Queensway Real Estate Brokerage

Relocating to Toronto, Canada

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Moving to a new country is an exciting step, and Toronto is a great place to start your next chapter. Whether you plan to buy or rent, understanding your housing options can help you feel confident and prepared.

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GET THE RELOCATION Guide to SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR MOVE

My comprehensive Relocation Guide walks you through the first steps of a buying process—from understanding your needs and securing financing to navigating the market and closing the deal. It further focuses on renters as well.

Get your very own guide here for your new fresh start, I have the expertise to ensure a smooth and successful moving journey every step of the way.

Byuyer's Guide

BUYING IN THE GTA

Purchasing your first home in Canada can be an important step toward long-term stability for you and your family. Canadian real estate is known for being a strong and reliable investment, and many newcomers choose homeownership as a way to build long-term financial security, and earn on their investment.

There are helpful programs available for newcomers, including new-to-Canada incentives, options to buy with as little as 5% down, and opportunities to reduce certain closing costs. 

With the right guidance, you can find a home that fits your needs while protecting your finances and saving your money along the way.

RENTING IN THE GTA

Renting is a popular and flexible option for many newcomers, especially when first arriving in Canada, as Canada is expensive. It allows you to explore different neighbourhoods, understand the local market, and settle into daily life before making a long-term commitment.

Toronto (GTA) offers a wide range of rental options, from apartments and condos to townhomes, and basement suites. 

As a renter, you’ll benefit from tenant protections, clear lease agreements, and predictable monthly costs. Renting can be a smart first step while you build credit, employment history, and confidence in your new city.

Around TORONTO GTA PROPER

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Places close by

Major Canadian Grocery Chains

  • Farm Boy
  • Food Basics
  • Fortinos
  • FreshCo
  • Loblaws
  • Longo’s
  • Metro
  • No Frills
  • Sobeys
  • Valu-Mart

Budget Grocery Stores

  • Food Basics
  • Giant Tiger (smaller grocery selection)
  • FreshCo
  • No Frills

Big-Box & Warehouse Stores

  • Costco
  • Real Canadian Superstore
  • Walmart Supercentre

Specialty & Organic Grocery Stores

  • Healthy Planet
  • Organic Garage
  • Summerhill Market
  • The Big Carrot
  • Whole Foods Market

Coffee Shops

Toronto Coffee Classics (Must-Try)

These are well-known and consistently excellent:

  • Pilot Coffee Roasters (multiple locations)
  • Sam James Coffee Bar (several Toronto locations)
  • Boxcar Social (coffee + wine, neighbourhood feel)
  • Neo Coffee Bar (Japanese-style cafés, great pastries)
  • Balzac’s Coffee Roasters (heritage-inspired cafés)
  • Dark Horse Espresso Bar
  • The Library Specialty Coffee

Specialty & Third-Wave Coffer Lovers

For high-quality beans, careful brewing, and great espresso:

  • Tandem Coffee
  • Hamers Coffee
  • Subtext Coffee
  • Ethica Coffee Roasters
  • Found Coffee
  • Fahrenheit Coffee
  • Mofer Coffee

Cozy, Coummunity-Focused Cafés 

Great for studying, meetings, or relaxing:

  • Jimmy’s Coffee
  • Versus Coffee
  • Coffee Island
  • Forget Me Not Café
  • Propeller Coffee Co.
  • Remarkable Bean

Brunch & Café Combos

If you want food with your coffee:

  • Cafe Landwer
  • Bonjour Brioche
  • Le Gourmand
  • Lady Marmalade Café
  • Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Other City Coffee Shops (worth knowing)

Mississauga 

  • Back Road Coffee Roasters
  • Archtop Coffee Bar
  • Halo Espresso Bar

Markham/Richmond Hill

  • Platform Espresso Bar
  • Neighbourhood Coffee
  • BOD Coffee
  • Alchemy Coffee

Vaughan 

  • Fiorina Espresso
  • Coffee Time (select premium locations)

Brampton

  • Segovia Coffee Co.
  • Café Roux

International and National Chains (everywhere)

  • Coffee Time (select premium locations)
  • Country Style (Canadian Old Chain)
  • Second Cup (Canadian Chain)
  • Starbucks
  • Tim Hortons (iconic Canadian classic)

Dining

Best Dining in Toronto & the GTA

  • Alo – Modern French, fine dining (Toronto)
  • Edulis – Seasonal tasting menus, intimate experience (Toronto)
  • Canoe – Canadian cuisine with skyline views (Toronto)
  • Richmond Station – Elevated comfort food (Toronto)
  • Scaramouche – Classic fine dining, elegant atmosphere (Toronto)

International & Cultural Standouts

  • Patois – Caribbean–Chinese fusion (Toronto)
  • Pai – Authentic Thai cuisine (Toronto)
  • Osteria Giulia – Italian coastal fine dining (Toronto)
  • Mamakas Taverna – Greek cuisine (Toronto)
  • Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – Interactive dining, multiple GTA locations

Mississauga

  • Capra's Kitchen – Highly rated Italian favourite
  • The Park – Fine dining destination
  • Alioli Ristorante – Classic Italian with sophistication
  • Simply South Mississauga – Excellent South Indian cuisine
  • Seau de Crabe Restaurant – Top seafood choice
  • Rick's Good Eats – Popular North Indian spot
  • Chelsea Restaurant – Upscale Canadian plates
  • Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Square One – Casual Italian near Square One

Mississauga also has a huge multi-cuisine food hub at Ridgeway Plaza, known for its many international dining options — Middle Eastern, Yemeni, Peruvian, Iraqi and more.

