Lawrence Park Overview
Since its inception at the turn of the twentieth century, Lawrence Park has been a residential haven for the well to do. Created as an aristocratic suburb in the early 1900s, it maintains the charm and affluence of its founding principles and has the reputation as the most family friendly of the city’s super affluent neighbourhoods.
Technically, Lawrence Park is bordered by Yonge Street to the west, Bayview Avenue to the east, Blythewood Ravine to the south and Lawrence Avenue to the North. However, most Torontonians refer to the area north of Eglinton Ave and east of Avenue Road as Lawrence Park. Many of the grander homes retain the historic allure of their original English Cottage, Tudor Revival and Colonial style architecture.
Bordered by Lytton Park, Bedford Park and the Bridle Path, Lawrence Park is at centre of some of the city’s most desirable areas.
Current Properties for sale in Lawrence Park:
Huntington Suites on Bayview
Lawrence Park History
In 1907 a large parcel of land was purchased from Mr John Lawrence, to develop Toronto’s first ‘garden suburb’, and Lawrence Park was born. The major part of the sprawling green neighbourhood was constructed in the first half of the twentieth century. However, it wasn’t until the stability of the post World War II era that Lawrence Park truly came into its own as a flourishing residential pocket of Toronto.
Parks and Recreation
Sherwood Park is the green centrepiece of this neighbourhood. A relaxing destination for nature lovers, its expansive rolling landscape provides space for trails, bikes, picnics, playgrounds and off leash dog walking.
Lawrence Park also provides private leisure activities within easy reach, The Rosedale Golf Club offers a local tee time just a few kilometers to the north and The Granite Club on Bayview is one the city’s most exclusive fitness facilities, with outstanding amenities including a spa and childcare services.
Lawrence Park Schools
As a premier family neighbourhood, there are number of excellent education options in the Lawrence Park area, including 3 outstanding public high schools; Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, Northern Secondary School, and North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
There is also a wide selection of impressive independent schools in the neighbourhood; Havergal College is one of the best girls’ schools in the country. The all boys school, Crescent, is known for its well rounded curriculum and the co-ed Toronto French School is the city’s pre-eminent french immersion private school. All of these schools offer education from kindergarden through high school.
The public elementary schools in this community are Blythwood Jr and Bedford Park Public School, both rank very highly within the public school system.
Lawrence Park Local Business
The strip of Yonge Street that borders Lawrence Park on the west side is known throughout the city for it’s varied assortment of independent boutiques, restaurants and shops. From high quality imported children’s shoes at Ollie to high tech trendy sports gear at Sporting Life, this area is rich with unique retail experiences.
Lawrence Park Restaurants
Bistro On Avenue (1678 Avenue Road). A favourite of North Torontonians since 1985, this casual wing emporium is always crowded with hungry locals.
Fine Italian food at affordable prices and an extensive wine list make Mezza Misto (3185 Yonge Street @ Ranleigh) a popular neighbourhood choice.
Steak Pit Restaurant (1666 Avenue Road). The Vigneux family has owned operated this old school steak house since 1948. They serve traditional steak and rib dinners to area residents, decade after decade.
Lawrence Park Other Businesses
Canopy Blue (2582 Yonge Street). Run by fashionista Torontonians, this elegant store stocks a carefully chosen collection of trendsetting clothes and serves complimentary tea while its fashion devotees browse the latest labels.
Sabon (2552 Yonge Street). North Toronto is one of the newer locations of this Israeli apothecary line. A fashionable favourite for all natural bath and beauty products, it’s worth a visit for the delicious smell alone.
Hatley (2648 Yonge Street). Matching mom and child flannel pj’s, adorable rain boots and cheerful raincoats ensure that Hatley’s is always a seasonal stop for Toronto parents in the market for cute kid gear.
Robyn’s Cookies (3215 Yonge St. 416-489-8497, Behind Melon Heads on Yonge, off Raleigh is a lane and small bakery) this is one sweet secret as Robyn makes THE BEST chocolate chip cookies in the world.