If you find your zen in nature or on a long bike ride, Mimico’s green space, parks, lake access, and winding cycling paths on the Waterfront Trail will appeal to you. Mimico Beach, and the Humber Bay Shores are particularly lovely, with its secluded beachfront and bike trails that run right along the water’s edge. To get a good view of the Toronto skyline, go to Etobicoke Point.
Mimico, Toronto “The Beach” of the west end.
Some call it “The Beach” of the west end, due to its Mimico Beach. Mimico residents can feel like they have escaped some of the hustle and bustle of city life in their peaceful little corner of the city along Lake Ontario. While you’re only a short drive, GO Train ride, or streetcar ride into the city core, it’s easy to forget you are in the city when you are soaking up the peace and quiet by the water.
History:
The Fascinating History Behind One of Toronto’s Oldest Neighborhoods. Back in the day, small-town charm and “big city” excitement met up just west of Toronto.
Mimico was originally known by the First Nations People as “Omimeca,” meaning “the resting place of the wild pigeons.” The Passenger Pigeon is now an extinct species whose memory lives on in the name of this community.
Mimico, located west of Toronto, began to develop in the 1890s beneath Lakeshore Boulevard, where many of Toronto’s wealthiest families built their summer homes due to the Mimico Beaches. Some of these homes still exist today, but the majority were destroyed by subsequent development after World War II.
The town truly began to grow as a year-round community in 1906, when the Grand Trunk Railway opened its Mimico Yards. The need for nearby housing, as more railway workers and their families arrived, led to a building boom. As the yards took root, so did the community.
Mimico was incorporated in 1917 and retained its town status until 1967 when it was amalgamated with the borough of Etobicoke. In 2001, it became a community within Toronto.
The present day Mimico neighbourhood began to be developed in the 1890’s south of Lake Shore Boulevard, where many of Toronto’s wealthiest families built their summer homes. Some of these estates are still intact however most were lost to development after World War II.
Mimico began to emerge as a year-round community in 1906, when the Grand Trunk Railway opened the Mimico Yard. This led to a building boom as houses were needed to accommodate the influx of workers who found employment at the Mimico Yard.
Mimico’s meteoric growth led to its incorporation as a Town in 1917. Mimico retained its Town status until 1967, when it was amalgamated with the Township of Etobicoke which is now part of the City of Toronto.
Overview:
Mimico is the gateway to Toronto’s west-end waterfront neighborhoods. This established community is well known for its scenic lakefront parks, the Mimico beach, and excellent recreational facilities. Mimico is within a short commute of downtown Toronto and features its own Go Transit train station located on Royal York Road.
Mimico residents come out in droves to show their community spirit at a number of local events including the annual “Lakeshore Community Festival” and the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Christmas Parade. There is also an annual “Mimico Festival” held every August in Amos Waites Park. This event is always followed by a kite flying contest held the next day at Humber Bay Park.
Homes:
Mimico has pockets of charming older houses that have an Arts and Crafts or Tudor architectural style. Charming little bungalows perfect for first-time buyers can be found throughout the neighborhood. Some of these are ultimately torn down to make way for new custom homes while others are spared demolition and topped up with a second story.
Houses in Mimico are also a mix of two storey detached and semi-detached homes, lots of two or three-bedroom bungalows, freehold three storey townhomes, and recently built modern style custom homes.
There are also a growing number of new townhouse and condominium developments in Mimico. Low-rise rental apartment buildings are in abundance along the Lakeshore.
Located on the east end of Mimico, Humber Bay Shores has seen a boom in condo developments over the last decade. An area that was historically known for run down motels has now become a hub of activity as new condo towers have gone up quickly. While this has brought some growing pains and traffic congestion along the main arteries, the condos have attracted people looking to live in a great community right outside the city core, and the lucky ones score an awesome view of Lake Ontario.
Lifestyle:
Mimico residents are well served by the shopping districts on Lake Shore Boulevard and on Royal York Road. These shopping areas feature an excellent variety of small locally owned stores and restaurants.
Also visit the Humber Bay Shores, Farmers Market. This very popular market offers a great selection of local meat, cheeses, fruits and vegetables (some organic), baked goods, coffee, and tea. Held every Saturday between late May and early October from 9 am-2 pm in Humber Bay Park West.
