Neighbourhood: The Junction
Indigenous trading trails converged here hundreds of years ago — later replaced by train tracks, hotels and taverns. Once a village, then a town, and eventually the City of West ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, the area had a rough-and-tumble reputation, earning it prohibition laws that held until the year 2000. These days, the neighbourhood is much more mellow, but the spirit of its lively past lingers — making for a walk that’s rich in both history and charm.
Walking perks
If you’re directionally challenged, this route’s for you: every stop is within a neat seven-block stretch along Dundas Street West. You’ll also find plenty of original architecture, turning each block into a little time capsule of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½â€™s past.
How to get there
Catch the 40 Junction bus from Dundas West Station, or hop on the 89 Weston or 41 Keele from Keele Station.
Along the way: Butterfly Gardens
As you make your way west along Dundas Street West, enjoy the lush greenery of the pollinator pathway, a series of planters that act as sanctuaries for our winged little friends and sport 22 fun pollinator facts.
Hot tip: The Junction has become a go-to destination for augmented reality art. Before you visit, download the Artvive app on your phone before you go, then check out the area’s 10 gorgeous permanent murals; a map is available at .
Stop #1: The Puzzle Nerds (2761 Dundas St. W.)
Puzzle lovers from across the GTA (and beyond) make the trip to this dedicated jigsaw destination. Browse thousands of puzzles, from small sets to 5,000-piece brain-busters, featuring everything from fine art to astronomy.

Shelves of jigsaw puzzles fill the interior of Puzzle Nerds at 2761 Dundas St. W.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StarStop #2: Botham’s (2869 Dundas St. W.)Â
Head west and slip into a cosy Botham’s booth and tuck into wood-fired pizza, oyster specials or a Sunday roast. If you’re brunching, try the trout gravlax platter. You can also pick up some Junction-themed swag on your way out to commemorate your day here.
Stop #3 The Hole in the Wall (2867A Dundas St. W.)
Craving a drink? Pop next door to this intimate sister bar for a quiet tipple. Their whiskey selection is legendary — and the dim, cosy vibe makes it an ideal midday pause.

The Hole in the Wall (2867A Dundas St. W.) offers a quiet, old-school charm — a nod to the Junction’s storied past.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StarStop #4: Thus (2879 Dundas St. W.)
Some stores are worth visiting just to marvel at the wares, even if you’re not in a shopping mood. Head west to Thus for the friendliest service in the city and a fascinating array of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½-themed vintage treasures, from OG TIFF tees to TTC token earrings. (You might even catch co-owner Elizabeth Babian doing live embroidery in her storefront-window sewing station.)

Co-owner Elizabeth Babian sews in the front window of Thus (2879 Dundas St. W.), a shop offering ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½-themed vintage items and handmade goods.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StStop #5 Arts Market (2978 Dundas St. W.)
The Junction has its own outpost of the Arts Market, home to a wide range of local makers. Cross the street and head west to browse crystals, candles, perfume, room sprays, and tees upstairs. Then make your way to the basement, where a cornucopia of vintage treasures awaits — think earrings, ceramics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle satchels, retro ads, ties, mugs, glassware, cashmere sweaters, linen blazers, and even Dolly Parton records.

Inside the Arts Market’s Junction location, where shelves are stocked with handmade goods, vintage gems, and work by local makers.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StarHot tip: Feeling thirsty on your stroll? Pop into UB Social Cafe & General Store (3015 Dundas St. W.) for a refreshing watermelon or virgin mojito slushie.
Stop #6: Take Note Pens & Stationery (2993 Dundas St. W.)
Wondering how a pen-and-paper store survives in 2025? This family-run favourite is the answer. Celebrating 10 years in business, it’s a go-to for artists, writers, and notebook obsessives. Expect pens, washi tape, beautiful cards, and serious creative energy.

Take Note Pens & Stationery, a family-run shop at 2993 Dundas St. W., has been serving the Junction community for over a decade.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StarHot tip: If you know you’ll be too pooped post-walk to make dinner, grab a couple sandos to go from Bevi Birria (3072 Dundas St W); their crispy chicken sammie — slathered with rosemary aioli, pepperoncino, and honey — is one of the best in the city.
Stop #7: Doc’s Green Door Lounge (3106 Dundas St. W.)
Cross the street and head west to wrap up your walk with a drink. Doc’s Green Door Lounge serves a mean martini and lets you customize every detail — twist, brine, topper and all. Bonus points if you time your visit to catch their weekday happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., when cocktails are just $13.

Doc’s Green Door Lounge at 3106 Dundas St. W. is a popular spot in the Junction known for its custom martinis and weekday happy hour.
Michelle Mengsu Chang ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ StA local’s favourite spots
John Baker is the co-owner of high-design home goods store Mjölk (2959 Dundas St. W.), which has called the Junction home for 16 years.

John Baker, co-owner of design store Mjölk, pictured with his family, has watched the Junction evolve over 16 years while maintaining its unique character.
Why he loves the Junction: “It was this beautiful tin facade that brought us to the neighbourhood; it’s historically significant as it’s one of the last tin buildings in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½. We fell in love with the building and then fell in love with the neighbourhood,†he says. “It was more of a scrappy neighbourhood when we opened with very little foot traffic. Now it’s bustling with young families and creatives but still somehow still has the same Junction DNA. It kind of feels like a small town right here in the city.â€
Baker’s top Junction picks.
Latre Art + Style (3020 Dundas St. W.)
“Amazing clothing many that are made from antique or vintage cloth material. Most of the clothes here are made within one block of the shop. Depending on the piece, you can commission custom embroidery work.â€
Pandemonium (2920 Dundas St. W.)
“The staff have an encyclopedic knowledge of old books and records and where to find them in the shop. You’ll find rare Jazz Blue Note titles in crates on the floor, so be sure to ask for them.â€
Opticianado (2919 Dundas St. W.)
“They have a large collection or rare vintage models for sale in the drawers under the display that you can ask to see.â€
When the Pig Came ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ (384 Keele St.)
“Their peameal sandwich is the best — sorry, St. Lawrence Market — but if you’re in a hurry, their Jamaican patties are a just as famous and a good on-the-go snack.â€
Honest Weight (2766 Dundas St. W.)
“Some of the best seafood in the city. If you’re worried about getting a table in the evening, their lunch menu is just as delicious. You can also order fresh fish and seafood directly from their counter.â€
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