A Century of Cuts: Terminal Barbershop(2) Journey Since 1925
Terminal Barbershop isn’t just a place for a haircut—it’s a living piece of Toronto history. Since opening in 1925 at Dundas St W and Bay St, we’ve been the “Boys Club on Bay Street,” serving everyone from bankers to students for nearly 100 years. Let’s take a walk through our story, from the Roaring Twenties to today’s modern fades.
Back in 1925, Toronto was booming. The city’s population neared 600,000, streetcars rattled along Dundas, and Bay Street was emerging as a financial hub. Terminal Barbershop opened its doors with straight razors, leather strops, and a promise of quality. Haircuts cost a quarter, and hot lather shaves were a luxury for the working man. Our founders saw a need for a reliable spot downtown—a tradition we’ve never abandoned.
The Great Depression hit hard, but Terminal stayed steady. Barbers became confidants, cutting hair while hearing tales of resilience. By the 1940s, WWII brought buzz cuts into fashion as soldiers passed through. Post-war, the 1950s saw pompadours and slicked-back styles—our barbers mastered them all, keeping Toronto men sharp through economic booms and busts.
The 1960s and ‘70s brought longer hair and rebellion, but Terminal adapted. We trimmed hippie locks and welcomed the counterculture, all while preserving our classic vibe. The 1980s and ‘90s saw a return to clean cuts as Bay Street suits filled our chairs. Through it all, our wood-paneled walls and warm atmosphere stayed constant.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and a new generation took the reins. Abdul, a young barber with big ideas, spearheaded a transformation—new furniture, cashless payments, and an online booking system. Yet, the soul of Terminal remained. Reviews from loyal clients—some visiting since 2009—praise this blend of old-school charm and new-school ease.
Today, we’re at two locations: Bay Street and Terminal 2 at Elizabeth St. Our barbers, like Mohamed, still wield razors with precision, offering fades, massages, and shaves that echo 1925’s craftsmanship. The city’s changed—streetcars are sleek now, and skyscrapers tower overhead—but Terminal’s a constant. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM, we’re a downtown fixture.
What’s kept us going? Community. Clients say they feel “back home” here, swapping stories with barbers who care. Complimentary sweets and water are small nods to hospitality, but it’s the cuts that keep them coming. As Toronto’s oldest barbershop, we’ve seen it all—and we’re still here, sharpening the city one head at a time.