Walk or cycle along the beautiful Waterfront Trail. If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic walk or bike ride, we suggest picking up the Waterfront Trail from the end of Norris Cres. You’ll wind your way through Mimico Waterfront Park, Amos Waites Park, past the Etobicoke Yacht Club, through beautiful Humber Bay Shores, over the Humber Bay Arch bridge, and then you can relax on the Sunnyside boardwalk. Be warned – you may forget you are in the city it’s so picturesque. If you stop at Sheldon Lookout, you can capture a great photo of the Toronto skyline and the Humber Bay Arch bridge.
Learn to sail at Etobicoke Yacht Club.
Or just watch all the sailboats. Sailing lessons are open to youth between ages 7 and 17.
Shops and Restaurants:
- Royal York Meat Market, Royal York Meat Market is much more than a butcher. You will know you are in the right spot when you see the vintage green truck parked out front along with Royal York with the truck bed filled with seasonal produce like watermelon, pumpkins, or corn. Royal York Meat Market is more than just a place to get fresh meat, but is like a mini grocery store in the heart of Mimico. You will find fresh produce, an extensive selection of sauces and seasoning, dry goods, and dairy products.
- Home of the infamous SanRemo Bakery. We bet it would be hard to find a South Etobicoke resident that doesn’t know about SanRemo Bakery and their delicious selection of baked goods, huge sandwiches, and grocery staples. It is always busy, with lots of regulars who come for lunch and a coffee daily. This place is always packed and the doughnuts often sell out before noon. Not a doughnut fan? Not to worry. They have fresh bread, pastries, meats, cheeses, gelato, massive sandwiches, and a hot table for lunch on the go. Enjoy lunch al fresco on their patio. But seriously, their apple fritter doughnut will change your life.
- FBI “Full Blooded Italian”, Have a pizza date at FBI Pizza or Pizzeria Oro Di Napoli. FBI “Full Blooded Italian” pizza geniuses offer more than just your average pizza toppings (think portobello mushrooms, porchetta, and Grana Padano cheese), and they deliver! Pizzeria Oro Di Napoli has likely the best Italian food in South Etobicoke. Their pizzas and pasta are excellent, and we are especially big fans of their Tartufo pizza. Both spots have nice patios right along Lake Shore.
- Ed’s Real Scoop, Satisfy your sweet tooth at Ed’s Real Scoop. Ed’s Real Scoop on Lake Shore is always busy and always delicious, known for its homemade ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbets, and ice cream sandwiches. They have over 100 flavors of ice cream that they rotate through, and we highly recommend the s’mores, Ed’s rocky driveway, cookies and cream, and pistachio almond ice cream. They have great seasonal flavors too.
- Stop for a cup of coffee at Birds and Beans. Definitely, a favorite among Mimico residents, Birds, and Beans specializes in “sustainable coffee offering a wide selection of certified organic, shade-grown, fairly traded, and Bird-Friendly coffees.” With a patio offering a view of the lake and Amos Waites Park, it’s easy to see why this place is a neighborhood hot spot.
- Enjoy lunch next to Lake Ontario at Eden Trattoria. An Italian restaurant with a huge menu of pizza, pasta, seafood, and steaks. Work off your lunch with a stroll along the Waterfront Trail, located right outside the restaurant.
Other Shops and Restaurants:
Independent restaurants and bakeries to satisfy any craving.
Breakfast Room and Panagiotis are popular breakfast spots, and Universal Bakery and The Bread Essentials are great places to stock up on fresh bread and baked goods. Check out Pearl Sushi, Tich if you’re craving Indian food, Lavinia for Spanish-inspired dishes, and Appalachia Smokehouse and BBQ for classic and delicious BBQ dishes. Try their gold sauce, you won’t regret it. For classic pub food check out Blue Goose Tavern, located in the historic Windsor Public House built in 1909. If you’re looking to pick up fresh pasta to take home, Queens Pasta supplies many restaurants in the city and their wholesale location is on Newcastle in Mimico and they welcome walk-ins.
Mimico’s Beach and Water Park:
The Mimico Waterfront Park
Mimico Waterfront Park has become a hub for recreational activities in Etobicoke’s Mimico neighborhood. Walking, running, cycling, skating, fly fishing and sailing are all activities you’re likely to see while making your way along the park’s 1.1 kilometer stretch of multi-use trail. This trail is just a portion of the wider Waterfront Trail that runs along Toronto’s lakefront.
