Esquesing, Milton Neighbourhood Guide: Room to Grow

Some people just aren’t built for city living, but their job dictates a daily drive in. With a home in Esquesing, Milton, those country-hearted families get to experience the best of both worlds. The quiet streets and large lots found here provide more than enough room to grow, but the area’s proximity to Milton offers a lot of big-city conveniences. 

The land that Esquesing, Milton, now resides on has provided food and water to various First Nations tribes for centuries. Along the rough terrain of the Niagara Escarpment, the area was hunted and fished first by the Hurons and then later, by the Mississaugas. It’s said that the name Esquesing derives from the Mississauga word “Ishkwessin,” which can be translated to “that which lies at the end,” and served as the original name for Bronte Creek. 

The Township of Esquesing was surveyed in 1818 and opened to settlement in 1819. Trafalgar Road served as the primary roadway of the time, and the area around it saw the earliest development. The Township of Esquesing did see an uptick around the introduction of the railway in 1856. 

The land of the original township has since been divided among the neighbouring municipalities. It wasn’t until the reorganization of Halton County into the Regional Municipality of Halton that the southwestern portion of Esquesing was annexed and became a part of the Town of Milton.

The residential structures that line the streets of Esquesing are primarily detached homes. Many of the homes here were built before the 1960s, with the remainder added to the community in the 1960s and the ’80s. 

There are a lot of large homes here, built on sizable lots, with plenty of three- and four-bedroom units available. The real estate stock is almost evenly split between bungalows and two-storey, detached homes, with a decidedly rural vibe to the neighbourhood.

Esquesing is a rural community with little in the way of cultural hubs. Just north of the neighbourhood’s border is the Boston Presbyterian Church. It’s been serving the community in some form since the early 1800s and continues to be a local community gathering place. 

Otherwise, locals will need to head south to scratch their cultural itch. Downtown Milton is home to a number of community arts and cultural attractions like the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, Lions Sports Park, as well as Milton Town Hall.

The pull of a place like Esquesing is its proximity to modern essentials. The neighbourhood doesn’t have to sacrifice its rural charm when access to just about everything can be found with a short drive south on Esquesing Line. 

The James Snow Parkway and Steeles Avenue intersection is a consumer hot spot. There you’ll find a Walmart Supercentre, Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, Best Buy, a grocery store, and a lot more of the major big box brands you’ve come to rely on. 

A more boutique shopping experience can be found along Downtown Milton’s Main Street. The Milton Mall is there, as are hundreds of other service shops and retail stores. There’s also Chudleigh’s Farm in nearby Halton Hills. In addition to its seasonal fresh market, Chudleigh’s offers scenic tractor wagon rides, apple picking, a play area, and more.

Much of what was said about the area’s retail experiences goes for its restaurant and dining culture. Esquesing’s rural community remains unblemished by busy dining districts. But the neighbourhood is not far from good eats and treats. 

The vast retail district where Esquesing Line and Steeles Avenue intersect is loaded with dining options. From fine dining to casual meet-up spots, the area draws locals from all over Milton to its countless dining establishments. Downtown Milton offers even more restaurants, all within a short drive from the borders of Esquesing.

Much of what was said about the area’s retail experiences goes for its restaurant and dining culture. Esquesing’s rural community remains unblemished by busy dining districts. But the neighbourhood is not far from good eats and treats. 

The vast retail district where Esquesing Line and Steeles Avenue intersect is loaded with dining options. From fine dining to casual meet-up spots, the area draws locals from all over Milton to its countless dining establishments. Downtown Milton offers even more restaurants, all within a short drive from the borders of Esquesing.

People don’t move to Esquesing, Milton, in order to simplify their commute. They move here because they love country living and enjoy all the outdoor accoutrements that coincide with it. And though there aren’t a whole lot of attractions within its borders, Esquesing is quite close to some premium recreational experiences. 

The Glen Eden ski area lies within the Kelso Conservation Area. The area is owned and operated by the Halton Region Conservation Authority and features six lifts, and 15 ski-and-snowboard runs. Those who like the links will love the neighbourhood’s proximity to Granite Ridge Golf Club and Greystone Golf Club.

Esquesing is undoubtedly a rural neighbourhood. As such, there isn’t much in the way of transit service or cycling infrastructure. The terrain is very hilly too, making getting around on foot that much more difficult. The neighbourhood is just north of the Milton GO Station, but you’ll likely need to find your own ride there. 

Owning your own car makes commuting from Esquesing much simpler. The neighbourhood is very close to nearby consumer districts, and its proximity to Highway 401 is a plus. Should they choose to drive, residents can get to Toronto’s Union Station in about an hour.

Quiet streets, exceptionally large residential lots, and foliage as far as the eye can see. Esquesing is a neighbourhood for those who love country living. But don’t be fooled, this charming rural community is far from remote. An easy drive along one of Esquesing’s thoroughfares will take you to as many retail districts and restaurants you’ll ever need.