East of Parliament St., between Wellesley and Dundas St. East. TTC: College, then streetcar eastbound
Once a working-class enclave, Cabbagetown is now a gracious neighbourhood of renovated Victorian homes and lovely parks. Highlights include the turn-of-the-century Riverdale Farm (site of the original Toronto Zoo) and Allan Gardens, with its botanical collection in a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse.
The Details
Originally located on the then-outskirts of town, Cabbagetown has been transformed in true “rags-to-riches” style into one of the most desirable and engaging residential enclaves of downtown Toronto.
The name “Cabbagetown” originated in the mid-19th Century, when the Irish immigrants who lived in the area planted unusually large cabbage patches on their front lawns. The area has one of the largest concentrations of Victorian homes on the continent. Residents have spent considerable time (and money) restoring these to their original beauty – with delicate iron fencing, carefully manicured lawns and fragrant gardens, and whimsical architectural detailing.
Parliament St., the main street in Cabbagetown, is not so much charming as it is eclectic – a hodgepodge of restaurants, cafes, and neighbourhood shops. The street’s name emerged because the earliest meetings of Ontario’s provincial parliament were held in the area between 1794 and 1797.
On a stroll – and stroll you must! - you will glimpse the neighbourhood flag flying – a green cabbage on a white background. (It is usually bestowed on a home or shop owner for architectural or design excellence). The area has a small-town feel, where greeting passers-by is common.
Places & Events of Interest
• Allan Gardens – Outdoor gardens, greenhouses and a glassed-in botanical garden provide a tranquil setting year round. It is especially lovely over the Christmas holidays, when the tropical gardens feature a holiday flower show. Free admission. (Corner of Carlton & Jarvis Sts.)
• Riverdale Farm – the site of Toronto’s first zoo is now an actual working farm in the heart of the city. It is actually a “demonstration farm” – complete with animals – used to expose city children to agricultural concepts and experiences. (Corner of Winchester and Sumach Sts.)
• The Necropolis – Toronto’s oldest cemetery has a suitably creepy name. Moss-covered tombstones and a gothic chapel add to the haunting effect. (Corner of Amelia and Sumach Sts.) Famous residents include Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, and George Brown, a father of Canada’s Confederation and founder of the Globe & Mail newspaper.
• Cabbagetown Festival – Staged at the beginning of September, this community-based week-long celebration features non-stop concerts, a film festival, an absolutely smashing dog show, and fabulous tours of the marvelous homes of the neighbourhood. This is the one time you can glimpse some of the best and most imaginative home renovations in North America.