Dylan YoungMoss Park is exactly what you would expect from a neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto. The area is bustling with energy.
Although underrated, this neighbourhood is also not lacking when it comes to attractions. For one thing, you can find the iconic Allan Gardens here, and as for trendy restaurants and boutique shops? Well, the streets are lined with them, so take your pick!
While the area does suffer from a bit of notoriety, it does have its charm. If you want a closer look at the real Toronto, start exploring with this guide to Moss Park!
Where is Moss Park in Toronto?
Moss Park is located in downtown Toronto. The neighbourhood is shaped like an L, and its boundaries are Carlton Street to the north, Jarvis Street to the west, Front Street East and Eastern Avenue to the south, and Parliament Street to the east.
What is the main street of Moss Park?
Queen Street East is the main street of Moss Park. It runs crosswise and houses most of the area’s most popular commercial establishments
Sherbourne Street is another major street. This one connects the neighbourhood’s north and south parts, and it’s along this street where you can find the major public parks like the Allan Gardens and Moss Park.
How to Get to Moss Park
By Bus. Take any of the following bus services: 121, 19, 75, 97C, and 65. These buses have several stops within the neighbourhood.
By Subway. Union Station is the nearest subway station to Moss Park. You can take the Line 1 subway, alight at Union Station, and from there, take the Line 504 tram.
By Streetcar. Other trams that service the neighbourhood are Lines 504 and 505.
By Car. There are many parking spaces in the neighbourhood. Street parking is available on 106 Shuter Street and 111 Seaton Street.
If these areas are filled up, you can go to the parking facility at 60 Shuter Street; at C$5 for two hours, this facility has one of the cheapest rates in the area.
What to Do
Enjoy a stroll in Moss Park
From: no.worriess.if.not
Address: 150 Sherbourne St
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
In the mood for a relaxing time? Head to the neighbourhood’s public park of the same name! This 3.4-hectare park doesn’t seem like much, but it actually has a ton of amenities for everyone to enjoy.
Personally, I love checking out the community garden because it’s fun seeing all the plants in bloom, but sometimes, I’m down to playing baseball with my friends on the green.
There’s also a splash pad and a wading pool here, which are perfect for the summer months.
See all the plants in Allan Gardens
Address: 160 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163927288
In my opinion, visiting Allan Gardens is a must if you’re in Moss Park. This urban park is a historical landmark and a haven for all things botany and horticulture!
The conservatory is the star of the show. Here, you can find several greenhouses, each housing a specific kind of plant. My personal favourite is the Southwest House because it’s home to all kinds of orchids and bromeliads. The whole place bursts with colour!
Catch a show at Canadian Stage
From: shaileechoxi
Address: 26 Berkeley St
Contact Number: +14163683110
Canadian Stage is one of my favourite recent discoveries because I’ve recently gotten into theatre arts, and this theatre company has been delivering so many amazing shows!
The lineup changes every year, but you can expect a mixture of original plays by local playwrights and directors and adaptations of classic plays like those written by Shakespeare.
They even have “subscription series” shows, which you can stream live. It’s an interesting take on theatrical storytelling, and I’m here for it!
Test your wits with illusions at the Museum of Illusions Toronto
From: museumofillusions.toronto
Address: 132 Front St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14168892285
Do you think you have what it takes to see illusions as they are? If so, you might want to put your mental skills to the test by visiting the Museum of Illusions Toronto!
Stepping into any of the illusion rooms is such a trippy experience. The standout for me is the Reversed Room, which tricks your brain into thinking you’re standing on the ceiling!
Immerse yourself in gorgeous art at Beauchamp Art Gallery
From: galeriebeauchamp
Address: 167 King St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165992244
Toronto has an abundance of art galleries, and Moss Park has one of my favourites: the Beauchamp Art Gallery. This one is a humble gallery owned by a Canadian family, and it showcases works by local artists, which is why I love it so much.
The art styles come in a wide variety—from abstract art to incredibly realistic and detailed paintings. I personally love browsing the paintings of cityscapes because they’re so colourful and dreamy. One of these days, I’d like to purchase one of these paintings because I know it would look so good on my wall.
Practice your swing at 6ix Iron Indoor Golf
Address: 142 George St
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
I may not have had the opportunity to get trained by a golf coach when I was young, but that doesn’t stop me from pretending I’m a professional golfer at 6ix Iron Indoor Golf. It’s even better when I’m with friends!
It’s a virtual golf simulator with green flooring and an interactive wall screen. With every swing, my friends and I watch the ball with bated breath; you’d think we’re professional golfers!
What if you want to improve your golfing skills? Then, you’re in luck because 6ix Iron offers golf classes as well!
Where to Eat
The Corner Place
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From: thecornerplace
Address: 11 Jarvis St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday—11 am to 1:30 am
- Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14168501738
Do you want a laid-back brunch, an intimate romantic night out with your partner, or just a place to get some late-night treats? If you said yes to any of those, The Corner Place is the restaurant for you!
