The neighbourhood of Deer Park features an ecclectic mix of upscale detached and attached houses and high-rise condominiums featuring stunning views of the skyline, natural landscapes, boutique shopping and tasty restaurants.
Yonge and St. Clair is one of Toronto’s most coveted addresses with some of the most notable private schools in the country and beautiful green parkland!
History
Deer Park was once referred to, by the First Nations, as “Mashquoteh” which Ojibway for meadow or woodland where deer come to feed. In 1795, Lt. Governor Simcoe instructed the Deputy Provincial Surveyor to open a cart road from York Harbour to Lake Simcoe. This was Yonge St. – completed in 1796.
The first settlement on St. Clair Ave. was right at Yonge St. where the Heath family bought 40 acres of land in 1837. They named it Deer Park for many deer who roamed the area.
By the 1850’s, the neighbourhood included a racetrack, a school, and a hotel where patrons could feed the deer that roamed the land. This land was later subdivided and entirely sold off by 1874.
Founded in 1829, Upper Canada College moved their urban location to, the then, rural location of Deer Park in 1891. They established a large campus that stands tall and proud today.
The deer had found new places to roam as the area developed further. By the 1930’s, Deer Park was established as one of Toronto’s finest residential districts.
Homes
Home to one of the largest collections of luxury condo buildings in the city, Yonge and St. Clair Toronto features unique high-rises and mid-rises. Recently, the western wall of 1 St. Clair Avenue West became home to an eight-storey mural by the British artist Phlegm.
Many of the elegant homes for sale were built between 1875 and 1920 and feature Tudor and Colonial architecture styles. Newer townhouses, which have been designed to complement the original houses, have also been added.
Lifestyle and Recreation
In the midst of our dynamic city, one would not expect to find natural sanctuaries, however Yonge and St. Clair harbour some of Toronto’s most picturesque green havens. The Rosehill Reservoir Park is a short walk from the intersection and features a pool bordered with cobblestones, waterfall, bridge and water fountain as well as a flower garden and even a wading pool.
The David A. Balfour Park surrounds the Rosehill Reservoir and offers a playground for kids in addition to paths for walking and biking in addition which lead into the Vale of Avoca Ravine. The ravine has a hiking trail along a lovely creek which is a remarkable feature considering the metropolitan location of the neighbourhood.
Transportation
St. Clair subway station and streetcar terminus are just steps from Yonge & St. Clair. For drivers, the downtown core is approximately 5-10 minutes by car and fifteen minutes to access the highway and expressways.
Shopping and Restaurants
The shopping district of Yonge and St. Clair Toronto is famous for its myriad of restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops, unique boutiques, bookstores, health and wellness shops and services. My favourite yoga studio, Moksha Yoga, offers a variety of yoga and Pilates classes as well as Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Thai Massage, and Chiropractic healing.
In addition, you will find a Loblaw’s, Sobeys and Longo’s for groceries, many banks, medical centres, the Deer Park Library, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and all the necessary businesses for your personal needs close at hand.
For playful variations on traditional Cantonese dishes, Kwan Dim Sum offers stunning presentations in a contemporary setting—be sure to check out their decorative ornamental sinks in the washrooms. Sprout is a cozy little spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine which puts the Oh My in their “Oh My Goodness Soup.”
Bagel aficionados will delight in Kiva’s fresh European-style bagels with generous toppings and if you are craving gourmet soups and sandwiches made from the highest quality ingredients, Delica Kitchen is the place to satisfy your longing.
Family owned and operated, Nove Trattoria features pizza and pasta made with pride and love. Voted the most romantic restaurant in Toronto by Toronto Life many times over, Barnsteiner’s creates upscale pan-European dishes in a unique art-inspired setting.
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Has this Yonge and St. Clair neighbourhood guide made you seriously consider Yonge and St. Clair as your next home? If so, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or inquiries you may have. I would love to show you all that this lively neighbourhood has to offer.
