Perhaps Riverdale’s greatest charm is its story. Riverdale stands proudly on Toronto’s east side. It sits near the Don River and Lake Ontario. This awesome neighborhood has excellent parks. Riverdale also boasts shops and restaurants. It is charming for old and young couples.
In the 1850s the Grand Trunk Railway brought industrial growth. It created job opportunities in Riverdale. Many laborers built their first houses here. Back then, the neighborhood was called Riverside. Later, it took its name from Riverdale Park.
The Queen Street bridge in 1911 helped Riverdale thrive. The Prince Edward Viaduct followed in 1919. This largest bridge in Toronto connected Riverdale to the city’s heart.
Riverdale held onto its British roots until 1961. Eighty-one percent of residents were English, Irish, and Scottish. After 1961, many Italians migrated. They settled in Danforth East. Many Greek immigrants came to North Riverdale.
By 1993, Greek culture founded Greek Town. It sat on Danforth east of Hampton. Riverdale is now known for its multicultural population. You can still find some Greek restaurants. New Asian restaurants and shops arrived after 2002. Today, Riverdale is a blend of Greek, Chinese, Italian, African, and Vietnamese cultures.
Many two-story Victorian houses were built in Riverdale between 1880 and 1924. The streets have the beauty of rich history. Most old houses have been renovated. South Riverdale still has older, smaller, and less expensive houses.
Most Riverdale homes are Victorian and Edwardian. They feature rear laneways. Parking lots are available for residents. Street parking is also common. Some famous old buildings date back to the 1800s. These include Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. The Broadview Hotel and Riverdale Zoo are also notable.
Bridgepoint Active Healthcare is next to the Don River. It includes the old Don Jail. A new building was added. The old building was built in 1860. It served as a House of Refuge. After the smallpox epidemic in 1875 it became Riverdale Isolation Hospital.
In 1957, the hospital shifted its focus. It aided chronic diseases under the name Riverdale Hospital. A $200 million project modernized the facility in 2003. It became Bridgepoint Hospital. The old and new buildings are connected by a glass walkway. Now, it has 404 beds for complex chronic diseases.
The Broadview Hotel was built in 1893. It included a small hall and an office center. Renovations occurred in 1907 and 2017. It became a 58-bedroom boutique hotel. It has restaurants and a rooftop bar. This Richardsonian Romanesque building has arched windows. It shows Toronto’s Victorian era. The Broadview Hotel also has event spaces, a cafe, a bar, and two restaurants.
Riverdale boasts top-ranked schools. School scores are higher than the national average. Pape Avenue Junior Public School is a top school. Bennington Heights Elementary and Jackman Avenue Junior Public School also score high. Queen Alexandra Middle School and Greenwood Secondary School provide further options.
Riverdale has a diverse population and many parks. There are about 20 parks here. It’s a family-friendly area with various entertainment options. Visit the Riverdale Public Library. See shows at Streetcar Crowsnest. Most parks have wading pools, tennis courts, and hockey rinks.
Riverdale Public Library offers a great collection of Chinese books. It also has quiet study rooms. At Queen Street, find the Opera House. It started as La Plaza Theatre in 1909. It hosts concerts and comedy shows. Riverdale Gallery hosts art events.
Riverdale Park is the most famous park. It offers views of Toronto’s skyline. Riverdale Park East has baseball fields and tennis courts. It’s famous for its ice rink. In summer, enjoy the shade. In winter, try tobogganing. Withrow Park includes baseball fields and tennis courts. Jimmie Simpson Park has a recreation center.
Riverdale is known for its shopping scene. The Big Carrot is an organic grocery store. Merchants of Green Coffee offers ethically sourced beans. Tiny Record Shop sells vinyl records. Common Sort is a consignment store. Book City is a beloved local bookstore.
Riverdale is filled with parks and Victorian homes. Patios offer places for gatherings. Top schools attract families. Public transit makes it perfect for commuters. Riverdale’s shops and cozy restaurants draw many to this lovely neighborhood.