Living in Trinity Bellwoods
Centred around Trinity Bellwoods Park, this downtown neighbourhood has gained a reputation being one of the most desirable inner-city neighbourhoods in Toronto. With a focus on maintaining the authenticity of the neighbourhood, the presence of chain establishments is limited. The infamous Trinity Bellwoods Park serves as a community hub, engaging, residents and visitors through its expansive outdoor space and recreational amenities. Within Trinity Bellwoods enjoy fantastic shopping and dining experiences, historic architecture, and convenient access to transportation and the downtown core.
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
St Mathias Pl (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
History of Trinity Bellwoods
The Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood dates to the early 1800s when it was once owned by Captain Samuel Smith, part of his 100-acre property. In the mid-1800s, the lower region of Captain Smith’s property became the grounds of Trinity College, which was built in 1852. The Anglican school was built by Bishop John Strachan (from whom the nearby street also gets its name) and would exist as a private institution until 1904 when it joined with the University of Toronto. After the completion of a second Trinity College at U of T’s central campus, this original college was demolished in 1950. In the 1880s, the neighbourhood began evolving and by the beginning of the 20th century, Trinity Bellwoods was a widely known neighbourhood. Since then, the region has continued to gentrify and has been deemed one of downtown Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Homes in Trinity Bellwoods
The majority of houses in Trinity Bellwoods were built in the 1880s up until around 1905. The homes mainly consist of small and medium-sized Victorian properties, many of which are either front or back onto Trinity Bellwoods Park as it occupies a large portion of the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood also houses some larger properties, mainly concentrated along Shaw Street. This double-width, tree-lined street is one of the most desirable streets in Trinity Bellwoods. Unique to the neighbourhood, find many converted lofts that offer low-maintenance alternatives to the freehold structures common in the area.
Bellwoods Ave (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Claremont Lofts (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Origami Lofts (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Claremont Hall Lofts (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Westside Story (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Lifestyle in Trinity Bellwoods
Within Trinity Bellwoods enjoy a community buzzing with culture. The neighbourhood exhibits community living at its best with abundant outdoor space, beautiful Victorian homes, and countless boutique shops and dining. Along the southern border of the neighbourhood, Queen Street West houses galleries, antique shops, bookstores, natural food markets and a variety of healthy and ethnically diverse cafes and restaurants. Find one of the highest concentrations of bars and restaurants in Toronto along Ossington Avenue, reflecting the youthful demographic in this neighbourhood. Enjoy some of the city’s best oysters from both the East and West Coast of Canada at Oyster boy and indulge at Prime Seafood Palace, a contemporary restaurant inspired by Matty Matheson’s East Cost roots and love for architecture. After some food, pick up a sweet treat from Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, a popular gourmet bakery and ice cream shop offering indulgent desserts!
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery – Ossington St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Terroni – Queen St W (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Queen St W (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Bellwoods Brewery – Ossington St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
La Banane – Ossington St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Bellwoods Ave (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Recreation in Trinity Bellwoods
The neighbourhood of Trinity Bellwoods is built around the iconic Trinity Bellwoods Park. This 36-acre public park is a destination for many to picnic, play sports, and enjoy nature. Within this centrally located park find children’s playgrounds, a wading pool, sports fields, a baseball diamond, and numerous tennis courts for residents to enjoy during the summer months. During the winter, enjoy the artificial ice rink that supports a plethora of hockey leagues for all ages and genders. Located within the park, the Trinity Community Recreation Centre houses additional facilities such as an indoor pool, gymnasium, track, and fitness centre.
Trinity Bellwoods Park Tennis Courts (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Trinity Bellwoods Park (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Transportation in Trinity Bellwoods
Residents benefit from being located within minutes of the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard making it incredibly seamless to enter and exit the city. Both highways are approximately a five-minute drive from Trinity Bellwoods, avoiding many of the congested downtown streets. The TTC streetcar on both Bathurst Street and Ossington Avenue services directly to the Bloor-Danforth subway station, allowing easy movement around the downtown core.
Queen St W (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
