Nestled in the iconic Church and Wellesley Village, home to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, we will find this month’s Station Spotlight at Church St & Alexander St. So, grab a bike and let’s get riding as we visit one of Toronto’s most loved neighbourhoods!
Right around the corner from this station on Church St is just a piece of history that would be silly to miss: Glad Day Bookshop. Initially opened in 1970 as Canada’s first queer bookshop, this gem now holds the title as North America’s Oldest Surviving 2SLBGT+ bookstore! Not in the mood to haul books on your bike ride? Don’t worry, Glad Day Bookshop also carries various art, pins, buttons, jewelry, and home products. Just call ahead, and they will be ready to help you with their convenient curbside service!
Photo Credit: Glad Day Bookshop
Now, everyone knows that when you’re out of a bike ride in the summer sun (hello, Toronto humidity!), you need a little treat. Well, bike on down to Kinka Izakaya’s original location just next to our Church St & McGill St station. Not too sure what an Izakaya is? Don’t worry, we’ll help you out. It is a Japanese-style pub that offers drinks (both alcoholic and non) as well as small bites such as sandos, bento boxes, rice bowls, and sushi, so you are sure to find something that fits your palette! This is the original location that started the Izakaya craze in Toronto back in 2009, so pick up your order with confidence, knowing that you’re ordering from this trendsetter.
Photo Credit: Kinka Izakaya
We don’t blame you if you over-ate and have the need to slow it down a bit and go for a walk. Just a short ride away to our Jarvis St & Carlton St station is Allen Gardens. While currently closed, get ready as Allen Gardens is home to a 16,000 square foot conservatory that boasts 6 greenhouses of tropical and seasonal plants. Be sure to keep this on your Toronto bucket list when it is safe to do so! In the meantime, there is still access to the rest of the park, so pick a spot on the grass, watch the dogs playing in the nearby dog park, reflect on all the fantastic places you visited on your Bike Share Toronto bike; and start planning your next trip!
Photo Credit: BlogTO
Enjoy the adventure with Bike Share Toronto, and download the PBSC app on your smartphone to see what experiences are waiting for you. Don’t forget to tag us wherever your bike may take you! #BikeShareTO
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