800
Pricing: $$$
I’ve only been to the St. Regis Toronto once, but that was enough for me to wish that I permanently lived in one of the suites. The suites are roomy and equipped with high-end amenities like a flat-screen TV (or two) and even a fireplace. Plus, they have a sleek, modern look that’s pleasing to the eye.
The greatness of this hotel doesn’t just stop there. It also has amazing facilities like a luxury spa, where I booked a relaxing massage session. After that session, I truly felt like I was a new person, ready to take on the world.
Hotel Victoria
From: hotelvictoriato
Address: 56 Yonge St
Contact Number: +14163631666
Pricing: $$
Of the hotels I’m recommending, Hotel Victoria is technically the cheapest option, but don’t be fooled by that. The rooms and services here are just as outstanding as those of the other, more luxurious hotels.
The interior design of the rooms here marries timeless elegance and the vibrancy of modern art. You can also expect your guestroom to be well-furnished with amenities like a 50-inch LCD TV, air conditioning, and high-speed internet. All rooms are even pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you!