This gastropub has an impressive menu, which is why I try to order a different thing every time I come here. As it is, I find myself coming back to the jerk chicken burger. I’m obsessed with how earthy, spicy, and smoky the jerk chicken is, and the pineapple mango salsa adds a burst of refreshing tangy sweetness.
Reyna on King
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From: reynaonking
Address: 354 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165463155
By day, Reyna on King is a bustling lunch spot, but by night, it becomes an intimate bar with dim lights and 90s tunes blasting from the speakers. That’s why I love coming here, especially with my friends.
The food here is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. My go-to order is the shawarma platter because it’s big enough for sharing. It also lets me build my own shawarma; I usually pile roast chicken, Turkish salsa, and charred lemon jus on a flatbread for that wonderful combination of smoky, savoury, and tangy flavours.
ARDO Restaurant
From: chefrobertomarotta
Address: 243 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—5 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473478930
Every time I dine at ARDO Restaurant, I feel like I’ve been transported to Sicily. The vibe here is warm and sunny, very much like the Italian island, while the food is bright and flavourful.
The pasta dishes are a delight, and my ultimate recommendation is the Con Le Sarde. This dish is made with cured sardines, fennel pesto, anchovies, and pine nuts, so the flavour profile is mostly salty and nutty. It also has a hint of spice from the chilli.
The George Street Diner
From: thegeorgestreetdiner
Address: 129 George St
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday—8 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14168627676
Another great pub that you can visit in Moss Park is George Street Diner. This place is perfect if you love Irish cuisine!
I usually come here for brunch, and my order will always be the Ultimate Irish Breakfast. This is very similar to the English-style breakfast in that it’s loaded with eggs, breakfast sausages, roasted ham, seared tomato, baked beans, fries, and mushrooms.
Every forkful is a symphony of salty, savoury, and earthy flavours.
Mengrai Thai
From: mengrai_thai
Address: 82 Ontario St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—5:45 pm to 9:45 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—4:45 pm to 9:45 pm
- Friday—4:30 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday—1:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—4 pm to 9:45 pm
Contact Number: +14168402754
Mengrai Thai is a pretty popular spot in the neighbourhood. In fact, it’s so popular that celebrities like John Travolta and Justin Bieber have frequently dined here!
You can’t go wrong with the pad Thai; the original version is great, but their sweet take is my preference. The noodles are cooked in this red sauce made from tamarind and tomatoes, so the flavours are a combination of sweet and tangy.
It’s served with tofu and peanuts, so there’s a satisfying contrast of soft and crunchy textures as well.
Gusto 501
From: gusto501
Address: 501 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Thursday and Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164775647
Gusto 501 is another one of my favourite places to go when I’m craving Italian cuisine. Pasta is my usual order; I’m quite obsessed with the Pappardelle Con Ragu di Manzo because of its fatty Wagyu beef slices and the tangy and slightly spicy sauce.
If you prefer pizza, this place also has a ton of options for you. The Carbonara Pizza is an interesting one (and I mean that as a compliment). It tastes exactly like the pasta version; it’s creamy and savoury, with a pack of peppery goodness.
Impact Kitchen
From: impactkitchen
Address: 573 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday—9 am to 9 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—8 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14163061986
If you’re looking for a gluten-free restaurant, then I have just the spot for you: Impact Kitchen! Oh, and to make things better, this restaurant also offers paleo and vegan-friendly options.
I can’t get enough of their delicious burger. The beef patty is juicy and has that intense beefy flavour that I like, and it tastes even better when paired with the pickles and homemade spicy mayo. This comes served with fries normally, but I usually opt for the salad instead to help balance out all the calories.
Roselle Desserts
From: roselle_to
Address: 362 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Friday—5 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14163688188
Are you a lover of desserts like me? If so, you have to check out Roselle Desserts. This shop offers many kinds of French pastries.
I can’t get enough of their banana cream pie eclairs. These treats are made with bananas that are caramelized with rum, so their sweetness has a nice depth. Then, it’s paired with vanilla bean custard that is so light and fluffy, and topped with the most delectable white chocolate ganache.
Where to Shop
Kiosk Design
From: kioskdesign
Address: 288 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165399665
Is it time to spruce up your house or apartment with new furniture? If so, then head to Kiosk because this store offers a wide variety of furniture brands!
I’ve bought several light fixtures here, and I’m still obsessed with them. In particular, I really love sconces that perfectly blend in the background, but once they’re lit up, it’s hard not to notice them. Or the candle holders that appear simple but still give off elegant vibes when you put them on your desk.
Candace and Basil Toronto
From: candaceandbasil
Address: 75 Ontario St
Operating Hours:
- Monday—10 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +18004689067
Candace and Basil Toronto is another fantastic store to visit if you need new furniture, especially if you’re looking for custom sofas or beds. And the best part is that this is a Canadian brand—gotta support local!
My most recent purchase is the Clarissa Bed, which is a platform that looks so chic in my bedroom. I loved that I was able to customize this bed however I wanted; I chose the height of the headboard, materials for the bed itself, and the height from the floor to where the mattress sits. I can safely say that this bed is uniquely mine.
Kiondo African Imports Inc.