Much more than its Instagram-able cobble beach views, Mimico Waterfront Park is designed to sustain local biodiversity.
Located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Etobicoke, Mimico Waterfront Park connects people to the water across a lakefront. When completed in 2012 the park provides 1.1 kilometers of linear waterfront park space between Norris Crescent Parkette and Humber Bay Park West. This waterfront park feature a boardwalk, a separate multi-use trail located along the backshore that provides cycling and in-line skating access adjacent to the boardwalk, small pockets of wetland habitat, and landscaping and park lighting.
Recreation:
Mimico is well known for its sports clubs and recreational facilities. Much of this activity takes place at the Mimico Arena located off Royal York Road at Drummond Street. During the winter this arena is used extensively for hockey and skating programs and in the summer by the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club. National Hockey League star Brendan Shanahan grew up in Mimico and played hockey and lacrosse at the Mimico Arena.
The John English Community School, located at 95 Mimico Avenue, offers preschool programs as well as a variety of sports and arts programs for children and adults. The Mimico Tennis Club, located at 29 George Street, is unique in that it has Toronto’s only red clay surface tennis courts.
The Lakeshore Lawn Bowling Club is located in Coronation Park off Royal York Road. Amos Waites Park at 2445 Lake Shore Boulevard West has an outdoor swimming pool. The Mimico Centennial Public Library is located at 47 Station Road. This library offers children’s programming.
The Metropolitan Toronto Region Conservation Authority has recently established a wetland habitat in Humber Bay Park located along Lake Shore Boulevard West at Park Lawn Road. This peninsula park, joined together by a pedestrian bridge is teeming with birds including Canadian Geese, Swans, Mallard Ducks, Seagulls, and Red Winged Blackbirds. Humber Bay Park also features a pond for model boats and a fly casting pond. The Mimico Cruising Club, Etobicoke Yacht Club and Humber College Sailing School are all based in Humber Bay Park.
Etobicoke’s new MasterCard Centre For Hockey Excellence located at 400 Kipling Avenue, is the first community rink built in Toronto in the last 25 years. This state of the art , world class, four ice-pad facility will be open 365 days a year from 7am untill Midnight.
MasterCard Canada plans on donating 250 hours of ice time to the local community each year. They will sponsor a free community skate for families every Saturday from 2:15pm – 4:15pm from September through June and will provide additional ice time during these months to community groups. Ice time will also be made available to students on PD Days.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies are the major tenants in the MasterCard Centre For Hockey Excellence, as they use this center as their primary training and practice facility. Hockey Canada’s Ontario office and the Hockey Hall of Fame’s research and archives division are the other high-profile tenants. This center is also the home of the Etobicoke Dolphins, Canada’s second-largest women’s hockey organization, and the Faustina Sports Club.
Transportation:
The Royal York bus connects to the Bloor-Danforth subway line, while the Lake Shore Boulevard bus connects to Union Station and the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. Mimico also has its own Go Transit train station located off Royal York Road. It is approximately a fifteen-minute ride from Mimico station to downtown Toronto’s Union station.
Motorists can reach downtown Toronto in approximately ten minutes via Lake Shore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway.