Oakville

  • Hexagon Restaurant – Refined fine dining
  • Easy on Fourth – Stylish restaurant for brunch/dinner
  • Harpers Landing – Modern casual with big reviews
  • The Oakville Pump & Patio – Classic local favourite
  • Tabule Oakville – Well-loved Middle Eastern
  • Laylak Lebanese Cuisine Oakville – Excellent Lebanese
  • The Olive Press – Popular Italian comfort

Oakville’s Lakeshore Road corridor is known for a cluster of top restaurants and scenic dining options.

Markham/Richmond Hill Area

(Great for diverse Asian cuisine and casual dining)

  • Markham and Richmond Hill are known for outstanding Cantonese, noodle houses, pho & Asian fusion — locals often call this area food-scene rich and diverse. Reddit+1
  • Some local favorites include pho places, noodle shops, HK-style cafés and Asian-fusion spots around Hwy 7 & Woodbine in Markham and along Yonge Street in Richmond Hill.

Vaughan/Thornhill

  • Vaughan dining is known for Italian restaurants and casual eateries, and nearby Thornhill/Richmond Hill has lots of Asian cuisine options just north of Toronto. Wahi+1
  • For example around Vaughan Mills, locals mention spots like Indian Brar’s or fusion Katsuya nearby in Mississauga; while hungry suburban diners often drive to Richmond Hill/Markham for Asian choices.

Bonus Dining Tips

  • Many suburbs have lively restaurant clusters around malls or downtown strips (e.g., CF Square One in Mississauga, Downtown Oakville, Markham’s Hwy 7 corridor). Reddit
  • The GTA’s diversity means you’ll find excellent ethnic dining (Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, etc.) in suburb hubs, often rivaling Toronto’s options.

Pubs + Bars

Classic Pubs a& Social Bars

  • Scotland Yard Pub – Classic British-style pub with great beer and atmosphere.
  • The Queen & Beaver Public House – Old-school English pub vibe in a cozy setting.
  • Town Crier – Traditional pub food, sports screens, and drinks on John St.
  • C’est What? Inc. – Historic pub with strong beer selection and hearty eats.
  • The Pint Public House – Casual, lively spot on Front St. with lots of beers on tap.
  • One Eyed Jack Restaurant & Bar Toronto – Stylish choice with craft beers and pub-style fare.

Crafts & Cocktail Spots

(Great for date night, creative drinks, and sophisticated vibes)

  • LIBRARY BAR – Elegant cocktails in an iconic hotel setting.
  • Civil Liberties – Highly rated craft cocktail bar (often featured on top bar lists).
  • Bar Maaya | Toronto – Stylish modern cocktail lounge on Adelaide.
  • Watson's – Classic cocktail bar with expertly mixed drinks.
  • Cocktail Bar – Cozy spot with great drink craftsmanship.

Live Music & Eclectic Bars

(Perfect for music lovers and fun group nights)

  • The Cameron House – Legendary bar and live music venue on Queen St. West. 
  • Horseshoe Tavern – Iconic bar with regular live music and classic vibe.
  • Bar Volo – Casual and friendly beer bar known locally.
  • Bar Poet – Chill Queen West bar with good crowd and pub feel.
  • Black Dice Cafe – Stylish, late-night bar with creative cocktails.

Where to Go for Bar-Hopping 

  • King Street West / Entertainment District – lots of pubs & lounges close together. 
  • Queen Street West & Ossington – eclectic mix of bars and live music spots.
  • Church-Wellesley Village – vibrant, social nightlife scene. Cities Insider


Parks

1. High Park

One of Toronto’s largest and most popular parks, featuring trails, playgrounds, gardens, picnic areas, sports fields, and a small zoo — ideal for all ages.

2. Center Island & Toronto Island

Accessible by ferry, this park area offers beaches, picnic spots, bike paths, canoeing, and family fun at Centreville Amusement Park — perfect for full‑day outings.

3. James Gardens

A peaceful botanical garden with ponds, rock gardens, trails, and scenic spots along the Humber River — great for walking or quiet afternoons. 

4. Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Beautiful waterfront park in Etobicoke with trails, birdwatching, picnic areas, lake views, and playgrounds — excellent for walking and nature views.

5. Grange Park

A well‑loved downtown green space near the AGO with playgrounds, splash pads, seating, and cultural events — ideal for families in the core.

Other Parks Worth Visiting

  • Dufferin Grove Park — seasonal events, fields, playgrounds and wading pool.
  • Morningside Park — Toronto’s largest natural valley park with trails and picnic areas.
  • Withrow Park & Riverdale Park — locals’ favorites for playgrounds and green space (mentioned in community highlights)

Schools

TOP GTA SCHOOL PICKS (Fraser Institute and Other Rankings)

Elementary and Alternative Schools

Secondary & High Schools

  • Bayview Secondary (Richmond Hill) & Oakville Trafalgar (Oakville) – top tier regional schools. To Do Canada
  • Lawrence Park Collegiate (Toronto) – highly regarded secondary option. To Do Canada
  • St. Augustine (Markham) – tied for top Ontario high school. To Do Canada
  • St. Michael’s Choir School (Toronto) – consistently top‑ranked. To Do Canada
  • St. Robert (Thornhill) & St. Therese (Richmond Hill) – top Fraser scores. To Do Canada
  • Ursula Franklin Academy (Toronto) – excellent academic program. To Do Canada

These schools range from public, Catholic, arts‑focused, to alternative learning environments, giving a mix of options depending on what’s right for your family. ajtorontorealtor.ca+1

This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.