Explore

Culinary treats to cultural excursions, to one-of-a-kind crafted furniture to best-ever slow-drip java – find them all within Sterling Junction’s many indie offerings.

A place of multiple experiences that invite exploration – and gathering – from that Friday night pub night with the gang, or that dj-powered pop-up to that quintessential Sunday morning brunch, as well as those more contemplative moments when a sail through a gallery to catch up on what’s happening in the world of contemporary art is just the thing.

MOCA

158 Sterling Rd 416-530-2500

Browse, Buy and Book

Taking up 5 floors of the 1919 heritage designated Tower Automotive Building, the Museum of Contemporary Art uses its vast ex-industrial gallery spaces to create dynamic art experiences from international and Canadian artists. Look for the colourful, the provocative, and the fun as well as installations with a more profound social message.

Graciously, stylishly and lavishly occupying the space at 225 Sterling, The Fitzroy’s style-team bring together a high-style (and often super sexy) selection of dresses to rent for that special occasion. Go make magic! 

With classes and workshops, this is the place where you learn to sew and craft and buy (or rent!) the goods that make it all happen.

The place where bibliophiles and literary types go to get the latest and the greatest from Canadian authors. While by appearances a retail shop, the building also houses the offices of this legendary Canadian publisher. Be prepared to spot an author or two as you browse.

Personable staff and a nice vibe make this a welcoming spot where highlights or maybe just a cut are all on offer. Coif up!

Where the serious athlete goes to work out. Get fit and tone up through small group classes focusing on strength, flexibility, core-mobility and stretch. Oh, and be prepared to sweat.

Toronto’s legendary ballet school founded by Pia Bouman brings its barre to Sterling to become the community’s place of dance, movement and creation.

To unspool from life, and do something good for yourself, book a class, grab your mat and head out to this very local yoga spot. Your body and mind will thank you.

Tiger JiuJitsu is a Brazilian JiuJitsu Academy located in Toronto’s Junction Triangle. Founded by BJJ Black Belt and Team Carlson Gracie Canada member Brian Martin, Tiger JiuJitsu provides a strong emphasis on practical, no-nonsense training. They foster a positive learning environment where students can achieve their goals in Brazilian JiuJitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Self Defence, or Fitness and Conditioning. Private lessons and seminars are available.

No mere brew,  with its coffee shop and roastery, Ethica – which names itself after the Greek for ethics, presents an elevated experience in coffee preparation and enjoyment. With its industrial feel, long community tables, airy atmosphere and pithily witty Russian posters, it presents the complementary environment for lingering over a brew or fuelling up before heading to work or that Sunday stroll.

Everything the Drake brand delivers in terms of style and foodism comes together in the Drake Commissary.  Cool as you want, but with a feel-at-home comfort that allows you to sit back and enjoy the view. Sensibilities include home-made, with house-made specialties taking starring roles. It’s comfort food with a tasty and inventive twist. Also on the premises: The Drake Larder. Located front of house in the Commissary, the Drake Larder is worth a mention in itself. With its back to earth take on food here’s where you can pick up those flavors that really pop. Maple syrup, mustard, or a jar of house pickles, it’s the perfect homage to the building’s former use as a condiment factory. T. A. Lytle would be proud.

What’s an urban community without a craft brewery? Henderson’s fits the bill. Brewing great beer since its opening in 2016, and  conveniently located next to the Drake Commissary, its Tasting Room and Bottle Shop are open 7 days a week for draught beer as well as bottles, cans and growlers to go – and yes, they even do delivery. A vibrant place with good neighbourhood energy and the welcome host to pop ups, block parties and special event nights, all are welcome to visit and enjoy some of the tastes of Toronto.

If bread is the staff of life, here’s the staff (i.e. bread makers)  that make it delicious. Pop in for a squid ink or sourdough loaf on the way home, or stop in and indulge in their hearty sandwiches, or pizza slices. Finishing off with a fresh poured coffee and one of their now famous biscotti, is recommended.

You’ve admired their lighting, furniture and wall installations in some of Toronto’s trendier hospitality hot spots and their Sterling studio is where their work is commissioned, envisioned and produced.  If there’s a signature it’s the Dressler’s reverence for their raw material – wood, perhaps most visibly seen in the twig designs they incorporate into their lamps.

Art Metropole’s shop (located in MOCA) is all about limited editions and artist produced books and artifacts. Go “pop” and grab a fun limited-edition tote for your shopping, a tiny chapbook for your collection, bone up on what’s happening art wise through a periodical or browse their curiously intriguing collection of multiples.

From stunning retail flower orders to weekly and monthly subscriptions to spectacular special events and weddings, the B&B mantra is to design, style, perfect and reflect their clients’ personal style and aesthetic, and pair it naturally with luscious garden style florals.

Steps Away

Surrounded by the city’s urban villages, Sterling Junction provides the jumping off point to explore countless streetscapes that bring back the local, unique and owner-operated experiences that make for vibrant, walk-browse-shop around communities.