Parkwoods, North York Neighbourhood Guide: Winding Roads in a Quiet Community

Within the northwest quadrant of the Don Valley Parkway and Highway 401 lies the geographically large neighbourhood of Parkwoods, North York. Sometimes referred to as Parkwoods-Donalda, this neighbourhood is known for its winding streets and rolling topography.

Mostly new immigrants to the city populate Parkwoods‘ northern area. The area south of York Mills Road is a relatively affluent community, with a large number of original homeowners or their heirs (1957 to 1962 purchasers) still occupants.

While Parkwoods gives the appearance of a bustling and busy area, it’s, in fact, very tranquil and serene thanks to its undulating hills and well-treed streets. It’s the perfect destination for new families or retired seniors.

Parkwoods’ earliest settler is known to be John Coulson, a teenager who emigrated from England to Canada in the early 19th century. Coulson built a log house on what is now the northwest corner of Parkwoods Village Drive and Victoria Park, which remained there until 1956. This main thoroughfare is also where Parkwoods gets its name.

In 1841, the Wesleyan Methodist Church established a cemetery at the southwest corner of Lawrence Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue, where many of Parkwoods first settlers are buried. Since then, the city has declared the cemetery a heritage property.

Many of Parkwoods’ modest two-storey houses, split-level homes, and ranch-style bungalows date back to the 1960s. The diverse architecture incorporates elements of Tudor and Georgian Revival as well as contemporary-style housing.

You’ll also notice a large number of semi-detached starter homes north of York Mills Road, as well as a cluster of rental and condominium townhouses south of York Mills Road.

For a fun night out, the Victoria Terrace shopping centre at Lawrence and Victoria Park Avenues features six Famous Players movie theatres that screen all of the newest Hollywood pictures.

In addition, the Brookbanks Public Library at 210 Brookbanks Drive includes an auditorium that houses a variety of programs for both children and adults.

Parkwoods features endless options for shopping. Most notably is Parkway Mall, situated at Victoria Park and Ellesmere. This large indoor shopping mall features ladies and menswear, specialty apparel, sporting goods, footwear, jewelry, home furnishings, stationery, and books, among other items. The mall is also anchored by a busy supermarket, a department store, and numerous restaurants.

Victoria Terrace, located at Lawrence and Victoria Park Avenues, is a plaza that features everything from a supermarket to a bank to a postal service, plus a massive toy store.

Donwood Plaza can be found at Underhill Drive and Lawrence and offers a food market, professional services, and restaurants. Additionally, Victoria Park also contains some small local shopping plazas with n array of retailers and restaurants.

Many of Parkwoods’ restaurants and eateries can be found in the aforementioned plazas and shopping centres. You’ll also find lots of dining options along Lawrence Avenue.

Try Valley Fields for a family-friendly restaurant offering up Mediterranean and Greek plates, including breakfast. Sahan Restaurant features goat ribs, chicken stews, and other Somali dishes served in an informal setting that includes a prayer room. Jatujak is a great spot for Thai food and cocktails.

Many of Parkwoods’ restaurants and eateries can be found in the aforementioned plazas and shopping centres. You’ll also find lots of dining options along Lawrence Avenue.

Try Valley Fields for a family-friendly restaurant offering up Mediterranean and Greek plates, including breakfast. Sahan Restaurant features goat ribs, chicken stews, and other Somali dishes served in an informal setting that includes a prayer room. Jatujak is a great spot for Thai food and cocktails.

Parkwoods is an excellent area for fitness enthusiasts looking for recreational opportunities. Residents in the community can enjoy skating at Fenside Arena, year-round tennis at Cassandra Park, and an outdoor pool at the Broadlands Community Centre.

Positioned in the northwest part of the neighbourhood is the area known as Graydon, which is built upon hillside terrains and home to the Donalda Golf Club.

With one rail transit stop and 178 street-level transit stops in the neighbourhood, it’s easy to get around Parkwoods by public transit. Many of these bus routes connect to stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line as well as Victoria Park Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line.

For those who prefer to drive, there is convenient access to the downtown core and Toronto’s network of commuter highways via the Don Valley Parkway and Highway 401.

Parkwoods should be your premier destination if you’re looking for a neighbourhood that’s quiet, scenic, and highly accessible. Being in the northern end of the city, you’ll love the lush greenery and tranquillity while still being able to meet your shopping needs with ease. Residents generally like to live an active lifestyle here and can do so freely, thanks to the plethora of parks, trails, and recreational facilities at their disposal.