Roncesvalles is known for its European ambience and small-town feel.This neighbourhood is popular with young families who appreciate the convenience of the location just west of downtown.The close proximity to High Park,easy access to public transit,and the Roncesvalles shops and restaurants are also popular drawing cards.
The Roncesvalles Polish Festival,which takes place annually in September,attracts thousands of visitors. Roncesvalles Avenue is closed off for this festival that includes Polish dancers,children's games and rides,polka bands and lots of food and refreshments.
Roncesvalles Avenue is said to be a favourite among streetcar enthusiasts,who relish the fact that the stops are distanced far enough apart for the streetcar to build up some speed,and who appreciate the picturesque and live-ly atmosphere along the route.
patrons can also enjoy traditional Canadian fare,as well as Greek, Asian, Indian and Thai cuisine.
Homes
Roncesvalles's housing stock consists primarily of Victorian and Edwardian detached,semi-
detached and attached homes.These include two-storey,
two-and-a-half-storey and three-storey homes.These brick
homes have many whimsical features including Victorian
gables,columned front porches and nice interior wood trim.
Parking ranges from permit street parking to rear laneway
parking that may include a garage.
Roncesvalles has a nice selection of loft conversions,
which have recently taken place in former commercial and
industrial buildings in pockets of this neighbourhood.
Recreation
High Park is a short walk west of this neighbourhood.Visitors to this park can engage in a myriad of sport opportunities,from tennis to fishing in Grenadier Pond.There is also a popular children's playground and a zoo. Walkers, joggers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the many trails that traverse this park.
Local parks include Sorauren Park,at the northeast corner of Sorauren and Wabash, and the Charles G.Williams Park at the southeast corner of Sorauren and Wabash.The Keele Community Centre on Glenlake Avenue has an indoor pool.High Park Library on Roncesvalles Avenue offers programs for children and adults.
Schools
Fern Avenue Jr.&Sr.,128 Fern Ave.,(416)393-9130
Gordon Avenue Jr.,225 Garden Ave.,(416)393-9165
Howard Jr.,30 Marmaduke Street.,(416)393-9255
Parkdale Jr.&Sr.,46 West Lodge Ave.,(416)393-1280
Parkdale Collegiate,209 Jameson Ave.,(416)393-9000
West Toronto Secondary School,330 Lansdowne Ave., (416)393-1500
St.Vincent de Paul Separate School, 116 Fermanaugh Ave.,(416)393-5227
Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton,1515 Bloor St.West, (416)393-5545
Shopping
The Roncesvalles Village shopping district along Roncesvalles Avenue has a small-town, village feel. Most of the shops and restaurants are independently owned, family-run businesses. However,there are a growing number of chain stores along this route as well.
Sometimes referred to as "Little Poland," Roncesvalles Avenue is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Polish culinary delights such as perogies,borscht,schnitzel,sausage,sauerkraut and paczki a round, sugar-coated and fruit-filled doughnut.
Transportation
Streetcar service is available on Queen Street, Dundas Street and Roncesvalles Avenue, with stops at numerous subway stations along the
Yonge-University-Spadina and Bloor-Danforth lines.The Lansdowne bus stops at the Lansdowne subway station on the Bloor-Danforth line.
Go Transit has a station at the Crossways, on the north-east corner of Bloor Street West and Dundas Street West.
Commuters can access Union Station from this line. Motorists are approximately a 15-minute drive from the downtown core.
