As the home of more Workhaus office locations than any other part of the city, the Toronto Financial District is special to us. In this article we’re excited to share some of what we love about it!
If you’re looking for a prime location to set up shop in Toronto’s bustling downtown, look no further than the Financial District. Nestled in the heart of downtown, convenience and opportunity are abound in this vibrant neighbourhood. In this article, the second in a series highlighting the neighbourhoods that Workhaus is based out of, we explore the Financial District. As the home to more Workhaus office locations than any other part of the city, this neighbourhood is special to us. We’re excited to share what we love about it!
First, there’s the rich history of the Financial District. The land that now comprises the Financial District is the traditional territory of many nations. These include the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples; covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. This area has also served as the epicenter of business in Canada since the 19th century (and has since grown exponentially!).
The neighbourhood is home to over 70 office buildings; some of them among the most prominent in the country. The area is home to iconic landmarks like First Canadian Place, Scotia Plaza, Toronto-Dominion Centre and Brookfield Place.
The swath of skyscrapers that make up the Financial District feature diplomatic consulates, some of the city’s finest hotels, many large corporate headquarters (including the offices of all of Canada’s big five banks) and hundreds of other prosperous and growing companies. For both small businesses and large corporations looking to lease space in Toronto, the Financial District is a great option. Did we mention that the area provides office space for over 200,000 people?
Navigating this sprawling neighbourhood is a breeze thanks to Toronto’s extensive underground network, the PATH. The underground network connects multiple buildings in the district—including six of our offices. In fact, the PATH is so expansive that it needed an article all its own to do it justice; you can check that out here. And with direct access to multiple subway stations, streetcars, and bus lines nearby, getting around couldn’t be easier. Union Station, located at the base of the financial district, acts as a major artery. Union connects you to the TTC, Go Train, Greyhound & Megabus, and the UPexpress to Pearson Airport! Headed to a conference at the Enercare centre? Commuting in from out of town? Heading overseas? The convenience and connectedness of the Financial district can’t be overstated.
It’s not all work and no play in the Financial District. Dip into the PATH and catch a glimpse of good ol’ Canadian history at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Brookfield Place. Catch a free lunchtime show at the Canadian Opera Company, just steps from our 181 University Avenue offices. You might even like to stop in at the last operating double-decker theatre in the world, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, just a stone’s throw from our 20 Richmond St E location. This gorgeous pair of historical theatres stacked inside one epic heritage venue is a great option for live theatre or stand-up comedy. You can even enjoy a guided tour of this exceptional piece of Toronto architecture.
When hunger strikes, the Financial District delivers everything! Choose from coffee shops, grab-and-go options, casual dining or upscale dining experiences and bars.
CRAFT Beer Market, located at the ground level of 1 Adelaide St. E, is a spacious bar with an epic outdoor patio. They offer a stellar selection of craft beers on tap, featuring both local and international brews. It’s an excellent spot for beer enthusiasts to sample a variety of flavours while enjoying a lively atmosphere and tasty pub food. According to our Community Lead Erina, the fish & chips are particularly good!
For a homey dining experience that doesn’t compromise on fine wine or delicious food, try John and Sons Oyster House at 56 Temperance. Our Community Lead Enam likes this spot for its affordable and tasty seafood platters. Another of her favourite spots nearby is CKTL & Co, home of some amazing cocktails (hence the name!). This stock market themed bar has an incredible ambience and is a great way to learn a thing or two about dynamic pricing. Their stock simulation software adjusts drink prices in real-time based on supply and demand from their customers. How perfect for Toronto’s Financial District!
If you’re looking to host an event checkout La Bettola Di Terroni, just around the corner from 20 Richmond St E. It’s a great spot for classic Italian fare in a cosy atmosphere. If you’re in a rush, try their sister establishment Sud Forno on Yonge St, where you can grab a taste of Italy to go from their ground floor cafe.
Another great spot for your next team get-together is Chef’s Hall at York & Richmond. Featuring four distinct dining spaces that include 2 full service bars, 2 patios, a coffee bar, lounge, and an event space, this fun spot has something for every occasion. Grab a delicious meal, try craft brews in the beer hall, and maybe even catch one of their DJ, trivia, or comedy night events with your crew for a night to remember.
If you’re looking for a spot that’ll knock your next big client’s socks off, look no further than Canoe. Located on the 54th floor of Toronto-Dominion Centre at Bay & Wellington, Canoe boasts sweeping views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. This restaurant has ranked among Canada’s top 100 restaurants for three years and counting among countless other accolades. It is certainly among the best that the city has to offer.
Before we wrap up, we can’t forget to mention a couple of our favourite neighbourhood gems.
The Financial District is home to some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and attraction, like the CN tower, the Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium and more. Let’s not forget Nathan Phillips Square at the North end of the district where many festivals and events are hosted year round. Some highlights include the wealth of cultural festivals and weekly farmer’s market that takeover the square every summer. During colder months, the ice skating rink opens to the public every winter, all winter!
Speaking of farmer’s markets, St. Lawrence Market at Front & Jarvis is an absolute must. Just a 5-10 minute walk from Union Station, this Toronto staple offers a wide array of local fare and goods. Fresh local produce, wood-fired bagels, artisanal meats, cheeses, and pastries, handmade clothing and jewellery, ready to eat meals, and nearly everything else your heart desires.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this slice of what Toronto’s Financial District has to offer. We hope this article goes to show that it’s more than just a hub of business. It’s a thriving community where work meets play, innovation meets tradition, and opportunities are boundless. Did we miss one of your favs? DM us on Instagram to let us know your favourite things to see and do. I you would love to work in the neighbourhood, why not book a tour of one of our offices today.
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