Why The Well is Toronto’s Newest Must-Visit Downtown Destination
As I stepped into The Well, Toronto’s latest mixed-use development in the King West area, I knew I had discovered something truly special in the city’s downtown core.
After a long-anticipated wait, The Well officially opened to the public on November 23, 2023. With it’s mixed space for living, working, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this newest urban development in Toronto is just what the downtown area has been looking for!
While only a handful of stores were open when I first visited, I was so excited for the future possibilities and knew immediately that it would soon be on everyone’s “must-visit” list of attractions to see in Toronto. Every week, new and interesting stores and restaurants are opening.
What is The Well in Toronto?
Address: 486 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 0V2
Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Front, Draper, and Wellington Streets, The Well is a significant addition to Toronto’s urban landscape. It offers a multifaceted space for living, working, shopping, dining, and cultural activities.
The Well, a visionary project more than a decade in the making, has transformed 7.7 acres of Toronto’s King West area into a dynamic, European-influenced urban space. This expansive development is a mixture of modern living, working, and leisure.
It comprises seven mixed-use towers, clustered around a vibrant pedestrian and retail space that forms the heart of the complex.
The Well’s Must-See Attractions
Anticipated to attract approximately 22,000 daily visitors, The Well is anything but a typical mall or attraction.
There are lots of interesting things to do at The Well Toronto, including exploring unique shops, indulging in diverse dining options, and admiring the impressive architectural design that defines this dynamic urban space in the heart of downtown.
10 Things to do at The Well Toronto
Here is a list of things to do when you visit The Well Toronto.
1. Explore The Well’s Architectural Brilliance
One of the first things you will notice when you arrive at The Well is its innovative design. As you walk around, you can not help but admire the unique and impressive architecture. You will notice the mixture of design elements and materials, including concrete, brick, and big glass walls.
There is no front door, and visitors can enter through any number of open pathways that will lead to the concourse levels and retail stores.
The buildings also give the illusion that they were all built at different times. This plays to the history of the area and the former warehouses and industrial buildings from long ago.
What is not as noticeable on the surface are the number of sustainable design elements incorporated into the design.
For example, the open-air structure reduces the need for air conditioning, and The Well also uses water from Lake Ontario to provide heating and cooling for the people who live and work there.
This location is already becoming a prime location for photographers and influencers alike!
2. Wander Through The Well’s Pedestrian Walkways
The pedestrian-first design of The Well is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding community. There are pedestrian laneways and walkways throughout the space, and there are no roads or cars.
Bridges crisscross the space, forming a network of pedestrian bridges that connect various concourses, enabling a flow of movement between buildings and facilities. This connectivity fosters a sense of community and convenience, making The Well a true walkable urban centre.
The Well is also pet-friendly. Dogs on leashes can walk alongside their families inside the space, and in stores where pets are welcome, there will be a Pet Love symbol on display.
3. Enjoy a Meal on a Patio Restaurant
Summer brings some several excellent patio restaurant options at The Well. Whether you are looking to enjoy brunch, a snack, or cocktail, or a fine dining experience, there are many excellent new restaurant choices here at The Well.
Some highlights include La Plume, a fantastic French restaurant with a stunning patio. Lulu Bar also has a small patio and has a awesome Happy Hour menu.
Both have delicious menus and excellent patios, perfect to enjoy a drink or meal on a warm summer day.
4. Go Shopping at this Exciting Retail Experience
While there are office spaces and condominiums, it’s the public space and open-air retail space that will attract most visitors to the area.
At The Well, the retail experience is reimagined in a vast, open-air space that spans three floors. Steering clear from the conventional mall aesthetic, the developers have crafted an environment that stands out for its unique design and inviting atmosphere.
I was particularly impressed with the Indigo Book Store, which is currently open. With its various nooks, including a fantastic children’s section, you may not want to leave!
You also don’t want to miss the chance to visit Propeller Cafe, located inside Indigo Books at the Well. I had the most delicious hot chocolate there! Perfect for a break from all the shopping!
Although the retail landscape is still in its infancy, the promise of what’s to come is very exciting. Visitors can look forward to a number of stores and services, including Lululemon, Sephora, Adidas, Structube, and Shoppers Drug Mart, along with a number of banking services.
The Well is on track to become a landmark retail destination in Toronto, blending shopping with pleasure and convenience in an unparalleled setting.
5. Enjoy New Toronto Restaurants
There are several exciting dining options located in The Well mall!.
