Room to stretch out on the TTC subway system and rows and rows of downtown parking: it’s not a parallel universe — it’s Toronto in the 1970s.
The absence of mega developments is noticeable but so is the lack of crowding when looking at photos from past decades, including these 17 snapshots from the Toronto of the ‘70s.
Toronto Islands, 1970
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Those aboard this ferry would have had to board from an aging terminal built in 1918 at the foot of Bay Street. The rebuilt structure, today known as Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, lies about 100 metres east of the previous terminal.
Cherry Beach 1970
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
More than a century ago, this summertime hotspot was linked to the Toronto Islands via a sandy peninsula that was washed away in the mid 19th-century. Above, a sand-strutting couple prove flares were acceptable beach attire, at least in 1970.
Island Airport, 1970
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Many make the trip to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport — bypassing the much busier Toronto Pearson International Airport for flights to New York, Boston, Montreal, and other destinations — but the City’s island airport was cash strapped in the ‘70s.
Spadina bridge, 1971
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
The monolithic TD Centre towers, the work of architect Ludwig Miles van der Rohe, stood out even more in the early 1970s with far fewer high rises encroaching.
Regent Park, Parliament and Dundas Streets, 1972
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
The site of a multi-phase revitalization from The Daniels Corporation and Toronto Community Housing that’s currently underway, Regent Park was among the first social housing communities in Canada. Check out this then-and-now photo tour to see how it is changing.
CN Tower under construction, November 1973
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
By November 1973, construction on the ambitious CN Tower project had been going on for the better part of a year. The iconic tower was still about three years away from opening to the public.
Ontario Place, 1973
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Ontario Place, which still looks oddly futuristic today, appeared especially so in the early ’70s when it opened amid fanfare.
Northwest corner of Esplanade and Hahn, 1973-74
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
In the 1970s and ‘80s, parts of The Esplanade were redeveloped and a number of public-realm improvements were made, though the red-brick character of The Esplanade remains today.
St. Lawrence Market, as seen from the King Edward Hotel, July 1974
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
The St. Lawrence Market’s southern portion was given a reno throughout the early 1970s, avoiding the wrecking ball, unlike buildings to the north.
Queens Quay, 1974
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Dense residential development already existed along Queens Quay in the mid ’70s — but nothing like today.
Aerial view, 1973-1975
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
A much more low- and mid-rise concentrated Toronto.
Sunnyside, 1976
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Sunnyside Pool at a decidedly quiet moment in its nearly century-long history.
TTC Subway, 1976
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Two key differences from contemporary commuting: the orange paneling indicates this photo was taken inside an H6 subway train — the last one was retired in 2014 — and riders aren’t crammed in elbow to elbow.
St. Lawrence Market, 1976
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
The Gooderham Building — the reddish brick flatiron in the centre — stands out in a sea of parking lots and washed out buildings.
Maple Leaf Gardens, 1977
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
From 1931 until the final face off in 1999, Maple Leaf Gardens was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL franchise. It has since been declared a National Historic Site of Canada and is home to a Loblaws as well as Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre.
Hard Rock Cafe, 1978-80
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
The Hard Rock Cafe first opened its doors in Toronto in 1978. It was the international chain’s second location.
Dundas Square, 1978-80
Photo: City of Toronto Archives
Yonge-Dundas Square opened in 2002, beginning a new chapter in the area’s history, as it was once the site of retailers, the likes of which still surround it.