Schools, Colleges and Universities:
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Address: 200 Melrose St, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 1B7, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7830 | Fax: (416) 394-6306 | Email: GeorgeRGauld@tdsb.on.ca
“George R. Gauld Junior School is located in the community of Mimico and opened in 1923. This JK to Grade 5 school has served many generations of the community. Being a smaller school has its advantages as our nurturing staff provides an excellent academic program combined with a family-like atmosphere. A very co-operative relationship with the Early Adventures Daycare who share space in the school, provides a seamless day for the students involved.” As originally published by George R. Gauld Junior School
Park Lawn Junior Middle School
Address: 71 Ballacaine Dr, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 4B6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7120 | Fax: (416) 394-6293 | Email: ParkLawn@tdsb.on.ca
“Park Lawn, a community focused school of about 450 students, is located in a quiet residential area. Opened in 1951, we continue our tradition as a proud supportive partner in education. We strive to ensure that each learner has opportunities to develop as a positive, open-minded contributor to society. We offer a welcoming environment with active community involvement. In addition to our pursuit of academic excellence we partner with Toronto Parks and Recreation as well as the privately owned Park Lawn Preschool. Our school, being an accessible facility, allows us to be physically inclusive for all members of our community.” As originally published by Park Lawn Junior Middle School
Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
Address: 350 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3L1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7650 | Fax: (416) 394-3847 | Email: Lakeshore@tdsb.on.ca
“Lakeshore Collegiate Institute (LCI) provides opportunities for you to enrich your personal and academic achievement by providing a demanding curriculum that incorporates academics with the arts, technology, co-op and athletics. LCI is a dynamic school with a wide offering of programs for every student. Starting in grade 9, all students are welcomed to secondary school with an orientation program in August lead by our Leadership Students. Unique to LCI, in addition to our broad academic curriculum, is an extensive technology program including courses in culinary arts, cosmetology, transportation, construction, WoodLINKS (fine furniture), CyberARTS, graphic design, photography and video production.” As originally published by Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
John English Junior Middle School
Address: 95 Mimico Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 1R4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7660 | Fax: (416) 394-3808 | Email: JohnEnglish@tdsb.on.ca
“John English School is located on Mimico Avenue, east of Royal York Road. The original school, a one-room brick building, opened in 1884 and moved, after a series of renovations and rebuilding, into the former Mimico High School building in 1993. The auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium, and other specialized areas are shared with the Community School. John English serves over 825 students representing many language groups. John English offers programs in English (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8), French Immersion (Senior Kindergarten-Grade 8) and Extended French (Grade 4 to 8).“ As originally published by John English Junior Middle School
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada | Telephone: 416 532-6592
“L’école secondaire Toronto Ouest continue de bâtir un milieu d’apprentissage franchement exemplaire. Ce milieu diversifié, inclusif et sécuritaire offre à ses élèves des programmes d’excellence en sciences, mathématiques, langues, études sociales et arts. De nombreux clubs et activités socioculturelles et sportives viennent agrémenter le quotidien de nos élèves, leur permettant de joindre l’utile à l’agréable. Fondés sur des valeurs d’excellence, d’engagement et de dépassement de soi, l’enseignement et l’encadrement offerts à nos élèves leur permettent « de voir un avenir à la hauteur de leur vision où les choix de carrières sont guidés par leurs passions et qui offre la possibilité et les ressources nécessaires à leur réalisation ».” As originally published by ÉS Toronto Ouest
Address: 85 Forty First St, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3P1, Canada | Telephone: 647 265-8544
Address: 32 Victoria St, Etobicoke, ON M8V 1M6, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7690 | Fax: (416) 394-6308 | Email: DavidHornell@tdsb.on.ca
“David Hornell Junior School, built-in 1961, is located in the community of Mimico, very close to Lake Ontario. Named after Mimico resident and World War II flying ace and Victoria Cross recipient, Flight Lieutenant David Hornell, the school proudly displays its heritage on an outdoor plaque and with an extensive display of memorabilia in the front hall. The school community honors his memory annually on Remembrance Day. The school serves a diverse population of students. For many of them, David Hornell School is their first link with Canadian culture. A large number of our students speak another language at home while they acquire English skills at school. As they work and play with others their communication skills develop quickly.” As originally published by David Hornell Junior School
Address: 50 Cloverhill Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 1T3, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7850 | Fax: (416) 394-6307 | Email: EtienneBrule@tdsb.on.ca
“Étienne Brûlé JPS is a small community school located at Parklawn and Berry Road. Our school was built in 1957 and named after the French explorer Étienne Brûlé, who was the first European explorer to reach the mouth of the Humber River and set foot in the vicinity now known as Toronto. Étienne Brûlé serves approximately 150 students, representing almost 40 different language groups. Humber Bay Child Care is housed in the school building.” As originally published by Étienne Brûlé Junior School
