Dundas West - also known as Little Portugal - is a destination for vintage clothing, fashion and home to a thriving nightlife scene with some of Toronto's most acclaimed bars and restaurants.
The History of Dundas West/Little Portugal
Portuguese immigration to Toronto began in the early 1950s, and peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Toronto Metropolitan Area is home to the largest concentration of Portuguese in the Canada. The majority of this group lives in the City of Toronto, many residing in Little Portugal, the historical core of Portuguese settlement in Toronto. Little Portugal is located in the downtown west end of Toronto. In this neighbourhood, Portuguese immigrants have created a complete community that is also one of the most visible ethnic neighbourhoods in Toronto. This neighbourhood today contains most of the community’s social, cultural, commercial, and religious institutions. Evidence from census data reveals that the Portuguese community in Toronto has expanded since the 1960s and 1970s, and that two major areas of new settlement have emerged. The first is northwest of Little Portugal in the traditional immigrant corridor, where the Portuguese are replacing the Italians. The second is in the western suburbs, in particular, Mississauga and Brampton. Nevertheless, most of the community’s social, cultural, commercial, and religious institutions remain in Little Portugal.
Little Portugal is, however, a neighbourhood in transition, because of three major trends: 1) the movement of many Portuguese from Toronto’s downtown to the suburbs; 2) the arrival of urban professionals, who seek to buy older houses close to the downtown core; 3) the arrival of immigrants and refugees from the Portuguese diaspora (including Brazil and Portugal’s former African colonies). These processes, together with the out-movement of economically mobile Portuguese residents and the continued presence of an aging first generation, may affect social makeup in the neighbourhood and the viability of the existing Portuguese commercial and institutional infrastructure.
Dundas West/Little Portugal Today
Little Portugal is bounded on the west by Lansdowne Avenue, on the north by College Street, on the east by Ossington Avenue and on the south by the railway tracks.
Traditionally this area attracts large Portuguese and Brazilian populations, earning the moniker Little Portugal, but more recently it has become a destination for young families because of its Victorian row houses and tree lined streets.. More than a quarter of the people in the neighbourhood are Portuguese.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Dundas Street West, which runs through the center of Little Portugal, is home to both old-school bakeries like Brazil Bakery and Pastry Ltd. and trendy new ones. The area businesses between Lansdowne and Rusholme Rd. are a part of the “Duwest” Business Improvement area. The Little Portugal BIA represents businesses on Dundas Street West, between Rusholme Road and Roxton Road.
Within the City’s defined neighbourhood of Little Portugal is the vibrant community known as the Brockton Triangle, which has an active community group, the Brockton Triangle Neighbours that exists entirely online. Only a few years old, the area parks group, called Friends of McCormick Park, actively works with the Ward 18 councilor to lobby for park improvements, care for trees and fundraise. The triangle is also home to the Mary McCormick Community Centre with plenty of programming for adults and children.
Dundas West/Little Portugal Real Estate
This neighbourhood is reflective of the symbiotic relationship between residential property and commercial business, living and working together, creating a colourful streetscape while enhancing the quality of urban lifestyle with colour, character and convenience. A mix of Victorian and Edwardian row, semi- and detached brick and brick front homes ranging from working class cottages to manses sit in quiet support of unique storefronts, eateries, galleries and gathering spots, with a touch of European flair that its namesake suggests.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Renting in Little Portugal is affordable for smaller units with one bedroom or less, but bigger places come at a higher cost. Most of the homes in the neighbourhood are low-rise apartment buildings, although there are still quite a few small but nice detached homes. Many residents of Little Portugal have lived here for years, making many occupants homeowners, but there are usually good rentals available on the market.
Looking for the best of Dundas West/Little Portugal?
Parks
Schools
Please click here for a comprehensive list of schools in Dundas West.
Restaurants
Hawk & Chick: Bento boxes of Korean and Japanese dishes are prepared behind the counter at this tiny takeout joint.
Le Baratin: Modern meets rustic-chic at this spot serving locally sourced eclectic small plates and charcuterie.
Antler Kitchen & Bar: Seasonal menu featuring local wild and foraged ingredients served in a petite, exposed-brick space.
Cafés
Full of Beans Coffee: Comfy, book-filled coffee house and micro-roastery offering espresso, wraps and pastries baked in-house.
Gayley’s Café: Classic café fare and smoothies offered in a narrow, brick-lined space with local art and a cheery vibe.
R & G Coffee: Modern coffee and tea bar serving pastries and sandwiches in a minimal space brightened with botanicals.