10 Things to Do in Liberty Village Toronto
If you are staying in Toronto for a while, Liberty Village Toronto is worth visiting. It’s one of the areas in Toronto that is overlooked. But the truth is that this small area on the western side of the city, once an industrial hub, now has a youthful vibe, which is enjoyable for most tourists.
Before getting to know the Liberty Village area, it would help if you read more about the best neighborhoods in Toronto, which can help you find the best place to live in this city.
Now, let’s take a look at Liberty Village Toronto’s history and then delve into the top attractions and things to do in Liberty Village.
History of Liberty Village Toronto
In the 19th century, Liberty Village was an industrial area, housing factories and warehouses. It had an impact on the city’s industrial development. As you can see it is located next to the city’s railway, which was created in 1891.
The railway now is one of the best ways to go and visit small towns near Toronto. It has also made it much easier for tourists to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls and enjoy this pristine attraction in Canada.
Additionally, the Liberty Village Toronto was home to numerous factories, including the famed Stanley Barracks, which contributed to its moniker as a historic industrial district.
Over time, in the late 20th, the neighborhood saw shifts in its industrial landscape, with many of the old industrial buildings being repurposed into trendy restaurants, high-end offices, retail spaces, and parks, giving it the unique character it possesses today.
This transformation has led to the establishment of a vibrant community with a mix of residential and commercial developments, creating a modern and dynamic neighborhood that still pays homage to its industrial heritage.
Best Things to Do in Liberty Village Toronto
From historic landmarks to modern and vibrant restaurants, here are the top attractions in the Liberty Village Toronto.
1. Enjoy Greenery in Liberty Park
The Liberty Village area doesn’t have many greeneries, but it still has small parks like Liberty Park to enjoy the afternoon walking and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
While you can enjoy the park as one of the best free things to do in Toronto, you can also explore nearby cafes, visit local shops, or check out Liberty Village events to make the most of your day in this vibrant neighborhood.
If you are living in this area with your family or traveling with your kids, this park has a playground for kids. So, you don’t need to worry about keeping your kids busy during the day while exploring things to do in Liberty Village.
Accordingly, Liberty Park in Liberty Village has a splash pad where kids can cool off and play, making it a favorite spot for families in the summer. This place is a nice escape from the busy city and a great spot for community gatherings.
2. Visit Farmers’ Market
If you happen to visit this area on Sunday, you have a chance to buy some fresh, local fruits and other products along with baked goods at the Farmers Market.
This local market was established in 2007, and ever since, every Sunday from June to the end of November, people come to this market from all around Toronto to buy local products.
The market is located in the Green P parking lot on Hanna Street and is open from 10 am to 2 pm and many consider it as one of the best fall activities in Toronto.
When you buy fruits and veggies from the local market Toronto, it helps local farmers and small businesses by giving them a chance to sell directly to the community.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Liberty Village, this market is a perfect spot to explore and enjoy fresh, locally made products. It’s also part of a bigger network in Toronto that brings fresh food and handmade items to city neighborhoods.
3. Check Out the Old Prison Chapel
Originally built in the 1870s as part of the city’s first permanent jail, the prison chapel is now one of the oldest buildings in the area. Here are some highlights about this historical place:
- It was closed in 1915, and part of it was demolished during the area’s development. But the main building and its north wall remained as a historic landmark.
- Prison Chapel was originally a Roman Catholic chapel designed by architect Kivas Tully.
- After the prison closed in 1915, the building was used by Inglis Manufacturing.
- Later, the City of Toronto leased the chapel to the Pegasus Group for just $1 a year for 99 years, hoping to restore it.
- There were plans to turn it into one of the romantic restaurants for couples or art galleries, but it hasn’t been restored yet. However, new ideas suggest it could be turned into an art gallery with a bar, kitchenette, and outdoor terrace. So, we should wait for later updates.
The chapel is not open to visit, you can only check the area and see its building, which is located inside the Liberty Park, on 70th East Liberty Street. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Liberty Village, this is a great spot to explore while enjoying the surrounding park.
4. Enjoy Indoor Rock Climbing
You are not a fan of outdoor activities? Well, the area has some indoor fun for you. You can enjoy rock climbing at Joe Rockhead’s indoor rock climbing gym. Whether you are a beginner or have an experience in this exciting sport, you can join this gym and be trained by top climbers here.
Additionally, you don’t need to worry about the sessions, as you can only join the club for one day. So, if you are just passing by this area, you can still try this indoor gym.
If you are staying in Toronto for a longer period, this club allows you to buy weekly sessions or 10 sessions during a month. So, it’s all up to you.
5. Explore the Street Art
Toronto is home to beautiful street arts. You can find nice and eye-catching murals in Toronto, and one of the best places to see these colorful arts is the Liberty Village area.
Do you know where you can find a fantastic artistic wall in this area? Toronto Carpet Factory has wonderful carpet art, and Liberty Market Building is another great place to see colorful murals.
These two places are so popular on Instagram. Ready to take some wonderful photos for your social media?
If you’re looking for artistic things to do in Liberty Village, check out the silos along the South Liberty Trail, which have been turned into giant art pieces by muralists like Alexander Bacon, birdO, Emmanuel Jarus, and Troy Lovegates. This was the first silo mural project in Toronto!
6. Visit Historic Toronto Carpet Factory
Speaking of Toronto Carpet Factory murals, let’s take a look at this historical landmark, too. Built between 1899 and 1912, this building was a complex where most of the creative and dynamic were placed. Exploring this iconic site is a great way to learn about the area’s history and vibrant art scene.
