Amelie CameronLocated in East York, Thorncliffe Park is a neighbourhood that simply screams “residential.” Blocks are lined with high-rise apartments and older homes, and the population is mostly families with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
But in my opinion, Thorncliffe Park is also a great spot for tourists because there are many fun things to do here. You can stroll in any of the public parks, jump on trampolines, and, of course, shop and dine until you drop.
If this is your first time visiting, here’s a guide to help you plan your journey.
Where is Thorncliffe Park in Toronto?
Thorncliffe Park is located in East York, with its boundaries being the Don River to the south; Leaside Bridge, Millwood Road, and Laird Drive to the west; the West Don River to the east; and Eglinton Avenue East to the north.
What is the main street of Thorncliffe Park?
Overlea Boulevard is the main street of Thorncliffe Park since it runs east to west and also houses some of the neighbourhood’s best-known shops and restaurants.
Another major street where you can find many shops and restaurants is Commercial Road, which is near Laird Drive.
How to Get to Thorncliffe Park
By Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The best way to get around the neighbourhood is by riding the bus. TTC buses operate in the community, and the most prominent ones are bus services 88, 72, 25, and 100. There are plans to open LRT and rapid transit lines in the future, making it even easier to explore the area.
By Car. You can find many parking spots in Thorncliffe Park, usually off-street parking. If you want to park in a dedicated car park, I recommend the 45 Overlea Blvd Parking. It’s pretty spacious, so you won’t really struggle to secure a spot.
What to Do
Defy gravity at Sky Zone Trampoline Park
From: skyzone_toronto
Address: 45 Esandar Dr
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—9 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—9 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473635552
Craving an adrenaline rush? Then, you head to Sky Zone Toronto and defy gravity on the trampolines!
What I love about this trampoline park is that there’s a great variety of attractions. Freestyle Jump is great for beginners because it’s spacious and has several trampolines lined up, so you can jump and do crazy tricks.
But there are also unique attractions. My favourite is the Ultimate Dodgeball because it’s so fun! Battle Beam is a close second because it’s challenging and thrilling.
Spend some time with your loved ones at Leaside Park
From: um.musab.juma
Address: 5 Leaside Park Dr
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +19057616840
Since Thorncliffe Park is a residential neighbourhood, it has a lot of public and free parks. One of my favourites is Leaside Park, which may only have 3.4 hectares of space, but it’s jam-packed with amenities.
First, there’s the playground that will delight any child, and then, there are tennis courts and multi-purpose sports fields that will entice you to play a game with your loved ones (we usually play football and baseball here).
When summer hits, prepare your swimwear and your sunscreen because the swimming pool is open. This is your chance to beat the heat and have fun splashing in the water.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Ernest Thompson Seton Park
From: veiled.rider
Address: 73 Thorncliffe Park Dr
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163967378
Another park in the neighbourhood that I love to visit is the Ernest Thompson Seton Park, or ET Seton Park, as the locals call it. This park is sprawling, giving you lots of opportunities to live out your adventuring desires!
Personally, I enjoy a simple stroll here. It’s so relaxing walking through the woods and encountering local wildlife like red squirrels, eagles, deer, and songbirds. If you want something more challenging, some hiking trails extend to other parks nearby.
This park also has an archery range, which is open to both beginners and advanced archers. Oh, and this is also free to use, so you can unleash your inner Katniss Everdeen if you want (just be careful, though!).
Skate in Vanderhoof Skatepark (Leonard Linton Park)
Address: 60 Research Rd
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +16478241230
Leonard Linton Park is simple, but it does have Vanderhoof Skatepark, which is a good enough reason for me to keep coming back.
I really like that the skate area is spacious enough because it means there’s room for everybody. Beginners can practice their skills on the side, while the more experienced skaters can whizz up and down the ramp like a boss.
The skaters who also frequent this spot are pretty nice. I once brought my niece here with me, and a few skaters were kind enough to teach her the basics and encourage her when she made a mistake. It was such a wholesome moment.
Where to Eat
Karahi Point
From: karahipoint
Address: 60 Overlea Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 1 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164238282
Karahi Point is far from an underrated restaurant; in fact, it’s a restaurant chain with multiple locations all over North America. And in my opinion, it deserves the hype.
You have to try their signature dish, the Chicken Karahi (you can choose between bone-in and boneless dark meat). The meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce has a distinct gingery, garlicky, and tangy taste. There’s also a slight smokiness to the whole dish that I really like.
Hakka Garden Chinese Restaurant
Address: 25 Overlea Blvd #7A
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—12 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—1 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164218898
A restaurant serving Pakistani-style Hakka Chinese cuisine? Say no more! If this intrigues you as well, you have to check out Hakka Garden Chinese Restaurant.
