Welcome to Toronto’s Entertainment District! This bustling area is home to world-class theatres and Toronto’s most iconic attractions like the CN Tower, TIFF, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Rogers Centre and more!
Welcome back to our series showcasing the neighbourhoods that Workhaus calls home! In this edition, we’re stepping into the cultural heart of Toronto, in the Entertainment District. This bustling area is home to world-class theatres and Toronto’s most iconic attractions like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Rogers Centre and more! It also serves as the backdrop for the renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). For professionals searching for a coworking space on King Street, the area near TIFF is an unparalleled choice, offering convenience, culture and countless opportunities.
Workhaus has a variety of coworking space locations near the Entertainment District, and two distinct locations within the area. Our 212 King St location, affectionately known as “Castle,” is situated in the historic Union Building. This heritage gem built in 1908 marries the charm of a historic building with sleek and functional modern office space. Our coworking space occupies the entire sixth floor and offers a host of membership options including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private office space. From the balcony of our office lounge, you can enjoy a beautiful view over David Pecaut Square and the renowned Roy Thomson Hall. (Just one of the world-renowned theatres surrounding our King St coworking space.)
Just around the corner at 181 University Ave, you’ll find another of our coworking spaces. This brand new space, which opened in 2024, is located on the freshly renovated third floor of Adelaide Place. This modern space has treetop views, a large outdoor courtyard, and is steps from St. Andrew and Osgoode stations. We can’t imagine a better spot for anyone seeking a coworking space in the Entertainment District.
The landscape of what we now know as Toronto’s Entertainment District was significantly shaped by the Great Fire of 1904. Following the blaze, many businesses relocated, moving west of the fire-damaged areas that today form the Financial District. From the early 1900s until the 1950s, the neighbourhood flourished as a booming industrial area. It also served as the home of the Royal Alexandria Theatre, North America’s oldest continuously operating theatre.
From the 1960s onward the neighborhood thrived, thanks in large part to Toronto businessman Edwin “Honest Ed” Mirvish. The area is even home to several Mirvish Theatres and the Mirvish Walkway, AKA Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Today, the Entertainment District more than lives up to its name. The area is home to some (if not most) of Toronto’s most iconic events, venues, and theatres. You’ll find everything from top-notch restaurants and convention centres to concert halls and historic landmarks; there’s something for every occasion. Hidden gems add to the neighbourhood’s charm, with upscale speakeasies and underground eateries dotting the map. Not to mention King Street, including the stretch near our coworking space, serves as the beating heart of TIFF.
The Entertainment District is packed with iconic landmarks that draw visitors from around the globe. Attractions like CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the Rogers Centre are all pillars of the neighbourhood. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CBC Studios, TIFF Lightbox, and so many more, also call this area home, and are all within easy reach of our King Street coworking space.
Music fans can catch stadium shows at Scotiabank Arena, Coca Cola Coliseum, and the Rogers Centre. Smaller but no less established venues nearby include the Horseshoe Tavern, Velvet Underground and more.
Sports fans may know that Rogers Centre is also home to the Toronto Blue Jays, who happen to be having their best season in decades this year. Scotiabank Arena is also the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, where you can see them live on the ice. During the playoffs, you can often watch the game outside on the big screen Maple Leaf Square. You can also check it out at Rendezviews’ massive 30,000 sq. ft. patio on Richmond. Real hockey buffs can also catch a glimpse of the sport’s history at the nearby Hockey Hall of Fame.
If you’re looking to relax, you can explore the idyllic Toronto Music Garden and the waterfront. You can even escape the city at a moment’s notice by grabbing a ferry or water taxi to the Toronto Islands for stunning skyline views. If you’d rather unwind with some laughter, Canada’s best-known comedy club, YukYuk’s, is also just around the corner.
Other event venues like Fort York Historic Site, or the Exhibition Grounds, are both only a 15-minute transit ride away. In August, that quick access makes the Entertainment District an especially great spot for anyone looking to catch the CNE, AKA The Ex. Speaking of annual events, TIFF and its constellation of theatres are pillars of the neighbourhood, drawing international attention every fall.
The Toronto International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Canada and one of the “big five” film festivals globally, renowned for its prestige and high regard. TIFF brings over 700,000 people to Toronto each year and contributes well over $100 million to the city’s economy. It also attracts international stars and filmmakers, with names like Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Park Chan-wook, Tessa Thompson, Nia DaCosta, and many more already confirmed for this year. Hundreds of films, many of them world premieres, where you can expect to see stars, directors, producers, and more walk the red carpet, play throughout the festival.
Located at 350 King St W, TIFF Lightbox is the flagship venue for the Toronto International Film Festival, operating year-round as a theatre, gallery, and cultural institute. During the festival proper, the entire area near TIFF and our coworking space is transformed in a cinematic celebration. Roy Thomson Hall, across the street from our coworking space on King St, along with neighbouring Royal Alexandra & Princess of Wales Theatres all screen dozens of films each year. A few blocks away is Cineplex’s flagship venue, Scotiabank Theatre. Here you can see many film festivals including TIFF, Hot Docs, Toronto After Dark, and Canadian Film Festival, along with year-round blockbusters and new releases. This theatre truly backs up the district’s reputation as an entertainment hotspot.
