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The Riverside Explore Guide is Out — Grab Your Copy Now!

If you’ve been to one of our events recently or have dropped by a business in our neighbourhood, you might have noticed a stack of handy little booklets in our signature BIA colours… Yes, our new Riverside Explore Guide is here!

We’re so excited for all of you to get your hands on the new Riverside Explore Guide. This FREE guide covers everything you need to know about Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, from history and public art to food and shopping.

Discover (or Rediscover) Riverside

In the Riverside Explore Guide, you can read about:

  • Public art in Riverside
  • Vintage shopping in Riverside
  • Riverside Then & Now
  • Riverside events
  • And many more!

Enter the Riverside Explore Guide Raffle

Here’s a little incentive for you to get the Riverside Explore Guide: there’s an exclusive raffle you can enter and the QR code can only be found inside front page of the guide (page 2). Deadline of entries is on November 15, 2026 so be sure to grab a copy of the Riverside Explore Guide ASAP! Prizes includes gift cards to local dining and retail!

Join the Riverside Community E-Newsletter

Simply scan the QR code on page 23, fill out a quick form and you’re all set! You’ll receive our community e-newsletter straight to your inbox each month. From upcoming public events to local business news, you’ll always be in the loop as to what’s happening in Riverside!

Whether you’re trying the new seasonal drinks at Dark Horse, shopping for a new jacket at The Vintage Hall, or borrowing a book at the Queen/Saulter Library Branch, don’t forget to grab a copy of the Riverside Explore Guide!

We want to see you with the Riverside Explore Guide so take photos with it, post them on social and tag @riverside_bia. We can’t wait to see and share them! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for updates on all things Riverside!

We acknowledge and thank the City of Toronto, Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario (@feddev_ontario) for support of this initiative as part of the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund 2026.

Celebrate National Coffee Day in Toronto’s Riverside

Whether you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up or searching for your next favourite cafe, Toronto’s Riverside has a vibrant community of local businesses that serve great coffee.

In celebration of National Coffee Day, check out these coffee shops and restaurants in the neighbourhood for your next caffeine fix:

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen and Coffee (@amberkitchento)

Address: 4 Boulton Ave

Amber has become a brunch hot spot for its delicious Middle Eastern menu but don’t miss out on the coffee. Pair your beverage with a freshly baked pastry or two from the glass display — the Chocolate Babka is a must-try!

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

Address: 806 Queen St E

Jimmy’s Riverside location is beloved for its comforting drinks, cozy interiors and hidden back patio. For those who like their coffee on the sweet, creamy side, Jimmy’s Very Own — a latte with luscious caramel swirls — will hit the spot.

Photo credit: Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe

Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe (@glasshousecafe.to)

Address: 771 Queen St E

Aside from plants and gardening supplies, the Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe also offers espresso-based drinks that you can enjoy on the dog-friendly patio. Gelato by the scoop is available at the cafe too if you fancy a cold treat and try their new Sorrel tea.

BLOG: Hidden Gems of Riverside: Local Spots Worth the Detour

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

Address: 745 Queen St E

Looking for the perfect drink for fall? Try Isle of Coffee’s Tahini Maple Latte. Luckily, it’s a permanent item on the menu so you can enjoy it any time of the year! If you haven’t already, you have to try the cafe’s madeleines and Basque cheesecake too.

Photo credit: Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee

Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee (@lamoon.to)

Address: 730 Queen St E

Aside from delicious Thai dishes, Lamoon also has a wide selection of drinks. You can’t go wrong with the classic Thai Iced Coffee but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Dirty Thai Tea, which is Thai iced tea with a shot of espresso.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E

In case you didn’t know, cocktail bar Aura has started operating as a cafe from 7am-3pm daily, which means during the day, you can get coffee, enjoy it on the beautiful back patio, and maybe do some work on your laptop or read a book.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E

Aside from good coffee and delicious pastries, Dark Horse warrants a regular visit because of its seasonal offerings. This fall, they have the Tiramuccino, a drink-meets-dessert concoction for the coffee lovers. If you’re team matcha, there’s also the Pumpkin Honeycomb Matcha.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly for more lifestyle content highlighting Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood!

IDA x Riverside BIA Walking Tour Highlights

Earlier this month, the Riverside BIA organized a special walking tour around the neighbourhood for the 2026 Annual Conference of the International Downtown Association (IDA), which took place from August 31st to September 3rd in Toronto.

Held on September 1st, the Riverside walking tour titled “This River I Step In – Driving Local Economies”  highlighted key facets that make this East End neighbourhood the gem that it is.

Participants of the IDA Conference explored how art, design, and cultural programming have shaped—and continue to drive—the local economy of Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood over time. Anchored by the Don River and its surrounding landscapes, the walking tour delved into how creative interventions in both public and private spaces contribute to placemaking, community identity, and sustained main street vitality. 

“I thought the Riverside walking tour was wonderful. It was really well done. It was cool to have all the different stops. I particularly loved the fact that they brought in a local artist to talk about the artwork in the neighbourhood,” said IDA Conference participant Pomai Lindenthal.

You can check out the full tour route and information on our Google Map HERE to take a self-guided tour.