My go-to order here is the Kung Pao chicken, which perfectly combines savoury and sweet flavours. It also has a pretty strong spicy kick, which is why I like to pair it with a cup of steaming white rice. The rice helps temper the spiciness down.
Mandi Afandi
From: mandiafandi.ca
Address: 64 Overlea Blvd, Unit 10
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164239993
Dining at Mandi Afandi is as close as I can get to taking a trip to the Arabian Peninsula. The vibe here is warm and lively, and the authentic dishes are so aromatic that my mouth is already drooling before I’ve taken a bite.
Mansaf Lamb is their bestselling dish and for good reason. The lamb is so tender that it basically melts on my tongue, and the yogurt sauce it’s served with adds tangy notes to the meat’s savoriness.
The dish also comes with rice, lavash bread, and nuts, making it an incredibly hearty meal as well.
Kandahar Kabab
From: kandaharkabab
Address: 45 Overlea Blvd #180, East York Town Center
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +14164220606
Afghan restaurants in the GTA are few and far between, so when I discovered that Thorncliffe Park is home to a good number of them, I was psyched. Kandahar Kabab is one of my favourites so far.
Their titular dish, Kandahar Kabab, is the main star of the show, in my opinion. They use veal filet for the meat, and it’s so tender and juicy. It’s also marinated for a long time, so the savoury and earthy flavours really seep into the meat. It tastes a bit smoky, too, thanks to the grill.
Afghan Cuisine Restaurant
From: afghancuisinetoronto
Address: 66 Overlea Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164225858
Another great spot in the neighbourhood that serves amazing Afghan cuisine is the aptly named Afghan Cuisine Restaurant.
This place boasts an extensive menu, which overwhelms me every time. I usually stick to the lamb chops because these have never let me down. The meat is tender and succulent, and the tangy, earthy, and savoury flavours come together so well.
If you dine here with a group, treat yourself to any of the platters. The platters are loaded with all the good stuff: dumplings, chicken tikka, tandoori tikka, naan, and so many more!
Bamiyan Kabob
Address: 62 Overlea Blvd #3a
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164297514
I wasn’t kidding when I said that Thorncliffe Park is home to amazing Afghan restaurants. Here, I have yet another recommendation for you: Bamiyan Kabob.
I’m obsessed with the Chaplee Kabob, which is made with ground beef. The earthy spices really shine through with this dish, and they pair really well with the smokiness that comes from the grill.
This dish can be too rich, which is why I’m glad it’s served with rice and a salad that cleanses my palate.
B Boyz The Burger Architects
From: blogsofood
Address: 25 Overlea Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 1 am
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164220800
B Boyz likes to call themselves “The Burger Architects,” and I can see why. The burgers served in this restaurant always feature fun and sometimes unique flavour combinations that make you raise an eyebrow first, but eventually, you’ll come to like them.
BB Firefly is my favourite thing to get here, which my doctor won’t be pleased to hear about. This burger comes with a thick beef patty that’s stuffed with cheese and jalapeños, so every bite brings me closer to heaven’s pearly gates. It’s a good thing I don’t come to this restaurant every day!
Olde Yorke Fish and Chips
From: roxicious
Address: 96 Laird Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14166969670
Call me basic, but fish and chips makes it to my list of favourite snacks. And in my opinion, Olde Yorke Fish and Chips serves some of the best fish and chips in the GTA.
I like that they offer different fish options; cod is the classic choice because it’s moist and flaky, and while I love that, I prefer halibut because it’s meaty and dense. Meanwhile, the fries are thick and generously salted, and the tartar sauce adds a nice tangy kick.
Mini Moe’s Burgers Fresh and Smash
From: minimoesburgers
Address: 60 Overlea Blvd, Unit 1B
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164211787
Mini Moe’s is a humble, unassuming spot, but I think it deserves more hype. The burgers here can get really crazy in terms of size and flavour combinations, so you’ll be full after dining here.
So far, my favourite burger is the Cluck N Moo Burger, which features a crispy chicken strip stacked on top of sliced beef steak. It’s texture paradise (crunchy from the chicken and tender from the steak), and the salty and savoury flavours are popping.
Sometimes, I even add slices of mozzarella to make this burger even more delicious. I know it’s not healthy, but I can’t resist an amazing cheese pull!
Eggsmart
From: eggsmart_can
Address: 20 Brentcliffe Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14164230888
I am a big fan of all egg-related dishes, so naturally, Eggsmart makes it to my list of favourite restaurants. When I discovered that they have an outlet in Thorncliffe Park, I was over the moon.
I love ordering the Big Breakfast because it truly is big and hearty. It comes with four eggs, two sausage links, two strips of double-smoked bacon, smoked ham, and two pancakes (or waffles if you prefer).
