H I S T O R Y 

Roncesvalles was originally settled by Colonel Walter O’Hara in 1850.O’Hara was a soldier in the British army prior to immigrating to Canada.O’Hara was wounded and captured by the French in the Roncesvalles Gorge in northern Spain; hence the name Roncesvalles.

O’Hara,who was originally from Ireland,named the streets here; O ’Hara, Geoffrey, Constence, Marion and Sorauren are named after his family members,and Fermanaugh is the province in Northern Ireland where the O’Hara clan originated. The development of the present-day neighbourhood was spurred on by the street-car, which came to this area in the early 1900s. Roncesvalles was a family-oriented neighbourhood right from the start. Nearby industries offered employment to the many British immigrants that settled here.The landmark St.Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church on Roncesvalles was the spiritual centre of these first residents. Following the Second World War an influx of Eastern Europeans,predominantly Poles,settled in Roncesvalles.They built their own church:St.Casimir’s.Sir Casimir Gzowski, a Polish patriot, settled in Toronto in the early 1850s and was instrumental in the building of Toronto’s roads and railways.

O  V  E  R  V  I  E  W

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.

The “Red Rocket” streetcar has a right of way on busy Roncesvalles Avenue.

The gateway to Roncesvalles Village.

This prominent wall mural underscores the urban artistic flair that emanates from this neighbourhood.

Main street Roncesvalles Avenue - where everybody knows your name.

H  O  M  E  S

 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.

Roncesvalles has an excellent collection of family size Victorian style homes.

Great starter homes.

One of many pretty tree-lined residentialstreets in Roncesvalles Village.

Two and three storey houses are set back close to the street with front porches.

Pride of ownership is evident with many front lawns displaying fine city gardens.

S  H  O  P  P  I  N  G

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.

Roncesvalles boasts many popular polish bakeries .

Fresh fruits and vegetables are not hard to find in this neighbourhood.

The streetcar right-of-way and some interesting older buildings provide the backdrop for the Roncesvalles Village shopping district.

Independent shops and restaurants comprise most of the retail in Roncesvalles creating a small town feel.

R  E  C  R  E  A  T  I  O  N

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.

Sorauren Avenue Park, is a larger park in this neighbourhood with a playground and tennis courts.

The High Park branch of the Toronto Public Library is situated on Roncesvalles Avenue.

T  R  A  N  S  P  O  R  T  A  T  I  O  N

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.

The streetcar whisks residents in and out of the neighbourhood.

Streetcar stop on Howard Park Avenue.