Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles is celebrated for its European ambiance and small-town charm. This neighborhood is popular with young families who value its convenient location just west of downtown. The close proximity to High Park, Toronto waterfront bike and walking trails, easy access to public transit, and the array of shops and restaurants on Roncesvalles Avenue are major draws. The annual Roncesvalles Polish Festival in September attracts thousands of visitors, featuring Polish dancers, children’s games and rides, polka bands, and plenty of food and refreshments. Roncesvalles Avenue is also a favorite among streetcar enthusiasts who appreciate its picturesque and lively atmosphere.

History

Roncesvalles was originally settled by Colonel Walter O’Hara in 1850. O’Hara, a British army soldier who immigrated to Canada, named the area after the Roncesvalles Gorge in northern Spain, where he was wounded and captured by the French. He also named streets after family members, including O’Hara, Geoffrey, Constance, Marion, and Sorauren, and after his Irish homeland of Fermanagh. The neighborhood's development was spurred by the introduction of the streetcar in the early 1900s, establishing Roncesvalles as a family-oriented area from the start. Nearby industries provided employment to many British immigrants who settled here, and the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church became a spiritual center for the community. After World War II, an influx of Eastern Europeans, predominantly Poles, settled in Roncesvalles, establishing St. Casimir’s Church. Sir Casimir Gzowski, a prominent Polish patriot who settled in Toronto in the early 1850s, played a key role in building the city’s roads and railways.

    • North: Bloor Street W

    • East: Lansdowne Avenue

    • South: Queen Street West

    • West: Parkside Drive

  • Roncesvalles is filled with beautiful turn-of-the-century homes adorned with whimsical architectural details. Charming front porches and well-tended gardens complement these picturesque houses. A lush, mature tree canopy enhances the pleasing streetscape. Most homes are attached or semi-detached, with a few detached houses sprinkled throughout.

    • K-6

      • Howard Junior Public School

    • K-8

      • Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School

      • Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School

      • St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

    • Grade 9-12

      • Parkdale Collegiate Institute

      • Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton CSS & Regional Arts Centre

  • Every September, the neighbourhood holds its annual Polish Festival along Roncesvalles Avenue, one of North America’s largest Polish festivals. This vibrant event celebrates Polish culture with live music, traditional dance performances, delicious Polish cuisine, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from across the city and beyond, making Roncesvalles a hub of cultural celebration and community spirit during this lively event.

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