The focal point of this inner-city neighbourhood is the very picturesque and active Trinity-Bellwoods Park, which spans the entire length of the neighbourhood. This park features a paved walking path that is highlighted by distinguished cast iron lamp poles and a lush greenery.
In addition to Trinity-Bellwoods Park, this neighbourhood also features many Victorian houses, excellent shopping districts, and convenient access to major transportation routes for motorists and pedestrians.
The Portugal Village shopping district on Dundas Street between Grace and Markham Streets, caters to the large Portuguese community in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood.
Queen Street is known for its arts flavour and culinary delights. This part of Queen Street includes galleries, antique shops, bookstores, vegetarian restaurants, natural food markets, fashion and accessory stores and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Ossington Avenue has one of the highest concentrations of bars and restaurants in Toronto reflecting the youthful demographic in this neighbourhood. Cafes, coffee shops, art galleries and hip clothing stores complete the picture on Ossington Avenue.
The Roncesvalles Village shopping district, north of Queen Street, is the cultural centre of Toronto’s Polish community. There are many outstanding food markets, delis, and restaurants along this route.
History
In the early 1800’s, Trinity-Bellwoods was part of a tract of land belonging to Captain Samuel Smith. Smith named his one hundred acre Park Lot ‘Gore Vale’. Gore was in honour of Lieutenant-Governor Francis Gore, and Vale denoted the ravine that is now Trinity-Bellwoods Park.
The lower half of Gore Vale became the grounds of Trinity College, after which this neighbourhood is named. Trinity College was built in 1852, on the site where Trinity-Bellwoods Park is now situated. The entrance gates to Trinity College are still standing at the foot of Queen Street and Strachan Avenue, and serve as a lonely reminder of this once proud institution.The present day neighbourhood began to take shape in the 1880’s. By the early 1900’s, the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood was completely developed.