Check out some of the highlights from the IDA x Riverside BIA Walking Tour:

All participants of the walking tour were gifted a Riverside BIA tote bag, of course

Local resident and BIA friend Simon Wong co-hosted the IDA x Riverside BIA Walking Tour with artist Monica Wickeler

Group photo with the iconic “Welcome to Riverside” mural by Jessie Durham and Melissa Luk at 651 Queen St E

It would be remiss of us if we didn’t take our lovely visitors to see the Riverside Bridge up close

Local artist Monica Wickeler co-hosted to tour, to highlight Riverside’s vibrant collection of public art

Our signature Riverside BIA branding grabbed the attention of the participants 

The tour made a stop at Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location to talk about the nearby Ontario Line project

Peep the new details on our Love Local sign outside Glass House Garden Centre & Cafe

Participants got to quickly see another Riverside landmark: The Broadview Hotel

The tour culminated with a viewing of the historic photo exhibit located inside 100 Broadview Ave and with refreshments from Riverside BIA member ALK

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on exciting events and programming in the neighbourhood!

Photos by Riverside BIA

“River of Life” Mural Celebration Highlights

After an incredible past fews weeks, the new landmark mural under the Ontario Line bridge is now complete!

“River of Life” will also serve as key wayfinding piece for Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood

Titled “River of Life”, this new mural brings together land, water, animals, Indigenous knowledge, community identity and artistic expression. It connects Indigenous stories and artistic traditions with the contemporary Riverside community, reflecting a place where past, present and future meet.

On Monday, September 21st, the Riverside BIA invited the community to the inaugural celebration of “River of Life”. The celebration was attended by our friends from the City of Toronto, Metrolinx, East End Arts, Riverside residents, as well as MPP Peter Tabuns and Councillor Paula Fletcher.

The mural celebration was well attended by project partners and community members

Located on the south side of the Ontario Line Bridge underpass on Queen St E, the mural creates a strong visual identity for Riverside and serves as a recognizable neighbourhood landmark and future wayfinding feature for the Ontario Line station.

This mural was designed and installed by Quentin Commanda a.k.a. Que Rock, with contributions from guest mural artist Alex “Vizsla” Bacon and Sadie Marshall, and mentorship of Indigenous artist Shawni-Nodin Nanaokase.

Que Rock (right) and Sadie Marshall (left), lead artist and guest artist for “River of Life”, respectively

“Public art like this is important for the community because it gives visibility, especially for Indigenous artists. To me, it’s important that public art is supported by the city and the communities. These murals are not only a reflection of the communities, but also a reflection of the history of the land. For my culture, it’s important that we’re able to share and tell our stories on behalf of ourselves, rather than having someone else telling them for us,” says Que Rock, lead artist for the project.

These adorable preschoolers dropped by to check out “River of Life” and shared their favourite parts of the mural

The “River of Life” mural project was facilitated by the Riverside BIA, with funding support from the City of Toronto and FedDev Ontario through the Transit Construction Mitigation Fund, as well as support from Metrolinx.

Riverside BIA Executive Director Jennifer Lay started the mural celebration with her opening remarks. standing beside supporting artist Sadie

“Seeing the artist Quentin and his team create the River of Life mural together has been incredibly meaningful for the Riverside BIA and community. The art you now see celebrates Indigenous knowledge and contemporary Indigeneity while being a powerful new landmark at the site of the future Ontario Line station here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood,” said Riverside BIA Executive Director Jennifer Lay.

Councillor Paula Fletcher talked about how big a milestone “River of Life” is for the Riverside community

To learn more about the “River of Life” mural, from conceptualization to installation, watch this video narrated by lead artist Que Rock himself.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on events and programming in the neighbourhood!

Photos by Riverside BIA

Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market 2026 Highlights

Yesterday’s Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market was a blast! From cool vendors to fun activities and affordable pet services, the fifth installment of Riverside’s for dog lovers was a barkin’ good time!

Shout out to our co-host Toronto Dog Moms, and friends Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, Toronto Humane Society, and the City of Toronto’s Micro Chip Truck and Toronto Animal Services for making this event possible!

Of course, thank you to all of you who spent your Sunday afternoon with us in Riverside. We hope to catch you and your pups again next year!

In case you missed it, check out some of the highlights from this year’s Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market:

In case you didn’t know, Toronto Humane Society has a satellite veterinary clinic in Riverside at 632 Queen St E

Over 100 pet owners lined up to avail of the City of Toronto’s affordable microchipping and vaccinations

Walking gear and accessories from REIN are not only functional but also very sleek and stylish

This pup was ready for a portrait in this fall-inspired setup by girlwithecamera

The event may be called the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market, but there’s something for our feline friends too!

These embroidered caps from Toronto Dog Moms are a must have for any dog lover

These two kept their eyes on the prize: free treats from Informed Pet Food

These dog-friendly ice cream cups at Dirty Pawz’s booth were the perfect summer treat for the pups

Check out all these fun toppings at the pupcake bar by Baking You Happy 

Session in progress — this dog was getting chiropractic care from our friends at Oma

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on fun events and programming in the neighbourhood!

In the meantime, read our feature on dog-friendly businesses in Riverside linked below!

BLOG: Dog-Friendly Businesses in Riverside: Where to Go With Your Pup

Photos by Riverside BIA