Kensington-Chinatown Travel Guide

A complete tourist guide to Kensington-Chinatown in Toronto, including its culture, attractions, food, accommodation, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Kensington-Chinatown

Located in Toronto’s Greater Toronto Area, Kensington-Chinatown is a unique neighborhood that is home to a diverse and multicultural community. The area has a rich history that includes the landing of some of the first Chinese immigrants in Canada in the 19th century. Today, Kensington-Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood, famous for its characteristic markets, eclectic eateries, and rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Kensington-Chinatown

If you’re planning a trip to Kensington-Chinatown, you’ll be happy to know that the neighborhood is filled with unique attractions, activities, and sights to see. Here’s a list of some of the top places to visit in Kensington-Chinatown:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Bata Shoe Museum - This museum is dedicated to footwear from around the world and throughout history, showcasing a collection of over 13,000 shoes.

  2. The Textile Museum of Canada - This museum features exhibits on textiles from around the world, including historical textiles and a rotating series of contemporary exhibits.

  3. The Spadina Museum - This historic mansion serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Toronto’s wealthy elite from the early 20th century.

  4. The Chinatown Centre - This shopping mall is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and services, catering to the diverse cultures that call the neighborhood home.

Natural Attractions of Kensington-Chinatown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Trinity Bellwoods Park - This park is one of the city’s largest and offers plenty of green space, walking paths, and community events.

  2. Alexandra Park - This park was recently renovated and offers visitors a splash pad, community garden, basketball court, and playground.

  3. Kensington Market - This area is known for its outdoor markets, unique shops, and vintage clothing stores.

  4. Graffiti Alley - This outdoor art gallery is located behind Queen Street West and is famous for its constantly-changing street art and colorful murals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kensington-Chinatown

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that Kensington-Chinatown offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. Some of the most popular routes include:

  1. The Humber Trail

  2. The Beltline Trail

  3. The Don Valley Trail

  4. The Waterfront Trail

Best Things to Do in Kensington-Chinatown: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your family, or friends, there are plenty of things to do in Kensington-Chinatown. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Take a food tour of the neighborhood, sampling dishes from the many multicultural restaurants and cafes.

  2. Visit the unique markets located throughout the area, including the Kensington Market and Spadina Chinatown.

  3. Take a walking or bike tour of the neighborhood, learning about the diverse cultures and history that shaped the community.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kensington-Chinatown

If you’re planning on spending a week in Kensington-Chinatown, here’s an itinerary that will help you maximize your time and experience everything the neighborhood has to offer:

Day Activities
Monday Explore the historic Spadina Museum and take a walking tour of the neighborhood’s heritage buildings.
Tuesday Take a food tour of the neighborhood, sampling dishes from the many multicultural restaurants and cafes.
Wednesday Visit the Bata Shoe Museum and Textile Museum of Canada, learning about the rich history and culture of footwear and textiles.
Thursday Take a bike tour of the neighborhood, stopping to explore the unique markets located throughout the area.
Friday Spend the day exploring the parks and outdoor spaces in the neighborhood, including Trinity Bellwoods Park and Alexandra Park.
Saturday Take a guided tour of the graffiti alley and explore some of the area’s unique street art.
Sunday Attend a community event or festival, such as the Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays or the Chinatown Festival.

Food and Drink Scene of Kensington-Chinatown

Kensington-Chinatown is famous for its diverse food scene, offering something for everyone. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Roti - A Caribbean flatbread filled with meat or vegetables, often served with a spicy sauce.

  2. Pho - A Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, and meat or vegetables, topped with fresh herbs and spices.

  3. Dumplings - A Chinese specialty, these bite-sized treats are often filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables and served steamed or fried.

  4. Bagels - A favorite breakfast food among locals, these chewy bread rolls are often smeared with cream cheese and served with coffee.

Local Beverages

  1. Bubble Tea - A Taiwanese specialty, this tea-based drink is served with a layer of chewy tapioca balls at the bottom.

  2. Craft Beer - The neighborhood is home to several breweries, offering unique and flavorful locally-brewed beers.

  3. Sake - A Japanese rice wine that’s often sipped cold and paired with sushi or other Asian dishes.

Where to Stay in Kensington-Chinatown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, there are plenty of options for accommodations in Kensington-Chinatown. Here are a few options to consider:

  1. The Beverley Hotel - This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

  2. HI Toronto Hostel - Located in the heart of Kensington Market, this hostel offers affordable rooms and a community kitchen and lounge.

  3. Andorra Guesthouse - This charming bed and breakfast is located in a historic home and offers comfortable rooms and a garden courtyard.

