Come along with us for our #AgentInsider, as we explore hidden gems, the best dining options, our favourite shops, and more across southern Ontario! This month, we’re featuring the Leaside neighbourhood of Toronto. Enriched with history and known for its sports community, Leaside is a true gem! Keep reading as we showcase our favourite spots, curated by Bosley Real Estate Agent Patrick Rocca.
The Leaside neighbourhood is located northeast of Downtown Toronto, in the vicinity of Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview Avenue. Leaside was first incorporated as a town by The Canadian Northern Railway in 1913 on land formerly owned by the Lea family. Leaside’s development was historically significant in that it was the first town in Ontario to be thoroughly planned on paper before any homes were built – wow! Leaside’s status as a township ended in 1967 when it became part of the Borough of East York, which has since amalgamated with the City of Toronto. Today, Leaside is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Toronto, making it highly desirable for families.
The most popular shopping areas in Leaside include unique boutiques, markets, antique stores, and essential big box stores located on Bayview Avenue, Eglinton Avenue, and Laird Drive. The area is also known for its lush green parks, abundant properties, a fine selection of schools, and excellent access to public transportation. The neighbourhood showcases beautiful 1940s Tudor-style two-storey detached homes, bungalows, and semi-detached homes. It also boasts a handful of exclusive condominium and townhouse opportunities that contain some of Toronto’s nicest rental buildings.
Also, we can’t highlight the neighbourhood without mentioning the Leaside Memorial Gardens. A focal point of the area for over 50 years, the Gardens is a multi-recreational complex that includes an indoor ice arena, indoor swimming pool, curling rink, and auditorium. The Gardens was even the home arena for the Mahovlich brothers, Peter and Frank, who grew up playing on this ice and later played in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Let’s dig in together and discover some other fantastic features in Leaside!
DINE IN LEASIDE
Amsterdam Barrel House
87 Laird Dr, East York
Source: Amsterdam Brewery – Instagram
Known for being fresh, local, and original, the Amsterdam Barrel House is a Leaside staple and a favourite of Bosley Real Estate Agent Patrick Rocca! Located just down the road from their brewery, Amsterdam Barrel House’s Leaside location features crafted dishes from a wood-fired grill and, of course, Amsterdam fresh beer! Dating back to 1986, some Torontonians consider Amsterdam Barrel House one of the very first brewpubs in the city.
Leaside Pub
190 Laird Dr, East York
Source: The Leaside Pub – Website
The Leaside Pub is a British-style pub and patio offering a menu of delicious burgers and classic comfort food. Look no further for a spot in the neighbourhood to catch your favourite sporting events! The Leaside Pub has 15 TVs, always tuned to the hottest sports game. This local spot also loves to support Leaside sports teams, including the Toronto Saracens Rugby Club, Buccaneers Bugby Club Toronto, Toronto Leaside Wildcats Girls Hockey, Toronto Leaside Volleyball, and the Leaside Pub Dart League.
GrillTime
62 Laird Dr, East York
Celebrating 14 years in the neighbourhood, GrillTime is a local favourite butcher shop known for high-quality, Canadian-sourced steaks, poultry, seafood, and gourmet items. GrillTime offers premium fresh meats and on-the-spot, grilled-to-taste meat and sandwiches. The shop is known for its grill man, Grill Bill, who was a top-shelf food guy with 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry before going deep into his real passion – grillin’ for a livin’.
Badali’s Fruit Market
1587 Bayview Ave
Source: Badali’s Fruit Market – Website
The Italian market of the neighbourhood, Badali’s Fruit Market, has been in business since 1938 and is truly one-of-a-kind. Badali’s customers shop for fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms across Ontario and produce from across the globe. Badali’s also features a great selection of locally made specialty items, including jams, jellies, soups, and sauces. When you go, you must try the squeezed-in-house orange juice… delicious!
