The Annex

One of Toronto’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods, the Annex was a highly-coveted area when it was first constructed in the 1870s. It was almost immediately inhabited by members of the city’s elite—which is to say, those who could afford the gorgeous homes here.

To this day, heritage houses constructed of iconic red brick and stone are still standing in the neighbourhood. These high-quality structures offer visitors and residents a glimpse of Toronto’s past.

The Annex is also very conveniently located. It sits just west of one of Toronto’s most luxurious residential areas (Yorkville) and north of a designer shopping district along Bloor Street West (playfully referred to as “Mink Mile.”)

For quite some time, many of the Annex’s mansions were split up into separate apartments as affluent residents moved to newer areas outside the city’s core. For this reason, you’ll find many young people in the area, including students who attend the nearby University of Toronto.

Today, mansions in the Annex are once again being purchased by higher-income individuals—and revamped to suit their lifestyles. Today, you’ll find a great mix of people and cultures, from those who ride bicycles to those who drive Lamborghinis.

The convenience of living in the Annex is hard to beat. While many of the neighbourhood’s tree-lined side streets are peaceful and quiet, every corner of the Annex is relatively close to a major intersection or main street. In other words, buzz-worthy boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and bars are never far away.

In particular, this vibrant neighbourhood is known for its eateries, which serve diverse tastes. One of the clear favourites is Kinka Izakaya, a local hotspot for top-notch Japanese cuisine.

When you’re looking to spend a fun afternoon out, consider hitting the shops (BMV Books is a must-visit for lovers of literature) or catching a truly unique film at Bloor Hot Docs. Those looking to stay active will want to visit Niles Nadal JCC, a local community centre featuring a pool, running track, and more.

Lastly, the Annex is much loved by architecture buffs. With so many beautiful streets to explore, you’ll never tire of the gorgeous heritage homes here.

When it comes to schools in the Annex, the most popular elementary options are Huron Street Junior Public School and Palmerston Junior Public School (both of which are located on their namesake streets).

The Annex is also home to the famed all-boys private school Royal St. George’s College, which welcomes students between Grades 3 to 12.