From: kiondoafrican
Address: 323 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—10:30 am to 4 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10:30 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165339959
Kiondo is a recent discovery of mine, and it’s become a favourite. I mean, it offers a collection of hand-crafted artworks from Africa. It’s not every day I find a store that offers such a unique array of products!
This shop mostly has furniture items and textiles, but I personally love checking out the sculptures. These sculptures are usually made of wood, and they depict persons, animals, and even a slingshot! One of these days, I’ll get one to decorate my living room.
Rove Concepts Toronto
From: roveconcepts
Address: 53 Ontario St
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14375333688
If you prefer furniture that’s more modern, then you’ll love Rove Concepts because that’s exactly what they specialize in!
I’m a big fan of their original products. I currently have their Mia dining chair, which is probably the comfiest dining chair I’ve ever had. It has a cushion seat made of high-density foam (hence why it’s so comfy), and the legs are solid-powder metal, so they’re very durable.
Dean Davidson Design Inc
From: deandavidson
Address: 145 Berkeley St
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14162038222
Looking for new jewelry pieces to make your OTDs pop? Dean Davidson Design Inc is your best friend! This shop boasts an extensive array of jewelry options, so there’s something for everyone.
I got the Mirabeau Pavé Tennis Necklace, and I’m obsessed. It’s made with pavé or cubic zirconia gemstones, which are man-made, so they’re guilt-free.
This necklace wears like a choker, and normally, I don’t like that, but this one makes me look so pretty and sophisticated.
Blinds to Go
From: blindstogo
Address: 330 King St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169136464
Whenever I need new blinds, Blinds to Go is one of the first stores that I check out. This blinds store offers custom styles, so you can tailor your blinds to fit your room. Plus, they’re also proudly Canadian-owned and operated, which is just a wonderful bonus!
I once got faux wood blinds here, and they’ve truly improved the way my living room looks and feels. Plus, these blinds are motorized, so I don’t have to keep getting up from my seat just to adjust them.
Where to Stay
Filmores Hotel
From: aryanmojiri
Address: 212 Dundas St E
Contact Number: +14169212191
Downtown hotels are notorious for having jacked-up prices, but fortunately, there are still a few options that have affordable rates. One such example is Filmores Hotel.
This hotel has a very laid-back, almost homey vibe, which I really like. The rooms are also well-furnished, and services like maid services are available.
Laundry facilities are available on-site as well, which is great news because it makes things extra convenient for me.
Pembroke Inn
From: the_pembroke_inn
Address: 117 Pembroke St
Contact Number: +14169258456
Pembroke Inn evokes the quiet, cozy atmosphere you would normally find in cottages in the countryside, but this one has the benefit of being in the middle of Toronto! I also really love that the rooms are artfully decorated, so it feels very charming.
In addition to the whimsical vibe, this hotel has modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and a smart TV in every room. Free coffee is also available all day.
Oh, they also offer free cancellation within 24 hours of your check-in time. I think this is a pretty neat feature that guests might like.
Royal Oak Inn
From: d_a_f_f_y_d
Address: 376 Dundas St E
Contact Number: +14167924921
Royal Oak Inn is another hotel that gives off charming vibes. The rooms here have a picture of the cityscape on one wall, so in a way, it feels like you’re sleeping under the city lights. There’s also a lounge area here that’s bursting with colour.
In addition to the well-equipped rooms, this hotel has a laundry service, which I’m sure guests are glad to hear about. There’s no need to go out and get your clothes washed and dried elsewhere.
TOOR Hotel — JDV by Hyatt
From: cultrtoronto
Address: 203 Jarvis St
Contact Number: +14166748855
If you can afford to splurge a little, then you might want to stay at TOOR Hotel — JDV by Hyatt.
The rooms here are spacious, with areas ranging between 215 and 581 square feet, and are well-equipped with the essentials (e.g., flat-screen TV with a Chromecast, free Wi-Fi, and blackout curtains). Some rooms even have massive windows that let in lovely natural light.
Another thing I love about this hotel is that they often have special promos available. This is especially true if you’re a member; you can get special, exclusive discounts!
FAQ
Why is it called Moss Park?
Moss Park gets its name from the abundant moss that once grew on the original estate of the Allan family, who were prominent figures in Toronto back in the day.
What is special about Moss Park?
Moss Park is best known for the Allan Gardens, a botanical and horticultural conservatory that has been around since the 1800s. This conservatory hosts a diverse array of plants, many of which are brought from different places all over the world.
Is Moss Park safe?
Moss Park has a lukewarm reputation when it comes to safety. By day, it’s relatively safe, but at night, it can get dangerous.
Is Moss Park a good place to live?
Moss Park is located in downtown Toronto, which makes it a good place to live since you’re near all the essentials, restaurants, shops, and transportation. But also because of its location, the rates for housing can get pretty expensive, and you can still find safer areas in the city.
What is the history of Moss Park?
Moss Park was originally where the Allan family built their estate. In the 1960s, the neighbourhood underwent an urban renewal project, in which several housing units were constructed.
To this day, the neighbourhood is considered residential, with most of the housing options being rental units.
