A teeny piece of Europe jammed between the big city and a forest. It's worth walking down the street just to see all the signs hanging over the shoppes. Many quaint local boutiques and unique independent restaurants make for a wonderful and much needed change from the hideous big box generic Mall Wart type eyesores which presently dominate much of Canada.

Roncesvalles Avenue was originally owned by Colonel Walter O'Hara who named the street after the Roncesvalles gorge in Spain, where he had won a battle against Napolean's army circa 1813. British settlers began to arrive in the early 1900's as residential homes appeared. After WWII large numbers of Polish immigrants arrived and set up all sorts of businesses and that is why we celebrate the Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival every year.

Lots and lots and lots of restaurants. Lots. Local favourites include Sue's Thai Food/Vicki's Fish & Chips for the veggie/noodle/fish lovers, and Ari's Place for greasy spoon aficionados. Also the Revue Theatre, a nearly 100 year old movie house which thankfully is open for business once again thanks to the tireless efforts of the Revue Film Society. NOBODY does dinner and a movie like Roncie.

Cons: No liquor store, too many kids.

Fun for Kids

Sing with the High Park Choirs of Toronto! Divisional choirs for children aged 5 to 18. http://www.highparkchoirs.org Despite the name, the choirs include children from 55 different schools across Toronto. We're a short ride west of Roncesvalles Village in Bloor West Village. Artistic staff include internationally-renowned conductor Zimfira Poloz, Margaret Stanfield, Marina Filippova and Sheldon Rose. Children have lots of fun and learn while developing their vocal skills. Come and sit in on a rehearsal, attend a concert or an event. To audition, please contact [email protected]