An often overlooked neighbourhood in the city of Toronto, Dundas West has experienced a growth in population and culture over the last decade, becoming an area full of hidden gems in the form of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

Just the last few years have seen a growth in new cafes and diners as the city expands and the neighbourhood grows in population.

Stretching across Dundas Street West between Rusholm Street to the east and Landsdowne Avenue to the east, the area is a very culturally diverse neighbourhood located just to the west of the downtown city core. 

With an oft-running Streetcar running along Dundas West, and buses along Ossington and Landsdowne traveling to and from the Subway stations, the area is easily accessible by everyone in the city, and offers plenty of routes to other spots in and around Toronto.

North and South of Dundas are streets and avenues that have withstood tests of time, as older houses occupy tree-lined roads and remain some of the most historic and beautiful houses in the city. 

Two-storey and three-storey Victorian semis and Edwardian houses can be found throughout the area, a site that was part of Old Toronto.

In this area is a smaller, ethnic neighbourhood known as Little Portugal, spanning the area between Landsdowne and Dovercourt Road with Dundas West as a northern border. Infused with the best of Portuguese culture, residents can dine at Case Da Ramboia or grab a drink at Naco Gallery Café.  

Also in the area is a stretch of Ossington Avenue that has seen a rise in the population of young professionals, as well as local bars and clubs. Live entertainment can be found at a variety of venues surrounding the corner of Dundas and Ossington on just about a nightly basis. 

The area has also become popular due to its proximity to one of Toronto's greatest public green spaces, Trinity Bellwoods Park. 

With iconic gates situated at the entrance on Queen Street, the park stretches across acres of lands to Dundas to the north, filled with gardens, tennis courts, basement diamonds, and secluded glens. 

There is a community recreation centre, an off-leash area for dogs, and more than enough space for any visitor to relax.

Residents of the area use the park as a route to and from work, an area to have a picnic, and simply a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Featuring a beautiful view of the CN Tower, Trinity Bellwoods is an iconic fixture of Toronto. 

It is also home to many cultural events, with one of the biggest being the annual Portugal Day, where residents and tourists can celebrate with ethnic entertainment and cuisine. 

Dundas West has no shortage of art and culture, and continues to be revitalized by artists and residents. Just recently, an art installation designed by Jose Ortega, chair of the Dundas West Business Improvement Area, and in collaboration with the area's youth, was set up at 1525 Dundas St. W. You can learn more here, http://wp.dundaswestbia.ca/.

A normal black fence was recreated and re-imagined as a colourful and meaningful mural, representative of the multiculturalism of the area as well as the dedication of its residents.

The neighbourhood also features great art at LE Gallery, the Alison Smith Gallery, and MADE, a Canadian furniture and designs company. 

The Dundas West BIA, or DuWest, as some have come to call it, has also begun to promote an area Art Crawl, encouraging people to come and visit all the galleries and exhibits that the neighbourhood has to offer.

After visiting a gallery, one can try to find a seat or some standing room at the Communist's Daughter, one of the best bars in the area and even the entire city. The cozy spot with a discrete sign on Dundas just west of Ossington, features some incredible live jazz music non-stop entertainment.

As an area for students and young professionals, the neighbourhood has a plethora of places for cheap eats, great spots for free live music, and no shortage of independent cafes and thrift shops. 

If ever the term 'hidden gem,' applied to an area, this would be it, with small retail outlets and artisans offering undiscovered treasures.

Dundas West is filled with spots adored by residents and often overlooked by those who don't visit the area. It is a charming, honest, and always exciting part of the city, adding culture and character to the mosaic of Toronto.