You can technically share this breakfast, but I can devour it by myself. Fortunately, since this meal is so loaded, it keeps me full and energized for a good while.
Kintako Sushi Japanese Restaurant
From: cravingthis1
Address: 214 Laird Dr #101
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Sunday—12:30 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14168006074
Craving sushi? Head to Kintako to satisfy your cravings!
They have many options here, but I always find myself sticking to my usual, which is the spicy Californian roll. I love that it has a bit of crunchy texture, thanks to the cucumber, and the flavour profile is spicy enough without feeling like my mouth is burning.
Where to Shop
Leaside Village
From: leasidevillage
Address: 85 Laird Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14164307360
Leaside Village is considered a shopping area, but interestingly, its tenants are mostly restaurants and clinics. There are also spas and nail salons, which is why I tend to come here when I want to pamper myself.
But this place does have a few shops. I usually stop by PetSmart to get some essentials and treats for my pet dog, and Longo’s if I need to stock up on groceries in my pantry. Bulk Barn is also a great shop if you love buying things in bulk.
East York Town Center
From: eytcshops
Address: 45 Overlea Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14164219504
Another popular shopping center in the neighbourhood is East York Town Center. This one is perfect if you’re in the mood for a shopping spree because there are actually a lot of amazing shops here.
One of my most visited stores here is Easy Fit because I love their clothes and accessories. I’ve bought several long-sleeved tops here, and most of them come in solid, neutral colours, so I can style them with ease.
The prices here are pretty reasonable as well, which is why I end up buying way too many items every time I stop by.
HomeSense
From: homesensecanada
Address: 957 Eglinton Ave E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9:30 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14166966000
Looking to furnish your house or apartment? Head to HomeSense!
This shop is so big that I always lose track of time just checking every department and eyeing furniture that I have no reason to buy. Currently, I’m interested in one of those bed sheets made with Egyptian cotton because my goodness, they’re so soft!
In terms of purchases, I’ve only gotten a few cute kitchenware. The mugs and plates in pastel colours really add so much beauty to my dining table.
Canadian Tire
From: heymynameispotato
Address: 825 Eglinton Ave E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164220303
Many people assume that Canadian Tire sells tires for vehicles because of the name, but that’s far from the truth. This shop actually carries a wide variety of products—from house furniture to school supplies!
One thing I love about this store is that there are always special discounts available, so I can buy things for cheap. I’ve scored a few pans and other cooking utensils, as well as big, sturdy luggage, thanks to all the discounts.
SoftMoc
From: softmocshoes
Address: 65 Wicksteed Ave, Unit#16
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164257400
Improve your wardrobe by getting a new pair of shoes from SoftMoc! This shoe store carries a diverse array of options, so you’ll definitely find a style that you like.
I once bought a pair of dark leather boots with floral patterns, and I’m still obsessed with them. I like that I can wear them with whatever outfit, and the pop of colours from the floral patterns is so eye-catching.
Next time, I’m thinking of getting a pair of sneakers here. The new Sketchers pairs are so pretty, I gotta have one for my collection.
LCBO
From: thelcbo
Address: 65 Wicksteed Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14164256282
Planning a party with friends? You might need to stock up on your alcoholic beverages at the LCBO first.
I’m impressed with the selection of drinks here. You have the classic bottles of wine, spirits, beers, and ciders, but they also have vintage bottles if you want to splurge. I purchased a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne, which was expensive but worth it.
This shop also has some premium accessories. I got fancy glasses, pitchers with elaborate pattern designs, and even uniquely shaped ice cubes here. They certainly impress guests!
Iqbal Foods Thorncliffe
From: iqbalfoods
Address: 100 Thorncliffe Park Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164670177
Iqbal Foods is one of my favourite Asian grocery stores in all of the GTA. This store carries a vast array of South Asian and Middle Eastern products; the collection of spices, pastes, and sauces alone is massive! As a home cook, I’m incredibly thrilled!
But aside from the spices and meat, this store also has ready-to-eat products and recipe mixes, perfect for those looking for a quick meal.
And if you get hungry while shopping, don’t worry, just head to the deli section and get yourself a smoked sandwich. It’s simple, but it surely hits the spot!
Farm Boy
From: officialfarmboy
Address: 147 Laird Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166965675
Another great grocery store in Thorncliffe Park that you might want to check out is Farm Boy. What’s great about this store is that they source from local farms and suppliers, so you can expect to find the freshest produce here.
I love coming to Farm Boy to get their artisan sausages, fresh soups, and ready-to-cook meats—aka my go-to dishes when I’m too lazy to cook. Of course, I also buy fresh fruits and vegetables here, especially if they’re in season.
