Don’t overlook Parkdale when searching for your dream house. A neighbourhood on the rise, the area near Queen Street West between Roncesvalles and Dufferin, is becoming one of the hottest spots for real estate, shopping and art galleries. With lower house prices and more restaurants popping up, it’s a high demand and very diverse area. West-enders celebrate their community with a massive photography festival and even have their own #parkdalelove hashtag. Now that’s some neighbourhood love.
Here are 5 hidden gems to discover in Parkdale.
1. Parkdale Flea Market
Attention all Parkdale residents and fellow antique lovers! The Parkdale Flea, the neighbourhood’s indoor/outdoor vintage market, is happening this month. Located on Queen West, the market features local vendors, designers and collectables, and everything else you can imagine. If you’re lucky, you might even score a retro World Series can of Coca Cola.
2. The Vintage Crawl
Get set for the annual Vintage Crawl, happening in Parkdale and travelling through various neighbourhoods on April 30th. Participating local retailers get a little Nuit Blanche as they stay open late (until midnight), hosting special in-store events, parties and showcasing their vintage wear. The crawl happens twice a year with 11 participating shops in Parkdale.
3. Lab Cab Festival
The Lab Cab Festival and sidewalk sale literally takes over the entire neighbourhood for a weekend in late July. When the festival, originally held in the Factory Theatre, became too large, organizers moved it to Parkdale, wanting to highlight the area’s artsy and creative vibe. From art installations to kids activities, the festival makes use of every space with performances in the library, parks, community centre, parking lots and even a hair salon.
4. The Hidden Outdoor Patio at Cadillac Lounge
Cadillac Lounge, the neighbourhood’s longtime pub and live music venue, is not a hidden gem (everyone in Toronto knows about it) but the secret patio in the back is a surprising discovery. Tucked away from the loud music, the huge outdoor patio is good for large groups and a quiet space to grab a pint. What’s your favourite hidden outdoor patio in Parkdale? Share it with us!
5. Rent Your Driveway During the CNE
The CNE really puts the “park” in Parkdale. With limited parking spaces on the Exhibition grounds, CNE-goers drive around nearby neighbourhoods searching for a good spot. Over the years, Parkdalers have caught on, holding up parking signs, and earning extra cash by renting out their driveways. At $15-$20 a car, the last two weeks of August can be very profitable for enterprising homeowners.
