Top Next-Generation Degrassi Toronto Hangouts
Whatever it takes, I know I can make it to these locations.
By Erica Lenti • Illustration by Evan Munday
Degrassi: the show is a beloved city staple. In all of its iterations, the franchise has been on the air for 35 years. Its characters are household names and the predicaments they find themselves in—from Emma’s backwoods ravine adventures to Rick’s infamous shooting of Jimmy—have made for decades of entertainment.
This past winter, Degrassi premiered its newest edition, Next Class, on Canada’s Family Channel (and Netflix for those outside of the country). It’s the first time the show received a facelift since its return nearly 15 years ago.
In lieu of Degrassi’s revamp and the upcoming release of its second season (slated for July), Torontoist scoured the city for familiar places where the show’s clan hung out on screen.
(These locations were compiled with the help of Degrassi know-it-all Kary Bowser, who runs one of the show’s most popular online destinations, DegrassiBlog.com.)
Itching for more teen drama? Check out our previous map outlining the top 10 hangouts for Degrassi Junior High regulars.
Craig snaps a photo of Angie blowing bubbles.
Before she played Tori Santamaria in the show’s later years, Alex Steele was best known for her portrayal of Angela Jeremiah, daughter of the infamous fedora-touting Joey Jeremiah from the Degrassi Junior High years. Here at Lakeshore Gardens, Angela attended elementary school, where big brother (and teen heartthrob) Craig Manning visits to shoot photos and blow bubbles.
Season 2, Episode 1: “When Doves Cry”
Alex after stripping for the first time at Zanzibar.
When money gets tight for Alex Nunez and her mom, the teen lands a waitressing gig at Club Zanzibar—in the front bar—to help pay the rent. But with debts numbering in the thousands of dollars, Alex realizes she must take the plunge and start stripping at the Yonge Street landmark to keep her family afloat.
Season 6, Episode 18: “Don’t You Want Me?”
Bianca dances for concert tickets at Yonge and Dundas.
It’s Spring Break, and Drew Torres and girlfriend Bianca DeSousa are at Yonge-Dundas Square trying to win concert tickets on a live radio broadcast. When Bianca freestyle dances on stage to compete for the tickets, her dangerous ex-boyfriend Anson catches a glimpse of her—leading the couple down a rocky, gang-related story arc.
Season 11, Episode 1: “Boom Boom Pow”
Manny auditions for a spot at Smithdale.
Many of the OG Next Gen girls wind up at the show’s prestigious university, Smithdale (perhaps a rival to University of Toronto). But the episodes set at Smithdale—including the Spring Break special, “Bust a Move,” when Manny Santos fights for her spot in the university’s competitive drama school—are filmed at York University. Not quite U of T status, but close enough.
Season 7, Episode 14: “Bust a Move”
Eli, Bianca, Becky, and Dallas at Adam’s funeral.
After a foolish text-and-driving accident claims (spoiler alert!) Adam Torres’ life, a heartbroken Torres family holds a funeral service to say goodbye to television’s first transgender main character at Allan Gardens.
Season 13, Episode 8: “Young Forever”
Cam lies on the ice after an intense punishment practice.
Season 12 brought the Toronto Ice Hounds—a rowdy hockey team rivalling Degrassi’s famed Panthers—to our screens, along with a slew of new faces, including rookie-destined-for-stardom Campbell Saunders, sarcastic captain Mike Dallas, and Bible thumper-cum-sexual assailant Luke Baker. Home ice for these boys is located up in North York.
Season 12, Episodes 13-14: “Rusty Cage”
Peter’s new ride.
Bad boy Peter Stone and OG Degrassi queen Emma Nelson (daughter of Snake and Spike) are out celebrating the former’s birthday at the now-defunct lakeshore restaurant when Peter’s dad rolls up with his gift: a shiny new Corvette. Peter later finds himself in deep trouble when he street races with the car against Emma’s ex, Sean Cameron, leading to a hit-and-run accident.
Season 6, Episode 1: “Here Comes Your Man”
Snake, Wheels, and Joey at the bowling alley.
There are few instances in The Next Generation when Junior High alums appear on screen. But in this rare reunion between Joey Jeremiah, Snake, and Wheels following the latter’s release from prison, the three head to the now-closed (after 65 years) O’Connor Bowl for a night out.
Season 3, Episode 7: “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”
Marco and Ellie at the Bluffs.
The Degrassi gang heads to the Bluffs for a day of fun and relaxation in the sun. But Marco Del Rossi, who has only just come out to best friend Ellie Nash, can’t seem to calm down when it comes to hiding his big secret.
Season 3, Episode 4: “Pride”
Craig and Spinner on their joy ride.
Craig thinks he’s in the clear when he steals one of Joey’s used cars for a joy ride with pals Spinner, Marco, and Sean. But things get tense when a pair of cops roll up next to the boys on their cruise through the city—right next to the Fitness Depot on Bartley Drive.
Season 2, Episode 6: “Drive”
Holly J at her internship.
During the Degrassi summer special set in New York, mean-girl-gone-good Holly J Sinclair lands an internship at the fictional TVM network, whose studio is the real-life Much building in Queen West.
Season 9, Episode 20: “Degrassi Takes Manhattan”
When the Degrassi kids are not shooting on location, they’re hanging out on set at the DHX Studio—home to the infamous Degrassi School where most of the shenanigans go down.