This summer, step into something a little brighter.
This summer from July 3 to August 28, 2025 we’re opening up something small – but full of charm.
Located at Wally Crouter Walkway (1507 Yonge Street – See Map) Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day.
It’s not a walkway anymore. It’s a stay-awhile spot. Perfect for lunch breaks, mid-day meetups, or a quiet moment with a coffee.
Whether you’re stepping out of the office or strolling in from the neighbourhood, Sunny Side offers a new kind of pause – unhurried, laidback, and right around the corner.
Open Daily, Alive Thursdays
Pull up to a bench any day of the week. No need to book, no need to rush. Just a spot to enjoy Midtown’s sunny side.
And every Thursday from 12PM – 2PM, the space comes to life with curated lunchtime programming: freebies with community partners, and the occasional DJ set. Each week brings a new reason to step outside and linger a little longer.
One Day Only: Canada’s Smallest National Park (Sort Of). Thursday July 3, 2025 from 12PM – 3PM
Canada’s Smallest National Park. Sort Of. You’ve heard of Banff. Now get ready for… something much smaller (and significantly more convenient). On Thursday July 3, we’re unveiling a proudly miniature, mildly educational, and questionably authentic national park experience – right in the middle of Yonge + St. Clair. Expect interpretive signage that doesn’t take itself too seriously, rubber wildlife sightings, and picnic benches tucked into an urban nook.
All set to a freshly curated live DJ set by Young Teesh that’s far better than this park deserves.
Wally Crouter Walkway, 1507 Yonge Street steps north of the Yonge + St. Clair intersection
12PM – 3PM Showcasing DJ Young Teesh, fun freebies, and some deeply unserious Canadiana.
No hiking boots required. Just swing by on your lunch break.
Programming
Thursday July 3, 2025 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm Canada’s Smallest National Park (Sort Of).
Live DJ Set: DJ Young Teesh We made a national park so small it fits in your lunch break. Come for a tongue-in-cheek take on everything Canadiana. Featuring DJ Young Teesh, freebies and other surprises await.
Thursday July 10, 2025 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm Live DJ Set: Ark1tek
Thursday July 15, 16th and 17th, 2025 Reserved 9AM – 2PM for private event Artisanal Crafts and Goods Market 4PM – 8PM. More details to come.
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm Live DJ Set: Chinelo
Sunny Side is a community-run space, made possible through local partnerships and care. We kindly ask that you treat it like your own backyard—leave no mess, share the space, and keep it welcoming for everyone.
Find us just a minute walk north of Yonge + St. Clair, and follow along on Instagram or sign up to your newsletter for monthly highlights.
Step Into the Stories of Yonge + St. Clair: Heritage Toronto Walking Tours This July
This summer, we’re proud to bring the past and present together through a special collaboration with Heritage Toronto — offering a rare chance to walk the streets of Yonge + St. Clair through the lens of over a century of local stories.
These walking tours aren’t just about architecture or old photographs (though there’s plenty of that too). They’re based on real interviews with six long-standing local business owners whose stories span more than 120 years of life, change, and charm in this iconic Midtown neighbourhood. Through this partnership, Heritage Toronto historians-in-residence worked closely with the Yonge + St. Clair BIA to design three unique experiences that spotlight everything from the beauty industry to mom-and-pop diners — all told from the people who helped build them.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious local, or just looking to see your city with fresh eyes, we invite you to sign up and step into the layered legacy of our community.
Upcoming Tours
Tour 1: Yonge & St. Clair — Reflections of Beauty Saturday, July 5 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Explore how fashion, wellness, and personal care have shaped the look — and feel — of the neighbourhood across generations.
Tour 2: Yonge & St. Clair — From the Ground Up Saturday, July 5 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Discover how small businesses and local developments transformed this corner of the city, one storefront at a time.
Tour 3: Yonge & St. Clair — Diners, Drinks, and Delis Thursday, July 24 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm A twilight tour through the tastes and tales of the neighbourhood’s food scene — from family delis to classic cocktail spots.
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early. Sign up now using the Heritage Toronto links below
Come for the walk — leave with the stories. Let’s celebrate the past, present, and people of Yonge + St. Clair.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a guide written by the people and storeowners who live and work here. From tucked-away cafés to indie retailers and trusted neighbourhood services, these are the hidden gems that give Yonge + St. Clair its character. Start with what’s nearby and discover the neighbouhood from the lens of locals who know the block.
Scroll down to browse these categories: Shopping | Dining | Services All walkable. All homegrown. All yours to explore.
