Relocating to Toronto: A Guide for Russian & Ukrainian Families

Moving to Toronto offers incredible opportunities, but for newcomers from Eastern Europe or families relocating from within Canada, finding the "right" neighborhood is about more than just square footage. It's about community, culture, and feeling at home.

Whether you are looking for the bustling energy of North York or the historic charm of Bloor West, this guide breaks down exactly where Russian and Ukrainian families are choosing to live in 2026.

1. The Neighbourhoods: Where We Live

Toronto is a city of "pockets." Depending on your language preference and lifestyle, there are two distinct hubs you should consider.

The Ukrainian Heart: Bloor West Village & Etobicoke

High Park The Kingsway Swansea

If you want to be walking distance to the best bakeries and festivals, Bloor West Village is the historic center of the Ukrainian community. This area is famous for the annual Toronto Ukrainian Festival, the largest of its kind in North America.

• Vibe: Walkable, historic brick homes, family-oriented, and very safe.
• Key Landmark: The golden domes of local Orthodox and Catholic churches define the skyline here.

The Russian Hub: North York (Bathurst Corridor)

Westminster-Branson Newtonbrook

For Russian-speaking families, the area along Bathurst Street (north of Sheppard up to Steeles) is the undisputed center of gravity. Here, you can live almost entirely in Russian if you choose to.

• Vibe: Practical, high-density with parks (like G. Ross Lord Park), and incredible access to amenities.
• Convenience: This area offers easy access to subways and is a short drive to Vaughan.

2. Food & Shopping: The Taste of Home

One of the biggest worries for newcomers is losing access to quality food. In Toronto, this is not an issue.

3. Education & Kids' Activities

For families, education is the top priority. Beyond the excellent public school system (TDSB), Toronto offers unique culturally enriched options.

For Ukrainian Families:
Community is built early here. St. Demetrius Catholic School offers an Eastern Rite program, and there are wonderful daycares like Svitlychka that focus on language retention and culture. Saturday schools are also very popular for keeping the language alive.

For Russian Families:
Academic excellence is key. Many families in North York send their children to specialized math programs like Spirit of Math or the renowned Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) to supplement public education. The arts are also huge, with high competition for spots at Etobicoke School of the Arts or Earl Haig Secondary (Claude Watson Arts Program).

4. Community & Support

You are never alone in Toronto. For newcomers, organizations like St. Vladimir Institute (downtown) or the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services provide vital resources. In North York, the community centers around Bathurst are filled with Russian-speaking seniors groups, chess clubs, and networking events.