20 throwback photos that show what Toronto looked like in the 1980s

It can be easy to forget that in the not-so-distant 1980s, Toronto looked very different from the city we see today.

Toronto was, of course, still a bustling, vibrant city — just with fewer skyscrapers and a touch more mullets and spandex. And thanks to Toronto History‘s photo archive, we can take a peek at what exactly was going on in the city in the city 40 years ago.

From the CNE to Scarborough Town Centre, here’s what Toronto looked like in the 1980s.

Markham Street looking north to Bloor Street – 1982

Street vendor outside subway station – 1985

CNE – 1985

Exhibition Place game stall – 1980

Dundas Street and Pacific Avenue, looking north – 1987

Premium gas station, Lake Shore Road – 1980

PCC streetcar on College Street – 1980

Street performers at Ontario Place – 1981

Bye Bye Birdie rehearsal, Scarborough Theatre – 1985

South-east corner, Carlaw and Danforth avenues – 1989

Balloon fountain, Scarborough Town Centre – 1980

Akropol Greek Bakery, 458 Danforth Avenue – 1987

Building under demolition – 1980

PCC streetcar 4392 on Church Street, south of Richmond Street – 1980

Street vendor, Queen and Soho streets – 1988

The Silver Rail – 1980

• See also:
  • 25 vintage photos of Toronto in the 1960s and 1970s
  • 144-year-old Pennies bar building has been saved from demolition
  • 20 vintage photos of what Old Toronto looked like 100 years ago

South-west corner, Dundas Street and Pacific Avenue – 1987

PCC streetcar 4643 on King Street East – 1980

492 – 500a Danforth Avenue – 1982

Greek Village Dining Lounge, 551 Danforth Avenue – 1985