What to Buy in Kensington-Chinatown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or looking for unique gifts to bring home, Kensington-Chinatown has plenty of options. Here are a few products to consider:

  1. Chinese Tea - You can find a variety of tea blends and loose teas at the Chinese supermarkets and tea shops located throughout the neighborhood.

  2. Handcrafted Jewelry - Shops selling locally-made jewelry can be found in Kensington Market, offering unique and handmade pieces.

  3. Vintage Clothing - Kensington Market is home to several vintage clothing stores, offering one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.

Local Culture and Customs of Kensington-Chinatown

Kensington-Chinatown is a neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by the diverse communities that call the area home. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions, including observing Chinese holidays and festivals, tasting the traditional dishes, and exploring the cultural heritage of the neighborhood’s many museums and art galleries.

Best Time to Visit Kensington-Chinatown

The best time to visit Kensington-Chinatown is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor events and festivals are taking place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kensington-Chinatown

Do:

  1. Try the local cuisine and explore the many multicultural restaurants and cafes.

  2. Observe local customs and traditions, including Chinese holidays and festivals.

  3. Take a walking or bike tour of the neighborhood, learning about the diverse cultures and history that shaped the community.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect local customs or traditions.

  2. Leave your belongings unattended in public areas.

  3. Travel alone at night, especially in secluded areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kensington-Chinatown

Kensington-Chinatown is a generally safe area, but visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety. It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly-lit or secluded areas, and to keep valuables hidden from view.

Health in Kensington-Chinatown

Visitors to Kensington-Chinatown should ensure they have all required vaccines before arriving and have a valid health insurance policy in place. In the event of a medical emergency, visitors can visit one of the many hospitals or medical centers located throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Getting to Kensington-Chinatown: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options for getting to Kensington-Chinatown, including:

Airports Near Kensington-Chinatown

  1. Toronto Pearson International Airport

  2. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Bus Stations Near Kensington-Chinatown

  1. Union Station Bus Terminal

  2. Toronto Coach Terminal

Other Options

  1. Subway - There are several subway stations located throughout the neighborhood that serve the TTC Line 1.

  2. Streetcar - The TTC streetcar runs along Spadina Avenue, connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city.

How to Get Around in Kensington-Chinatown

Walking and biking are popular ways to get around Kensington-Chinatown. The neighborhood is compact and easy to navigate, with plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks. There are also several bike rental shops located throughout the area.

Where to Go Next from Kensington-Chinatown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the Greater Toronto Area, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  1. Niagara Falls - Located less than two hours from Toronto, Niagara Falls is a popular day trip destination, known for its stunning waterfalls and attractions.

  2. Toronto Islands - Accessible by ferry, the Toronto Islands offer visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with pristine beaches, parks, and gardens.

Conclusion

Kensington-Chinatown is a unique and culturally-rich neighborhood in Toronto, offering visitors a glimpse into the many diverse cultures that call the area home. Whether you’re interested in history, food, outdoor activities, or unique shopping experiences, there’s something for everyone in Kensington-Chinatown.

Location of the Kensington-Chinatown area in Toronto Location of the Kensington-Chinatown area in Toronto Kensington Market Kensington Market Chinatown signs Chinatown signs Sharp Centre for Design, OCAD University Sharp Centre for Design, OCAD University Before the days when Sundays in summertime were officially car-free in Keningston, locals would Before the days when Sundays in summertime were officially car-free in Keningston, locals would "buy" a few hours of time from a parking meter to set up a bench and host musicians and artists along the curb. Some of these locals converted an old car into a small garden; the Garden Car now returns every summer. If the weather is nice, houses that have been converted into shops use their front yards to show off an assortment of vintage clothing and other goods. If the weather is nice, houses that have been converted into shops use their front yards to show off an assortment of vintage clothing and other goods. Old narrow storefronts occupied by chains and local shops make it easy to spend a few hours window shopping along Queen Street West. Old narrow storefronts occupied by chains and local shops make it easy to spend a few hours window shopping along Queen Street West. Chinatown makes good use the wide avenue. When stores are open, fruits and vegetables fill the sidewalks. Hidden gem restaurants can be somewhat hard to spot compared to the bustling grocers, sometimes in a basement or an upper floor. Chinatown makes good use the wide avenue. When stores are open, fruits and vegetables fill the sidewalks. Hidden gem restaurants can be somewhat hard to spot compared to the bustling grocers, sometimes in a basement or an upper floor. El Mocambo's signature sign El Mocambo's signature sign