As the name indicates, the basic business in this building complex was carpet wovening. Now only the carpet design murals have been left from its past and the building is where most of the restaurants, and cafes are located.
Notes:
- During World War I, it made over 300,000 army blankets for Canadian troops, showing its support for the war effort.
- It was also one of the first factories in Canada to generate its own heat and electricity, which was very advanced at the time.
- Today, this historic building is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, making it a special landmark in Liberty Village.
7. Have a Brunch at School Restaurant
School is the name of one of the best restaurants in the Liberty Village area. It is well-known for its brunch menu with homemade and fresh and fluffy pancakes.
Since the restaurant is popular in Toronto, you might face a long line-up. But, you should know that it is really worth the wait.
A fun fact about this restaurant is that its menu features dishes named after school subjects, and the servers dress like teachers, adding to the playful vibe.
While their fluffy pancakes are a favorite, the apple crumble cakes are also a must-try. They come topped with caramel, crushed pecans, brown sugar butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar for a delicious twist on classic brunch. Plus, they have a special “Weekend Brunch Menu” for even more tasty options!
8. Watch a Game at Lamport Stadium Park
Whether you like to watch a game or a concert, the Lamport Stadium Park is where you should head up in the Liberty Village Toronto.
This Stadium Park is a multi-purpose stadium used primarily for soccer and Canadian football. The park is popular for hosting sporting events, concerts, and cultural festivals.
It’s also a popular spot for locals and visitors to engage in recreational activities such as running, walking, or simply relaxing in a green space.
The park is particularly bustling during the summer months when various events and games take place. The Lamport Stadium is a great place to visit for sports enthusiasts, as well as anyone looking to enjoy a lively and active atmosphere.
9. Visit MZTV Museum Of Television
Another unique attraction in the Liberty Village area is the MZTV museum, dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the history of television. This museum showcases a collection of TV equipment from the 1920s to the 1980s.
For the television enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the development of media and entertainment, MZTV provides a fascinating journey through the milestones of television history.
The MZTV Museum of Television is also home to the rare RCA Phantom Teleceiver, first shown at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It also features personal TV sets from famous icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. A must-see for things to do in Liberty Village and for tech and pop culture lovers!
10. Shop Gifts
You can buy small gifts for your loved ones at Liberty Village stores. There are several gift shops here where you can find nice items as gifts.
Liberty Village offers some unique gift shops, like I Have A Crush On You, which features quirky gag gifts and handmade items—perfect for finding something creative and unusual. Other notable spots include Demo Soap, with handmade bath products, and For The Love of Cake, known for custom cakes and decorated cookies.
If you’re looking for special and one-of-a-kind gifts, Liberty Village has plenty of options to explore! It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Liberty Village for unique shopping experiences.
How to Get to Liberty Village Area?
Unlike most neighborhoods in Toronto, like the Yorkville neighborhood, Liberty Village Toronto doesn’t have any metro station. However, it doesn’t mean it’s hard to get to this area from other parts of the city.
If you are staying in one of the studio apartments of downtown Toronto, you can easily get to the Liberty Village area by Toronto’s public transit system, known as the TTC. You can take the 504 King streetcar, which runs along King Street and passes through Liberty Village.
Cost of Living and Housing in Liberty Village Toronto
Living in Liberty Village means enjoying the convenience of being far from the bustling city center. It’s an easy walk to the waterfront promenade. The neighborhood is well-connected, with plenty of streetcars and buses.
Liberty Village Toronto is a prime neighborhood with a premium cost of living due to its exclusivity. Renting is more common than buying because of the high housing prices. However, the neighborhood compensates for this expense with its abundant amenities and ideal location.
The Liberty Village area has higher rent than average Toronto neighborhoods, approximately 9% more expensive. This is due to ongoing growth and development, suggesting that rental rates may increase.
Therefore, if you want to stay for a while in Toronto, it’s better to look for short-term rentals in Toronto downtown, which are more affordable than the houses in this area.
Besides being cheaper, the apartments and penthouses are equipped with high-end facilities and designed with modern furniture to guarantee a convenient and high-quality stay to all the guests.
Conclusion
Liberty Village Toronto is a small area that has a long history. No one was living in this area during the 19th and 20th centuries but after its development, the area became a nice and vibrant residential district in Toronto. Now, in addition to being a great place for living, the area has wonderful stories to tell to tourists.
FAQs
1. Where Is Liberty Village Located in Toronto?
Liberty Village is west of downtown Toronto, King Street West borders it to the north, Dufferin Street to the west, Strachan Avenue to the east, and the Gardiner Expressway to the south.
2. What Is the History of Liberty Village?
Liberty Village was originally an industrial area, housing factories and warehouses in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.
3. Why is it called Liberty Village Toronto?
The area was home to Toronto Central Prison and many factories. When prisoners were released from Toronto’s old chapel, they walked down the street that later became Liberty Street. When the area was developed as a residential neighborhood, it kept its old name and became Liberty Village.
4. What Are Some of the Best Liberty Village Restaurants?
Liberty Village in Toronto has a variety of restaurants offering different cuisines. Here are a few options:
- LOCAL Public Eatery: A casual neighborhood spot with modern bar food, craft beer, and sports on TV.
- Liberty Village Market & Cafe: An unfussy market and cafe that serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, and coffee drinks.
- Brazen Head Irish Pub: An Irish-themed bar with pub grub, TV sports, and outdoor seating.
- Liberty Soho: A restaurant, bar, and pub with a casual and cozy atmosphere.
- Caffino: A charming Italian restaurant in a converted factory space.
- Chiang Mai Liberty: A stylish Thai restaurant known for its cocktails and Thai specialties.