The most anticipated addition to the space is the Wellington Market, the Well food hall. The market has a variety of different culinary options, from burgers to sushi to tacos and more! In fact, over 30 food options are available in the Wellington Market, which opened in May 2024.
These are all independent food vendors including places like Gus Tacos, Blue Claw Lobster Shack, Postman Waffles, and the list goes on!
Aera, a luxury steakhouse, is located on the 38th floor. There will also be a suchi counter, cocktail bar, and rooftop terrace where breathtaking views of downtown Toronto will be on display. Mandy’s is a popular spot offering create-your-own gourmet salads.
While not officially a part of The Well, Le Sélect Bistro is located directly across the street at 432 Wellington St. W. Serving French cuisine for over 50 years, this favourite local restaurant has an extensive wine cellar, an outdoor patio, and is renowned for its authentic Parisian bistro atmosphere.
6. Immerse Yourself in Acadia Earth
Acadia Earth is an immersive art experience that combines art and technology. There are 10 interactive rooms with large-scale multi-sensory journeys through a variety of environments.
Combining augmented reality, immersive technology, virtual reality, and projection mapping, Acadia Earth is an exciting new Toronto attraction worth visiting.
Visit the Acadia Earth website for hours and tickets.
7. Relax and Enjoy A Coffee in a Cafe
There are several spots at The Well to grab a hot drink and a treat. I recommend De Mello Coffee! Not only is the coffee delicious, but the cafe is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind during your visit to The Well. Head up the stairs for additional seating.
8. Entertainment Hotspot
The outdoor seating scattered throughout the walkways invites people to pause and engage with the space. These areas provide spots for relaxation, casual meetings, or simply a place to enjoy the ambiance of The Well’s bustling environment.
With the thoughtful integration of the pedestrian walkways, The Well crafts an urban landscape that is both functional and inviting.
There are also plans in the near future to open a 5,000-square-foot event space for weddings, community engagements, and private functions. This will certainly be a welcome addition to the selection of event spaces in the city, and it is sure to be an exciting new venue for weddings and corporate events.
9. Enjoy Seasonal Celebrations at The Well
With the start of the holiday season, The Well unveiled a number of holiday experiences to light up the 2023 season.
These included the sophisticated ambiance of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge, and the NORDIC by BarChef firepit lounge, a snug yurt where holiday cocktails are served in front of the outdoor fire pits.
There are also live stage performances and the Stardust Bridge, an interactive light installation perfect for those holiday Instagram shots! There was even a free evening light display of the Aurora Borealis during the 2023 holidays.
Each season, The Well will have different events for the public to enjoy! For example, I saw a notice about a beer garden in the summer, which I can’t wait to visit.
10. Try Ice Skating at The Well in Winter
Visitors looking for something to do in the winter in Toronto will also want to lace up their skates and glide over the ice at the free leisure skating rink, hailed as one of the newest outdoor rinks in Toronto. Skate rentals are also available.
Whether you’re sparking romance on a first date or embarking on a solo adventure in the city, The Well offers a number of holiday delights that are sure to create lasting memories.
☞ See Also: Ice Skating in Toronto: 14 Best Outdoor Rinks in 2024
Where is The Well?
The Well is located close to some of Toronto’s best attractions, parks, and hotels in the downtown Toronto area, including:
- Union Station: 1.5 km away, approximately a 20-minute walk.
- Rogers Centre: Just 400 meters, about a 5-minute walk.
- CN Tower: 650 meters distant, roughly a 10-minute walk.
- Queen Street West and Fashion District: A short 500-meter stroll.
- Harbourfront and Island Ferry Terminal: 1.4 km from The Well.
- Prince of Wales and Ed Mirvish Theatre: 800 meters, within walking distance.
- Trinity Bellwoods Park: 2 km away from the location.
Getting to The Well
The Well mall is easily accessible by car, transit, and on foot. The nearest intersection is Spadina Ave. and Wellington St. W.
Walking to The Well
The Well’s central location in Toronto ensures that it is a mere stone’s throw away from many of the city’s key attractions. Union Station, the city’s transportation hub, is only 1.5 km, approximately a 20-minute walk away.
For sports and entertainment fans, the Rogers Centre is a brief 400-meter walk, which takes no more than 5 minutes on foot.
Additionally, one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks, the CN Tower, is just a 650-meter, or roughly a 10-minute walk, allowing you to go from marvelling at panoramic city views to indulging in the urban experience of The Well in no time.
These distances make it easy to integrate a visit to The Well into a day of sightseeing or any Toronto travel itinerary.
