What Toronto Looked Like in the 1980s

Thank You for keeping the memory of my city alive.

(puts on rose coloured glasses) At the time, Toronto had what was regarded the best transit system in North America, Eaton Center had the largest cinema in the world (?), the city had the Worlds Biggest Bookstore, Ontario Place was fully functional, the Scarborough LRT was shiny and new, the Gardner and Don Valley still seemed like good ideas, the Hoser Parade with Bob and Doug MacKenzie happened, Much Music was getting kick started in the CHUM-City building, the city wasn't amalgamated yet.

That was awesome, my man! I really miss the 80s Toronto. It was so much better and exciting!

Welcome back Old Toronto Series! We have missed you!!

Biway tshirt!! Man i miss toronto before the wall of condos

I moved to Toronto in 1980 lived there till 1994 I still go back, but this is the city I remember!

I really enjoyed going to Toronto in the early 80's. I'd go with my buddies for a weekend and, most of the time, we spent on Younge street, just walking and shopping. Endless hours in Sam the Record Man, A & A Records, Records on Wheels, and, several shops selling used and import records. Most of my music collection was picked up on Younge street. I also remember how safe I felt walking at night in downtown Toronto. Also, the rock bar life was amazing. The Gas Works was my favorite bar. I recall so many Canadian bands that were later successful. Best time of my early 20's, no question about it. Miss those days,

What a blast from the past.. thanks for posting bro.

Thanks. Lots of memories.

I remember the summer of '83 when the jays played a doubleheader against the Yankees in August. Winfield threw a baseball into the grandstand and I caught it. I still have that ball.

Lived this and loved this look back. Thank you. 🤩

I moved to Toronto from Europe when I was 21 in 1979 and lived there until 1996. Toronto was truly special, it was exciting and full of life, but it was also one of North America's safest large cities. I wish that I could turn back the clock, even for a minute, I lived the best years of my life there. Thanks a million for the memories.

I spent my twenties in this Toronto, good times! Thanks for posting!

Kinda sketchy? Um, maybe a little bit (much more so in the 70s) I'd bet most people older than 55 would prefer to have it back over what Yonge is today. I personally preferred it in the 80s and I know I'm not alone in that feeling. It's soulless now. Really miss Mr. Greenjeans and JJ Muggs in the Eaton Centre and The Hard Rock Cafe across the street. And the planetarium, which Mike Harris closed when it was still profitable. 💔♥️

First time I visited Toronto was as a kid in 1989, one of my fondest childhood memories, coming from a city where the tallest building was 20 stories to seeing 70+ story buildings and what was then the tallest freestanding structure on Earth!

This is likely impossible to find but ever found any photos or video of the zen garden water fountain at sherway gardens? Its something I remember and thus far there's no media of it out there (I recall seeing a youtube video a long time ago but no trace of that is left)

I have very few friends to tell about this amazing video..

Miss Toronto when it was plain and simple. Cabins and log houses everywhere. No electricity or running water. Those were the good ole days!

Everyone looks sane, healthy and happy.

Back when sundays were family day and nothing was open no malls,movie theatres nothing. These were the best times!!!!