Introduction
Parkdale comes as close to anyone’s definition of eclectic and historical as it can get. Located in the west end of Toronto’s Queen Street West corridor, this tightly tucked once lakefront neighbourhood is bounded by Roncesvalles Avenue in the west, the Canadian Pacific rail line in the north end, Dufferin street in the east, and hugged by the Gardiner Expressway in the south.
Lifestyle
Walking through Parkdale, one is transported back in time to a century and half ago when this neighbourhood was an A-list address to some of the wealthiest Victorians of their time. Dating back 136 years, according to the Parkdale Village BIA, today this primarily residential area is a vibrant and diverse community, and its popularity as a trendy neighbourhood is growing.
The Vibe
If you’re looking for a signature small-town feel within a bustling metropolis, Parkdale’s got it. The area showcases a motley crew of artists, funky cafes, ethnic restaurants, quaint B&Bs, vintage galleries, farmer’s markets and one-of-a-kind shops. It is also a community that comes together to support local revitalization projects such as the Urban Garden Development Project, and the Westend Food Coop connecting local farmers and suppliers to local eaters.
Meet the Neighbours
Parkdalians range mostly within the low-middle income categories. The local community is a cultural melting pot of West Indians, North Africans, Sri Lankans, Tibetans, Filipinos, Chinese and Hungarian families that are working class and growing. According to the City of Toronto, 66 per cent of inhabitants are of working age, 25-64, with household incomes ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. The remaining 34 per cent includes seniors, children and youth.
In the Area
The area’s abundant youth attend schools including Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School, and the historical Parkdale Collegiate Institute – alma mater to celebs like news reporter Anne Mroczkowski and cartoonist Charles Templeton. The Toronto Public Library and the Parkdale Intercultural Institute are other popular youth hangouts. Little parkettes, Sorauren Park and the West Lodge skate park are other amenities for area kids.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The Parkdale thoroughfare of Queen between Dufferin and Roncesvalles sees lots of traffic. This is a bike-, foot- and transit-friendly neighbourhood with TTC streetcar stops every few hundred metres, taking passengers right to the subway. The Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Blvd. are very easily accessed from here. There is a neighbourhood GO station, plus Billy Bishop Airport is fairly close by.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
For those who rely on rich multiculturalism to provide character and meaning to their life and living, Parkdale is the place to be. Its streets characterized with mature trees, red brick mansions, art deco apartments, funky hot spots and a prominent ethnic presence. For those who don’t care for diversity and turn their noses away from gritty pockets, steer clear.
Dollars & Sense
Despite close proximity to downtown and pricey Queen Street, pubbing and dining options in Parkdale Village range from budget to affordable and on up. The area has been in transition, with an abundance of hipsters and independents moving in and taking things up a notch or two. Many of the old shops and mom'n'pop food stops are being replaced by trendy and more expensive options catering to the cool crowd.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Cadillac Lounge
This Toronto institution/dive bar has been around since 2000 and is famous for its unapologetic leopard print seats, rare rock memorabilia, an overall badass attitude, great pub fare, and a huge backyard patio.
more infoRhino Bar
From pizzas to fish n’ chips, named after its namesake mounted on top of the bar, this laid back resto-bar promises to satisfy all you grease junkies from here till Sunday.
more infoStones Place
Pool tables, beer and rockabilly galore, this Rolling Stones themed resto- lounge stands out not just for its brightly painted purple exterior, but also for its repository of Rolling Stones memorabilia.
more infoWest End Food
This is a community market place that connects local food growers to the local consumers, keeping in mind ethical practices, sustainability of local artisan producers and affordability of the local clientele.
more infoBacchus Roti Place
Listed by NOW magazine as one of the top three roti joints in Toronto, this Caribbean roti shop is an area institution and serves some of the best rotis you’ll ever eat. Period.
more infoDunn House Bed & Breakfast
Built in 1890 by renowned Toronto architect George Miller, this B&B on Dunn Avenue imbibes the very spirit of Parkdale – with its rich past, eclectic present and resilient future, not to mention excellent hospitality.
more info