Public Transit Routes to The Well
Accessing The Well by public transportation (the TTC) is straightforward, thanks to the conveniently located 510 Spadina streetcar stop right outside the development.
To reach The Well, you can board the 510 streetcar at Union Station, a major transit hub in the city that connects to GO Train, Via Rail, and additional TTC services.
Alternatively, you can catch the 510 streetcar from the Harbourfront area at Queen’s Quay, which then runs north towards Spadina Station.
Driving Directions to The Well
Driving to The Well is convenient, especially if you’re using ride-sharing services or simply need a quick pick-up or drop-off option. The development features a designated loop for these purposes, which is accessible off of Front Street.
If you are coming by car, The Well is situated near the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). You should take the Spadina Avenue exit from the QEW, which will lead you directly towards the vicinity of The Well.
Once off the exit, you can navigate to Front Street, where you’ll find a pick-up/drop-off loop for your convenience, or Wellington Street West, where you can access the parking.
Convenient Parking Options at The Well
The Well in Toronto offers convenient parking options, with underground parking available to visitors and residents. The parking facility is managed by Precise ParkLink and is located at 421 Wellington St. W.
For more detailed information on parking rates, hours of operation, and additional services, visit Precise ParkLink’s website.
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here.
Accommodation Options Near The Well
Downtown Toronto, in the vicinity of The Well, offers many hotel options. As someone who resides in Toronto, these are my recommended choices for a stay in the city.
Sheraton Centre Toronto
My top choice for a downtown hotel is the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Situated only a 20-minute walk from The Well, its superb location is right across from the famous Toronto sign and the Eaton Centre.
The Sheraton has recently been extensively renovated and has an indoor-outdoor heated pool that is open throughout the year.
☞ Book Now: Sheraton Centre Toronto
Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto is another excellent hotel choice, especially given its recent addition to Toronto’s hotel scene. Its strategic location next to landmarks like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Rogers Centre, and Scotia Bank Arena adds to its appeal.
For those interested in visiting the Toronto Islands, the ferry terminal is a mere 15-minute walk away. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, and the hotel welcomes pets.
The hotel’s close proximity to Union Station, just one block away, facilitates easy exploration of the city, including a short 20-minute walk to The Well.
☞ Book Now: Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
Bisha Hotel Toronto
The Bisha Hotel Toronto is an excellent choice if you’re in search of a luxurious boutique hotel experience. Featuring a stunning rooftop pool and restaurant that offer breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline, it provides an exclusive retreat in the city.
Conveniently located, it’s only a five-minute walk from The Well and is centrally situated near various Toronto attractions, making it perfect for those attending theatre performances, concerts, and sporting events.
☞ Book Now: Bisha Hotel Toronto
⭐️ For further information on hotels in Toronto, visit my other articles:
☞ Honest Review of Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
☞ Best Hotels in Toronto with a Pool
FAQs About The Well
Is The Well Toronto open to the public?
Yes! The Well opened it’s doors to the public in November 2023. There are currently several retail stores open, including Indigo Books, Structube, Lululemon, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Adidas, to name a few. The remainder of the retail stores and restaurants are expected to open in 2024.
What retail stores are open at The Well?
Every day, more and more stores are opening at The Well. Currently, there are a number of cafes and coffee shops open. Indigo Books, Lululemon, Adidas, Le Creuset, Structube, and Shoppers Drug Mart are also currently open. Sephora is expected to open soon.
Is The Well Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! As one of Toronto’s newest and coolest public spaces in the city, a visit to The Well should be on every visitor’s list.
From the incredible architecture to exciting new retail spaces, to cozy public spaces, and entertainment, it is definitely worth taking some time to explore The Well the next time you are in downtown Toronto.
Discover the Future of Urban Living in Toronto at The Well
The Well Toronto emerges as a remarkable new destination that encapsulates the essence of urban innovation and lifestyle. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a blend of stunning architecture, vibrant pedestrian walkways, and exciting dining and shopping options.
Notably, the new Indigo Toronto store at The Well promises a unique shopping experience with its creatively designed nooks and welcoming atmosphere.
Plan your visit to The Well mall and discover for yourself why it’s rapidly becoming the talk of the town, setting a new standard for urban developments in the city.
Before You Go: More Toronto Posts
Now that you’ve read this article describing what to do at The Well, you may be interested in exploring more of Toronto.
Read my guide to visiting the Toronto Islands, my complete list of the best beaches in Toronto, and my honest review of the Sheraton Centre Hotel, my top hotel pick in the city!
