Trinity Bellwoods
This neighbourhood has a strong youthful vibe and appeals to those who are looking for a trendy area of the city to live in. The focal point of the neighbourhood of course, is Trinity Bellwoods Park, which spans the entire length of the neighbourhood. It’s a popular spot for those looking for a way to relax during the day time. The neighbourhood itself has its own distinctive vibe, and is very social.
In the 1800’s, Trinity Bellwoods was part of a tract of land belonging to Captain Samuel Smith. Smith named the 100 acres of land the Gore Vale. On Gore Vale, Trinity College was built in 1852. Although the college has since been demolished, the entrance gates and some of the bricks are still to be found at the Strachan and Queen gates. The neighbourhood began to take shape in the early 1800’s and was fully developed by the early 1900’s.
The homes are modest and pretty. Built between 1880 and 1905, they are typical Victorian period architecture. If you are interested in something larger, Shaw Street has more elaborate homes. It’s a beautiful tree-lined boulevard that is twice as wide as other streets in the area. There’s also a handful of lofts for those looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle with all the modern amenities.
There is a large Portuguese community in Trinity Bellwoods, as a result of early immigration to the area. There is also Queen Street which is known for arts and culinary delights. You’ll find an abundance of galleries, antique shops, bookstores, vegetarian restaurants, natural food markets, fashion stores and cafes and restaurants. It’s a vibrant area of the neighbourhood! If you’re looking for something more exciting, Ossington Avenue is chalk-full of bars and restaurants that reflect the youthful demographic in the area.
The park itself is located right in the centre of the neighbourhood. It’s a great area for recreational activities or relaxing on a picnic blanket. There are paved paths, a children’s playground, wading pool, sports field, baseball diamond, four tennis courts and an artificial skating rink.