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The Annex Offers Indigenous Heritage Walks, Museums, Global Cuisine

From Indigenous heritage walks to Victorian architecture and global dining, discover what makes this Toronto neighbourhood a destination.

By The Annex Things-to-do Desk · Published July 18, 2026

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"Community", by Kirk Newman (2001) Toronto, Canada. Photo: 天王星 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0), file/context image

The Annex offers a rich mix of history, culture and cuisine, with several walking tours and experiences that let visitors explore the neighbourhood on foot. Whether you are interested in Indigenous botanical gardens, the stories of old-money families, or simply browsing boutiques along Bloor Street, there is something for everyone.

Native-History Walking Tour

The Annex Native-History Walking Tour starts at Paul Martel Park (10 Madison Ave.) and weaves together eco-history with Indigenous perspectives. The route takes in Indigenous botanical gardens, local murals, and includes complimentary passes to both the Bata Shoe Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a self-guided experience that offers a deep look at the land's original stewards and the neighbourhood's natural heritage [1].

Historical Tour

For those interested in the area's architectural and social history, a free The Annex Historical Tour is available. It focuses on the neighbourhood's elite past, including prominent residents such as Timothy Eaton and George Gooderham. The tour also recounts the community's successful fight to save the area from the Spadina Expressway, a pivotal moment in Toronto's urban history [2]. The route passes many of the 'Annex style' Victorian and Edwardian red-brick mansions built between the 1880s and early 1900s, with their steep roofs, turrets, and bay windows [3].

Film & Culture

Film enthusiasts can head to Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, which screens documentaries year-round. The venue also hosts the annual Hot Docs Festival, held from late April to early May, which is the largest documentary festival in North America [4].

Shopping & Dining

The area's main commercial strips along Bloor and Dupont Streets offer diverse boutique shopping and dining. Visitors can browse second-hand shops and specialty bookstores, then stop for a meal at restaurants serving Ethiopian, Thai, Indian and other global cuisines [5].