DINE LOCAL
Whether you’re craving a sit-down meal or something sweet to-go, these restaurants and cafés serve up flavour with community spirit.
El Inka
Authentic Peruvian cuisine + cocktails in a laidback atmosphere One look at their menu and you’ll see why El Inka is a as real as they come. Family-owned, authentic Peruvian recipes without compromising identity, and forever growing in popularity, this restaurant is a place you hope will remain a local hidden gem for years to come.
One of the City’s last remaining traditional deli experiences that’s consistently delicious A pillar of the deli scene since the 1980’s Zelden’s is a local legacy that scratches the classic deli itch with hearty sandwiches and homemade sauces. Delicious, wholesome and familiar. It’s hard to imagine a more traditional deli in Toronto. Don’t miss their outdoor patio this summer.
Wine, dine, and unwind with modern Indian cuisine A refined-yet-relaxed spot serving modern Indian dishes alongside a curated wine list. A must-add to your repertoire of dine-in restaurants in this neighbourhood, enjoy a summer evening on their cozy covered patio. A family-owned restaurant with a sister location in Unionville.
Sweet summer desserts, with a twist Crunchy pastries with ice cream fillings? This might be your new go-to summertime treat. This Toronto-based hotspot is growing quickly across the City with its third of five locations in the City here at Yonge + St. Clair.
Your go-to for friendly faces and coffee/tea Known for their owner’s neighbourly charm and infectious personality, this tucked-away café offers locally roasted coffee, pastries, and warm welcomes daily. Serving this neighbourhood for over 20 years.
On the run? Grab your shawarma and Mediterranean grill staples for a fast casual bite Whether it’s a pita wrap, rice or fries you’d like to accompany your choice of Mediterranean grill selections this locally-owned and operated shawarma shop serves up great flavour and value.
Toronto’s most popular sandwich shop has its flagship location here A local startup success story, the entrepreneurial couple from Germany took the premium sub sandwich scene by storm in 2018 expanding from a single, over-the-counter shop in Rosedale to multiple locations across Toronto’s busiest intersections. From savoury subs to creative takes on grilled hot dogs this is a go-to hotspot for a satisfying bite.
Looking for something special? These retailers offer unique finds, curated collections, and proudly Canadian picks—all within a short stroll.
photcred: IG @patriciamccowan
Book City
Independent bookshop with eclectic finds at great prices Since 1976, this Toronto-run independent bookstore has stocked its shelves with an eclectic mix of new and backlist titles, packing their shelves high with bargain and unexpected finds.
Boutique finds for your pet and other rare treats An indie pet shop that pampers shoppers and their pets, Pawmart focuses on retailing high quality pet products and premium treats you won’t find anywhere else. Locally-owned with some of the friendliest service you’ll encounter, stop by if you’re shopping in the area for you and your pets.
Gifts for every occasion with a Canada Post mailing centre for added convenience 30 years and going strong, this family-owned gift and card shop boasts a postal mailing service via Canada Post on-site too!
Boutique gifts and flair in the heart of Midtown For 22 years Steven Gerry has been collecting, curating and vending some of this neighbourhood’s most unique and trendy gifting options. You’ll find a touch of class and humour in the stock they carry. This spot is perfect for your next special occasion.
1421 Yonge St. (416) 926-8622 Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun: Closed
Health Shoppe
Your local home goods to feel your best Andrea Szomor has been a trusted local source of natural health products, supplements and curated home goods for the Yonge + St. Clair community for over 25 years. Their shoppe also has a mini grocery store stocking vegan, non-GMO and green foods.
From self-care to everyday essentials, these services are run by people who live—and care—right here in your community.
Top Knot Pet Grooming & Atelier
Expert pet grooming with heart, style, and a splash of colour. New to the Yonge + St. Clair community, Top Knot is a woman-led, Canadian-owned boutique salon offering low-volume, high-quality grooming with a focus on gentle handling, skin + coat care, and beautifully styled cuts—from breed-standard to Asian Fusion and Teddy-Bear trims. They even offer pet-safe colouring and spa-like treatments for your pup.
46 St. Clair East E, Unit B102 (647) 325-6274 Tue–Fri 10AM-5PM | Sat 11AM – 5PM IG: @thetopknotgrooming
Haru’s Barbershop
Classic men’s cuts, newly rooted in the neighbourhood New to the area and independently run, Haru’s offers men’s cuts with a side of community charm.
Proudly locally owned and operated for nearly 8 years, many of this wellness clinic’s clients are local office workers who stop in for massages on their lunch breaks or after work—making wellness a part of their regular routine.
