RONCESVALLES VILLAGE is home to some of Toronto's most vibrant shopping districts, and it is naturally appealing with its tree lined streets and affordable, well preserved Edwardian and Victorian homes on deep lots. The area is a mix of leafy residential streets and small, family-owned retail and food shops as well as a very popular strip of organic cafes, Thai restaurants, greengrocers and hip specialty shops. It is also within walking distance of Toronto's waterfront parks, the Western Beaches and Boardwalk.

After WWII, the Roncesvalles area was transformed by the arrival of many European newcomers that included a large number of Poles. The Roncesvalles Village shopping district north of Queen St. is the cultural centre of Toronto's Polish community. (Although considered to be a prominently Polish community, the last 50 years has seen many ethnic groups settle in the area.) An afternoon stroll through this area will take you past eating establishments specializing in traditional cuisine: sausages, hand-made pierogies, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and hearty soups like the delicious beet-based borscht, perfect for a cool day. There are many outstanding food markets, delis and restaurants along this route. Fun, community-based cultural events take place frequently, such as the Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival, a weekend event held every September.

For another vibrant commercial shopping area, Queen Street is ever-changing and full of interesting stores.

High Park, with its 399 acres of parkland including picnic areas, flower gardens, animal paddocks, an outdoor amphitheatre, sports facilities and a large pond, is within walking distance. Sorauren Park is the main outdoor community meeting place, with many gatherings for dog lovers as well as the famous post-Halloween jack o' lantern display. The recreational paths along the waterfront are easily accessible. Additonal nearby parks include Charles G. Williams Park at Sorauren & Wabash.