For those looking for fun team-building activities near our coworking space, Toronto’s Entertainment District has plenty to offer. Right next door to us is Charlotte’s Room, for example. Don’t let their tiny patio fool you! Head down to the basement and you’ll find a neon wonderland with arcade games, billiards, virtual golf and more. Our members love it! You’ll also find Chef’s Hall nearby, which is not only a great spot for after-work drinks but also hosts fun events like trivia nights. For more fun in the area, you can challenge your colleagues at Partee Put, test your wits at escape rooms like Escape Manor or Trapped. You can also strike up some friendly bowling competition at Ballroom Bowl.
Beyond the obvious attractions, the Entertainment District is also full of hidden gems, like classy cocktail bars and speakeasies. Frenchy, tucked inside the Hilton Hotel at 181 University, perfect for cocktails or a late-night drink. Next door to our King St coworking space, Coffee, Oysters, Champagne makes a great selection of cocktails. From there you can also find the speakeasy, A Toi. Spend a little time exploring and you’ll likely come across many more. Try Bar 404 near TIFF, Liquid Courage hidden away behind Mother Tongue, and Bibliotheque near the Fifth Social Club on Richmond. These are great spots for unwinding after work—if you can find them, of course.
The variety and quality of food options are a huge perk of coworking in Entertainment District Toronto. You can grab a quick bite between meetings, enjoy an after-work drink, or even host a client lunch without ever leaving the neighbourhood. If you’re here during the festival, you might even spot a TIFF event happening at a nearby restaurant like Earl’s!
When you’re on the move, the district has plenty of convenient choices. You can grab a healthy and delicious bowl at Brasa on Queen, where our members even get a discount on in-app orders! Other nearby options are a top-notch sandwich from Porchetta & Co. or a tasty takeout tray from Marquin Venezuelan Delights. Even the fast food in this part of town is a cut above, with options like Tahini’s on King Street or Burgers and Fries Forever (BFF) on John.
You’ll also find many of Toronto’s best-known local coffee chains in this arena, like Moffer, Mos Mos, Sam James and more. One of our favourites is Dineen, with their beautiful patio at King & University. Another unique choice is Jacked Up Coffee, which serves a tasty cup from a food truck inside a building. If you’re looking for something sweet to go with your coffee, there are more great options too. Check out Mizzica at Queen and John (you’ll know you’re there when you see the line up!) or Nadège Patisserie in the PATH.
When you have time to sit down and enjoy a light meal, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and pubs. On the ground level below our coworking space, you’ll find the Elephant & Castle pub on King St. Right next door there are rich and comforting Chinese dishes in a cozy yet sleek atmosphere in Lee Chen bistro. Just across the square you can grab a classic greasy spoon breakfast at Sunset Grill. Across from our University Avenue office, meanwhile, Cafe Landwer brings Mediterranean foods and flavours to the classic old-school diner vibe. Nearby Penny’s Chicken (one of only two locations in Canada) also comes highly recommended by our members, as does Zen Kyoto.
A little further down King St there’s Gabby’s, which is a great spot for relaxed after-work gatherings or catching a live pay-per-view over drinks. There’s also an unmatched Indian buffet at King and John. There are even two of Toronto’s best Thai restaurants, Khao San Road (home of the best Khao Soi downtown) and PAI, located just off of King St.
Pub lovers will find plenty of options here too. Saint John’s Tavern, The Town Crier, and Grace O’Malley’s are just a few highlights. These are great spots for unwinding after work or celebrating a win with your team!
Finally, when the occasion calls for fine dining, the Entertainment District presents a wealth of standout choices. Treat yourself or impress clients with exceptional experiences at Byblos, Pizzeria Moretti, Akira Black, or Abrielle. These fine establishments are all celebrated for their cuisine, atmosphere, and attentive service.
The Entertainment District is one of Toronto’s most connected areas, making it a prime location for exploration, connection, and coworking. Much of it is linked by the PATH underground network, connecting office buildings — including the majority of our coworking spaces — to subway stations, streetcars, and bus lines. Line 1 runs along University Avenue, the Spadina streetcar serves the west side. King and Queen streetcars run east–west through the neighbourhood. At the base of the district, Union Station offers TTC, GO Train, Megabus service to help you get wherever you need to go. You can even catch the UP Express service to Pearson Airport. Meanwhile, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is just steps away from downtown via ferry or tunnel. This unmatched accessibility makes coworking in Toronto’s Entertainment District ideal for professionals who value convenience and connectivity.
Beyond the well-known attractions, our coworking team members have their own favourite spots in the Entertainment District. 401 Richmond is a hidden gem. This former industrial building offers a sprawling maze of indoor galleries and exhibition spaces, most open to the public. It is also home to the Museum of Toronto. It has quickly become a standout addition to the city’s annual Nuit Blanche festivities. The Deck is a brand new community space in Clarence Square. Here you can catch live music during lunch and dinner hours Thursday through Saturday. David Pecaut Square (across the street from our coworking space) also hosts events throughout the year, including Luminato Festival and TIFF.
These are just a few of the reasons our coworking space members love the neighbourhood near TIFF. It’s truly a fantastic choice for anyone seeking the very best of coworking in Toronto’s Entertainment District.
We hope this tour was able to show you Toronto’s Entertainment District the way that we see it. This neighbourhood offers rich history and iconic landmarks, along with world-class events and dining. For anyone seeking a premier coworking space near TIFF, this neighbourhood provides the very best of Toronto’s Entertainment District, right at your fingertips!
Ready to find your ideal coworking space? Book a tour of our 212 King St West or 181 University Avenue locations today!
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