Davisville

TorontoCanada 43° N · 79° W

Nestled in the heart of midtown Toronto, Davisville offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant community life, and modern amenities that make it an…

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Davisville
Streetcar at Davisville Station in Toronto ON
A streetcar stopping at Davisville Station in Toronto, Ontario with urban surroundings and passengers waiting
Toronto Transit Commission Davisville station exterior at Chaplin Crescent in Toronto
Exterior view of Davisville station on the Toronto Transit Commission network, captured from the south side of Chaplin Crescent in Toronto, Canada.
Southbound subway train at Davisville station in Toronto
Southbound subway train arriving at or departing from Davisville station, part of Toronto's TTC transit system.
Davisville TTC subway station looking south with platforms and tracks
Davisville station of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway, showing the southward view of platforms, tracks, and station infrastructure
Davisville subway station official opening ceremony with Ontario Premier Leslie Frost and Toronto Mayor Allan Lamport
Official opening ceremonies at Davisville subway station in Toronto featuring Ontario Premier Leslie Frost and Toronto Mayor Allan Lamport with dignitaries riding the subway from Davisville to Eglinton and back to Union station, followed by a plaque unveiling and luncheon at the Royal York Hotel.

Davisville at a glance

Davisville is a leafy, multicultural neighbourhood in midtown Toronto’s Toronto-St. Paul’s ward. It combines community parks, modern facilities, shops, cafés and historical sites, with access to the TTC’s Yonge subway line. The neighbourhood’s walkable layout connects visitors to the Yonge-Eglinton corridor and nearby attractions including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum (Toronto Transit Commission; Timeout Toronto).

History

Davisville’s origins date to the late 19th century, when industrialist John Davis established the Davisville Pottery Company. Early industry supported Toronto’s growth, including through the production of bricks for city buildings. The area grew from semi-rural surroundings into a residential community.

Streetcar lines and the opening of Davisville Station on the TTC’s Yonge subway line in 1954 helped make the neighbourhood more accessible (Toronto Transit Commission). After World War II, farmland gave way to mid-rise apartments and family homes as new residents and families moved to the area (Nomadic Matt). More recent infrastructure investment has supported Davisville’s continued growth (Toronto.ca Capital Budget Submission).

What to see and do

Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre

The newly opened Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre is a state-of-the-art, net-zero facility with a swimming pool, gymnasium, multipurpose rooms and underground parking. It has sustainable and accessible design, including barrier-free entries, elevators and accessible washrooms. The centre offers swimming, fitness and community programs.

June Rowlands Park

Named after Toronto’s first female mayor, June Rowlands Park is a central green space and community gathering place. It has playgrounds, a splash pad, sports fields, tree-lined paths and picnic areas, and hosts seasonal markets and outdoor community events. Paved paths, an accessible playground and nearby public transit support access.

  • Hours 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
  • Admission Free
  • Accessibility Fully wheelchair accessible
  • Tennis Davisville Tennis Club offers paid seasonal clinics and camps; check the club’s site for details.

Occasional historical walking tours are organized by community groups. Check Davisville Village community events for updates.

Other sites and local attractions

  • David A. Balfour Park Scenic trails, Beltline Trail access and historical markers. Open dawn to dusk; free admission; accessible trails.
  • Regent Theatre Soon to be an arts centre for performances and exhibitions. Events are ticketed, with prices and accessibility details varying by event.
  • Mount Pleasant Village and Yonge Street Shops, independent boutiques, antique shops and eateries (Destination Toronto Shopping Guides).
  • Nearby attractions The Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma and the Yonge-Eglinton district (Timeout Toronto).

Dining near Davisville Village Monument

  • The Red Lantern Pub fare and a relaxed ambiance.
  • Tabule Restaurant Middle Eastern cuisine.
  • Positano Restaurant Italian specialties.
  • Starbucks A coffee and workspace in a historic post office location.

For more options, see the Get What You Want guide.

Events and tours

The Davisville Village Historical Society holds monthly heritage walks. Seasonal cultural festivals feature local art, music and cuisine, and educational workshops are offered for students and enthusiasts. Community groups also organize occasional historical walking tours. Event details are available through Davisville Heritage.

Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum, a cultural attraction near Davisville, features footwear exhibits from around the world.

  • Hours Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM; Thursday hours extend until 8:00 PM. Closed Mondays and statutory holidays (Bata Shoe Museum).
  • Tickets $15 for adults; discounts are available for seniors, students, children and families. Tickets are available online or at the entrance. Special exhibitions may require additional tickets.
  • Accessibility Elevators, ramps, accessible washrooms and tactile displays; service animals are welcome (City of Toronto Accessibility).
  • Photography Permitted in most areas without flash; check for restrictions.
  • Getting there Take the TTC subway to Davisville Station, then continue by a short ride or walk. GO Transit is available via Union Station (GO Transit). Parking is limited; public transit is recommended. Bike racks are available.

Practical visiting information

Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre hours and admission

  • Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Sunday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

General admission is available for pool and gym use. Drop-in passes, memberships and family rates are available; some programs require advance registration. Check the City of Toronto website for holiday hours and Toronto.ca Facilities for facility information.

Getting around Davisville

  • Public transit The Yonge subway line serves Davisville Station, and multiple bus routes run through the area.
  • Walking and cycling Popular ways to explore local shops, parks and cafés.
  • Driving The Community Centre has underground parking; public lots are also available (Toronto.ca).

Accommodation

Visitors can find hotels, guesthouses, short-term rentals and condos in midtown and downtown, with options from luxury to budget. Short-term rentals and condos may suit families and longer stays. Nearby hotel options include luxury stays such as The St. Regis Toronto and Fairmont Royal York, as well as budget accommodations (Destination Toronto Places to Stay; Miss Tourist).

Tips for visitors

  • Seasonal visits Spring and summer bring outdoor festivals, markets and patio dining; fall offers colourful park foliage; winter is a time for indoor attractions and festive events (Destination Toronto Seasonal Guide).
  • Accessibility The Community Centre has barrier-free entries, elevators and accessible washrooms. Sidewalks and public spaces are generally accessible, and the TTC is accessible for mobility needs (Destination Toronto Accessibility).
  • Local customs and safety Davisville is described as a safe, inclusive neighbourhood. Visitors can experience its diversity by trying new cuisines and attending local events (Nomadic Matt).
  • Museum visits Buy Bata Shoe Museum tickets online during peak times and check its calendar for exhibitions and events.
  • Tours and local information For guided tours and visitor information, see the Audiala Mobile App.

Frequently Asked Questions

Davisville

What are the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre’s hours?
Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Are tours offered in Davisville?
Yes. Check local and City of Toronto listings for events and tours.

June Rowlands Park

Is admission free?
Yes.

Is the park accessible?
Yes. It is fully wheelchair accessible.

Bata Shoe Museum

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Check the museum site for times.

Is the museum accessible?
Yes.