Introduction
Situated on Lake Ontario between Oakville and Burlington, Bronte is bound by the QEW to the north, Lake Ontario to the south, Burloak Drive to the west and Third Line to the east. Access to the lake, great schools, hip restaurants, independent boutiques and a laid back vibe has long made this neighbourhood sought-after for established couples and young families seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Lifestyle
For two centuries, boats have been designed, built, repaired or sailed out of this little fishing village and marina. Bronte is simply defined by its ties to the Lake Ontario waterfront. Having undergone a rebirth thanks to its proximity to the lake and the interest of developers who have discovered its potential, Bronte’s charming streets bustle with activity: cyclists and joggers enjoy the ambience of this Village by the Lake.
The Vibe
Looking to invest in the next red hot GTA lakefront community? Bronte is certainly vying for the title. Over the past ten years, the neighbourhood has morphed from a sleepy blink and you’ll miss it, one streetlight village between Oakville and Burlington, to a destination in itself, filled with active singles and young families. The vibe is fun and relaxed, friendly and unpretentious.
Meet the Neighbours
Bronte has traditionally supported a large senior population and remains an older community; times are changing, though, and over the past ten years, there has been an influx of young married professionals interested in raising a family in one of the safest, most prestigious neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area.
In the Area
There are five elementary schools in Bronte; two Catholic, two public and one private; and there is one high school. Parks abound, both small and large, including the 6.4-sq.-km Bronte Creek Provincial Park to the north and Coronation Park, with splashpad, volleyball nets and stage, on the water. The much anticipated, state-of-the-art Oakville Hospital, located just north of Bronte will open in December 2015.
11.5 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
With a high walkability score averaging 79 and up, Bronte is compact enough to complete most errands on foot. Bike paths and walking trails abound. Rail and bus service operates from Bronte GO Station, situated on the Lakeshore West line connecting Bronte to communities along the shore, including Toronto. Lakeshore Road and Rebecca Street, both east/west arteries, can get busy at rush hour.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
For commuters, Bronte is ideally situated close to major arteries like the QEW and the 407, but its location right on Lake Ontario makes it a lovely place to live and raise a family. Longtime residents love the idea that Bronte is such a tight knit community; however, this can make it difficult to feel like part of the clique. And, there’s no Starbucks!
Dollars & Sense
Although not quite as posh as Oakville, its neighbour to the east, the cost of living in Bronte is consistent with most major urban centres in the GTA. A small cup of organic coffee at CJ’s Café will set you back $2, while at Cucci, a roasted Ontario rack of lamb entree will lighten your wallet by $46. An apartment overlooking the lake rents for about $1,500 per month.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Plank Restobar Oakville
Plank is Bronte’s favourite place to savour fresh, local fare served on small, tapas-style plates. The menu is constantly evolving and the setting, with its open kitchen concept and textured tin ceiling, is uber cool.
more infoTavolo Pizza Pasta Wine
When you walk in through the curtained entrance, you’ll soon forget it's located in a neighbourhood shopping mall. Featuring authentic Italian cuisine served up in a chic setting, Tavolo’s pizzas and pasta dishes are swoon-worthy.
more infoCJ's Café
Before clean eating was even a thing, CJ's introduced health-conscious Brontonians to its tasty, hyper-organic food from its tiny locale on Lakeshore Road. Owner CJ ensures your fair trade coffee cup is full.
more infoJupe
A unique clothing boutique nestled in the heart of Bronte Village, Jupe is owned and operated by sisters Sherine Mansour and Sandra Boyle, who carefully select designer labels to help customers discover their own style.
more infoEl Spero
Family-owned and operated, El Spero has proudly served the Bronte community for over 40 years. Originally located in Hopedale Mall, a new, fresh space on Lakeshore Road welcomes satisfied customers old and new.
more infoEmbark "Life with Dogs"
A new addition to the pet-friendly Bronte lifestyle, Embark "Life with Dogs" is fast becoming a go-to for the many dog walkers that make up the landscape by the lake.
more info