Cedarvale is the sought-after neighbourhood near Bathurst and Eglinton, and nestled within the Cedarvale park and ravine. More young families are gravitating to the area because of its large urban greenspace and close proximity to a nearby library, shops and an enclave of streets filled with tudor-style houses and awe-inspiring architecture. Getting to the neighbourhood is even easier with a new LRT on the way and the Eglinton West subway in walking distance.
Here are 3 hidden gems in the Cedarvale neighbourhood.
1. Off-Beat Things to do in Cedarvale Park
The ravine and park are one of the neighbourhood’s main attractions, in the middle of Cedarvale and running diagonally through Forest Hill. With rolling hills and greenery, the residents (and their doggies) literally have a 35-acre playground right in their backyard. A haven for runners, dog-walkers, tennis players and really, anyone who loves nature. While we love the traditional park activities, here are a few off-beat things to do in the park: 1. Outdoor yoga, 2. Urban hikes for singles, 3. Father’s Day picnic, 4. Search for the Cedarvale lost river, 5. Walk the path of Ernest Hemingway (or at least try to). Hemingway lived around the corner on Bathurst and was known to frequent and write in the park. Here’s an interesting photo history of the neighbourhood in the early 1900s.
2. Toronto’s Oldest Synagogue Gets Renovated
Holy Blossom Temple, one of the city’s oldest synagogues on Bathurst Street, south of Eglinton, is undergoing a massive revitalization. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, highlights of the project include a new central atrium with a living wall, new library, multi-purpose rooms and landscaped gardens (see renderings). Dating back to 1856, the original congregation was built at the corner of Yonge and Richmond and later moved to its larger Bathurst location in the early 1900s. Holy Blossom serves more than 7,000 members in the community and surrounding neighbourhoods like Indigo CEO Heather Reisman and her businessman husband Gerry Schwartz.
3. Customer Appreciation Day on Eglinton
Nothing says spring like a one-day sidewalk sale and a cone from Baskin-Robbins. The Village Association is planning a customer appreciation day in June as a thank you to the community for putting up with the temporary construction and closures along Eglinton (it’s for the greater good- the neighbourhood is getting a brand new LRT). While the event date has yet to be confirmed, participating stores will host special in-store sales and promotions. In the meantime, if you’re craving cotton candy and a street festival, check out Eglinton’s annual summertime International Street Festival, just west of the neighbourhood.
Photo via Four Square, Cedarvale Park
