The Riverside BIA is starting the year right with our first initiative: Riverside Local Love, a campaign inviting everyone to show their local love through actions: shop, dine, use local services, or leave a Google Review.
Running from Jan. 27 to Feb. 26, 2025 – our campaign features incredible weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250 to $500 – grab your proof of purchase or snapshot your Google Review and enter now!!
The campaign also includes a series of videos, blogs (first one right here!) and a big surprise…read till the end to check it out!!
For our first blog we’re focusing on tips for exploring the Riverside neighbourhood- your way! In this charming neighbourhood in Toronto’s East End, you’ll find a diverse community of local businesses. When we say there’s something for everyone, we mean it–whether you love starting the day with a delicious brunch or dancing ‘til the wee hours on a Friday night.
Here’s a few of many ways you can spend time in Riverside according to your interests:
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Fashionistas
Are you on the hunt for your next fashion find? You might just find it in one of Riverside’s cool vintage shops. You can explore them at a glance with our Riverside Vintage Crawl map below and go check them out.
Photo credit: Isle of Coffee
Coffeeholics
Grab your friends and go coffee shop hopping in the neighbourhood. It’s a nice way to not only enjoy the specialty drinks on the menu, but also appreciate the ambiance each place has. Some options include Isle of Coffee, Jimmy’s Coffee and Dark Horse Espresso Bar.
Photo credit: Isaan Der – Thai Kitchen & Bar
Foodies
You (and your appetite) are in for a treat because Riverside is home to a wide variety of cuisines so be sure to come hungry. Start the day with brunch at Bonjour Brioche, and then Thai for early dinner at Isaan Der. Make a stop at Blackbird Baking Co. for freshly baked goods.
Photo credit: La Femme Strong
Fitness and Wellness Buffs
Staying active and well in the winter can be a challenge, especially for those who can’t do home workouts. Sign up for a class instead! You have Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (Tip: they have their Love Yourself Event Feb 15), La Femme Strong for strength training (women only gym) and Rise Cycle for indoor cycling.
Photo credit: Prohibition Social House
Night Owls
If you’re the type who prefers to be out and about after sundown, Riverside has plenty of activities to do. Check out DJ nights at Prohibition Social House, go to an event at The Opera House or enjoy half-price bottles at Chez Nous for something more lowkey, just to name a few of the options.
Ok now onto that surprise we mentioned…
We have a BIG Riverside Local Love photo op right outside of the Queen Garden Centre (775 Queen E). You can’t miss it and its there until Feb 26th. Make sure to tag @riverside_bia in your posts — we’d love to see your photos. Give us a follow too if you haven’t yet so you don’t miss any updates on our community programming!