Straight Up Health is the neighbourhood mental wellness clinic for youth, adults, and families using evidence-informed mental health support in a way that’s modern, personalized, rooted in real connection and grounded in clinical expertise. Supporting individuals and families in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood for over half a decade their office is easy to access, and they regularly collaborate with local schools like The York School, UCC, and Branksome Hall, and local businesses like Fitzrovia and Wittington.
Ronit Wilk, owner and operator of the local Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Studio comes from a Biomolecular Research background and has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to combining health sciences, fitness and wellness. This studio space features far-infrared panels for additional warmth and therapy, and focuses on group classes within their vibrant community. OYF studios are proudly Canadian with 15 years of operational history.
Sunny Side
July 3 – Aug 28 at 1507 Yonge Street (Yonge + St. Clair)
Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day. Visit yongestclair.ca/sunnyside to learn more.
The Yonge + St. Clair Collectible Card Series is our love letter to this neighbourhood — a celebration of the characters, corners, and community projects that give the area its pulse. These aren’t just fun, vintage-inspired keepsakes. They’re snapshots of the people and ideas shaping this place — one storefront, community project, and story at a time.
Each card is a tribute.
To the business owners who open early and stay late.
To the artists turning blank walls into conversation starters.
To the city-builders, dreamers, and neighbours doing the good work, often without a spotlight.
How to Find a Card
These cards are limited-edition — printed in small batches and only available through local events, featured storefronts, and special activations. So if you spot one, don’t wait. Start your collection. Not every card will be easy to find, and we think that’s part of the fun.
We’ll be announcing each new card drop right here on this page — and on our social media channels, in the digital newsletter (subscribe here), and out in the wild at participating local businesses and neighbourhood events.
Think of it as a bit of a scavenger hunt — but with more local flavour and fewer cryptic clues.
Card Releases So Far
Paperboy Cards & Gifts – Featuring Steven Gerry (June 2025)
Front: Paperboy Card & Gifts, Storefront at 7 Pleasant Blvd.
Back: Steven Gerry, Owner + Operator. For 27 years Steven has operated his shop at 7 Pleasant Blvd – just steps from Yonge + St. Clair – collecting, curating and sharing boutique treasures with the neighbourhood.
Zelden’s Deli and Desserts – Irene and Shelley Zelden (June 2025)
Front: Zelden’s Deli and Desserts, Storefront at 7 Pleasant Blvd.
Back: Irene and Shelley Zelden. Carrying forward a Toronto deli legacy since the 1980s, Irene and Shelley Zelden blend tradition, innovation and sweet neighbourhood charm at Zelden’s Deli and Desserts.
Respecting Our Storytellers
All cards featuring real individuals are created with their knowledge, input, and full permission. We’re proud to work closely with the people who make Yonge + St. Clair special, and we aim to reflect their stories with care, creativity, and respect.
What’s the BIA got to do with it?
The Yonge + St. Clair BIA (Business Improvement Area) is behind the scenes — supporting local businesses, making the streets better to walk, gathering neighbours, and spotlighting the stories that don’t always make the news. This card series is just one way we’re doing that: celebrating the folk heroes of this neighbourhood.
Raffle Alert! Shape Your Neighbourhood: Complete the Survey and Win $150 (See Below)
From June 1, 2025 to August 1, 2025 we’re also inviting you to complete a website feedback survey. Comment on how you’d like to see the yongestclair.ca website evolve into a lively community bulletin where you can find new events, discover businesses and find inspiration to explore this area. Complete the survey here to be entered into a draw to win $150 to Barnsteiner’s restaurant. The winner will be contacted via email and announced through social media.
Heritage Toronto x Yonge + St. Clair BIA Tours
Heritage Toronto is hosting local walking tours on the following dates. This tour was crafted based on interviews with local business owners around the neighbourhood, bridging the gap between modern day Yonge + St. Clair BIA and the past 100 years of the neighbourhood. Sign up below!
Wally Crouter Walkway (1507 Yonge Street – See Map) Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day.
12PM – 3PM 
Showcasing DJ Young Teesh, fun freebies, and some deeply unserious Canadiana.
Thursday July 3, 2025
12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Artisanal Crafts and Goods Market 4PM – 8PM. More details to come.
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early.
Sign up now using the Heritage Toronto links below
DINE LOCAL
(647) 812-4652
SHOP LOCAL
LOCAL SERVICES
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Explore the full directory at 
Raffle Alert! Shape Your Neighbourhood: Complete the Survey and Win $150 (See Below)
