A Look Back: Toronto Neighbourhoods 100 Years Ago

by BHHS Toronto

Step back in time to explore some of Toronto's most popular neighbourhoods as they were 100 years ago. In 1924, Toronto was a bustling city with a population of over 500,000 people. The city was rapidly growing, and its neighbourhoods were shaping up to be the vibrant communities we know today. Let's take a journey through some of Toronto's top neighbourhoods 100 years ago.

1. Cabbagetown (Population: 10,000)

Cabbagetown, named for the Irish immigrants who grew cabbage in their front yards, was a working-class neighbourhood. It was home to the city's first Catholic church and a bustling commercial centre.

Dundas St. East, looking east, past River Street, 1937

2. Chinatown (Population: 1,500)

Toronto's Chinatown was a small but vibrant community, established in the late 19th century. It was a hub for Chinese immigrants and a popular destination for shopping and dining.

Queen and Spadina, 1912

Queen and Spadina, 1914

3. The Annex (Population: 5,000)

The Annex, named for its annexation by the city in 1886, was a wealthy neighbourhood with large Victorian homes. It was home to the city's elite and the University of Toronto.

Trinity St. Pauls United Church, 427 Bloor St West, Circa 1910

Madison Avenue Looking South to Dupont, 1910

4. Kensington Market (Population: 5,000)

Kensington Market, once a Jewish market, was a bustling commercial centre with pushcarts and peddlers. It was a hub for immigrants and a popular destination for shopping.

Trachter’s Milk Store, 71 Kensington Avenue, 1925

Kensington Avenue, 1920

5. Riverdale (Population: 10,000)

Riverdale, a working-class neighbourhood, was home to the city's first horsecar line and a bustling commercial centre. It was a popular destination for shopping and entertainment.

Gerrard and Broadview, 1913

Riverdale Park, 1920

6. Yorkville (Population: 2,000)

Yorkville, a small village, was home to the city's elite and a popular destination for shopping and dining. It was known for its beautiful parks and historic homes.

Yorkville Town Hall, 1920

Yonge and Bloor, 1920

7. Little Italy (Population: 2,500)

Little Italy was a small but vibrant community, established in the early 20th century. It was a hub for Italian immigrants and a popular destination for food and entertainment.

College and Grace, 1920

College and Grace, 1936

8. The Junction (Population: 5,000)

The Junction, a working-class neighbourhood, was home to the city's first railway station and a bustling commercial centre. It was a popular destination for shopping and entertainment.

Dundas and Keele, 1923

The Stockyards Bridge, 1919

Toronto's neighbourhoods 100 years ago were vibrant and diverse, shaped by immigration and industrialization. While some neighbourhoods have retained their historic charm, others have evolved to reflect the city's changing landscape. Whether you're a history buff or a curious Torontonian, exploring the city's neighbourhoods is a journey through time.

Photos from: City of Toronto Archives and Toronto Public Library