PLAY IN LEASIDE
Leaside Tennis Club
110 Rumsey Rd
Source: Leaside Tennis Club – Instagram
The Leaside Tennis Club is an active community tennis club operating in the neighbourhood. The Club’s mission is to create a social and inviting atmosphere for its members, and they strive to promote the game of tennis by encouraging participation for everyone! They offer programs for all ages and abilities, from junior to adult clinics, house leagues, tournaments and special events. Game, set, match!
Leaside Lawn Bowling Club
190 Hanna Rd, Toronto
Source: Leaside Lawn Bowling Club – Facebook
A spring and summer favourite in this neighbourhood, the Leaside Lawn Bowling Club offers two fantastic 16-rink greens and an accessible clubhouse for gathering. The lawn bowling season runs from May to October and offers set club teams and casual games for everyone! Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays make it the place to be during the summer months! The Club also has weekly Euchre hours in winter to keep the fun going year-round!
Leaside Memorial Gardens
1073 Millwood Rd, Toronto
Source – Leaside Memorial Gardens – Facebook
Leaside Memorial Gardens is an absolute staple in the Leaside neighbourhood. A focal point of the area for over 50 years, the Gardens is a multi-recreational complex with an indoor ice arena, indoor swimming pool, curling rink, and auditorium. The Gardens has also been the home arena for many professional athletes, like the Mahovlich brothers, Peter and Frank, who grew up playing on this ice and later played in the National Hockey League (NHL). A fun fact – as kids, their father was also the skate sharpener at the arena! Today, Leaside Memorial Gardens remains a local gathering place for sports and events.
Howard Talbot Park and Trace Manes Park
635 Eglinton Ave E, East York & 110 Rumsey Rd, East York
Source – Howard Talbot Park – Facebook
Leaside is known for its baseball excellence, and Howard Talbot Park and Trace Manes Park are hot spots in the neighbourhood for all baseball fans! The Leaside Baseball Association uses these parks for its many leagues throughout the spring and summer. There’s also no shortage of players that have moved on to fame after playing on these fields. Examples include Major leaguers Ron Taylor and Ron Roncetti; Taylor was a pitcher in the majors for 11 years and winner of two World Series titles, and Roncetti was a long-time pro scout in the majors. These parks remain an important fixture in the neighbourhood for children and adults alike. Let’s play ball!
SHOP IN LEASIDE
The Source Menswear Inc
1567 Bayview Ave, East York
Source – The Source Menswear Inc – Instagram
If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe, look no further! Since 1998, The Source Menswear Inc has been the location in Leaside for the best luxury menswear. Located right in the heart of the Bayview Avenue shopping district, the store features brands like Matinique, Bugatchi, Secrid, Ben Sherman, 34 Heritage, Ted Baker, Mavi, Nobis, Strellson, and more!
La muse Toronto
1610 Bayview Ave, Toronto
We love to see a store with a mission! La muse was built from a passion focused on creating a holistic shopping experience and building a community that allows women to explore their authentic selves through fashion! Carrying over 65 international brands, this boutique offers Scandinavian style with a Parisian twist! Be sure to stop and say hi to the women who run this special space – Sarah, Kayleigh, Charlotte, and Liz!
Merchant of Tennis
1621 Bayview Ave, East York
Source: Merchant of Tennis – Instagram
Last but not least, we can’t forget the Merchant of Tennis – a local favourite with the latest products, clothing, and accessories for tennis. The store, which opened in 1992 by tennis players intending to offer expert advice, gear, and stringing services, celebrates 30 years of business in Leaside!
Rich with history, some of the best boutique shopping, restaurants, fantastic green space, and an enthusiastic sports community, Leaside remains one of Toronto’s most desirable places to live. Plus – getting to and from Leaside is accessible by any mode of transportation, including bus, subway service, and highway.
Bosley Real Estate Agent Patrick Rocca lives and works with his clients in Leaside and would be delighted to assist if you’re interested in relocating to this area. Please contact him directly: mail@patrickrocca.com or 416-258-4351.
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