Address: 450 Lanor Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8W 2S1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7800 | Fax: (416) 394-6290 | Email: Lanor@tdsb.on.ca
“Lanor Junior Middle School is a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school in Etobicoke. Built-in 1952, the school has a rich history and is now a STEM center (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math). Children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 come from the immediate area. They are joined by students from Sir Adam Beck Junior School in Grade 6. Our approximately 235 students are served by a Principal, 1 Office administrator, 13 teachers, 2 Early Childhood Educators, 1 Educational Assistant, 2 Itinerant Music Instructors, 4 lunchroom supervisors, and 2 caretakers. Many of our students’ parents attended Lanor and many work locally in the community. Our School Council supports many activities which enrich the lives of our school.” As originally published by Lanor Junior Middle School
Second Street Junior Middle School
Address: 71 Second St, Etobicoke, ON M8V 2X4, Canada | Telephone: (416) 394-7640 | Fax: (416) 394-6139 | Email: Second.JMS@tdsb.on.ca
Second Street Junior Middle School is located in the southwest corner of the Toronto District School Board, near Islington and Lake Shore Blvd. The original school was built in 1949, and a large two-storey wheelchair-accessible addition was built in 1996. Our staff, numbering near 40 (Teachers, Educational Assistants and Special Needs Assistants), all work together to support our students. Second Street JMS has a daily Healthy Kids morning meal program Program and we are also home to YMCA Daycares with programs for kindergarten and school-age students for before-and-after school care.” As originally published by Second Street Junior Middle School
CATHOLIC AND PRIVATE
Phoenix Montessori School
Address: 19 Glen Agar Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9B | Telephone: 416.695.1212 | Fax: 416.695.1095
“Mission: To provide a nurturing and challenging environment for children which will help them to reach their individual potential and enable them to develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of independent thinking and a love for learning.“ As originally published by Phoenix Montessori School
Address: 35 Ourland Avenue, Toronto, ON M8Z |Website: Mildenhall School
“Mildenhall Montessori Schools, with three CCMA, accredited Schools – High Park Gardens Montessori School, The Mildenhall School, and Taddle Creek Montessori School – is dedicated to providing an excellent Montessori education for children from age 2 ½ to 12 enhanced by Specialist programs in French, Music, Art, and Sports. Dr. Maria Montessori described the classroom as a graceful living space, a prepared environment carefully designed to offer beauty, order, and reality to the child. Mildenhall Montessori Schools are communities – special learning environments designed for your child to touch, experience, care for, and learn from. Each School has abundant warmth and charm, making them comfortable for your young children. We pride ourselves on our friendly, warm and relaxed atmosphere, and welcome you and your child to our Schools.” As originally published by Mildenhall School
ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
Address: 755 Royal York Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2T3, Canada
“L’ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville offre un environnement d’apprentissage stimulant par le biais d’une équipe dynamique et engagée. Située au coeur d’un joli quartier résidentiel, elle accueille 565 élèves, 24 classes en tout de la maternelle à la 6e année, en plus de 2 classes au tout nouveau pavillon Richview qui a ouvert ses portes en septembre 2013.” As originally published by ÉÉC Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville
Address: 330 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3Y1, Canada | Telephone: (416) 393-1320 | Fax: (416) 393-1319 | Email:
“L’école secondaire Saint-Frère-André est une école accueillant les élèves de la 7e à la 12e année. Notre but premier en tant qu’établissement d’éducation est avant tout l’apprentissage et le développement de votre enfant dans un milieu francophone catholique stimulant. En vue d’offrir un enseignement de qualité et un choix intéressant d’options à nos élèves, nous offrons toute une panoplie d’activités parascolaires, ainsi que des programmes d’enseignement. «Offrir à l’élève une éducation de qualité dans un milieu de vie catholique et francophone où le respect de la personne, le sens d’appartenance à la collectivité franco-ontarienne, la promotion de l’excellence et enfin l’équité sont des valeurs visibles et essentielles à son épanouissement ». C’est non seulement la mission du conseil scolaire mais aussi celle des enseignants.” As originally published by ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Address: 55 Pelham Ave, Toronto, ON M6N 1A5, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5291 | Fax: 416-397-6296
“By providing excellent opportunities for spiritual, physical, emotional, and academic growth, children have the tools to become independent and empowered individuals of the future. This school provides a safe, inclusive and healthy environment for learning that is faith-based. Thus, student success is measured by improved achievement in all areas of the curriculum as well as the child in his/her entirety.” As originally published by St. Josaphat Catholic School
Address: 165 Stanley Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8V 1P1, Canada | Telephone: 416-393-5333 | Fax: 416-393-5071
“Students come to us with a variety of strengths and needs, but they all have one thing in common: they are members of a Catholic community. Our prayer life, our liturgical celebrations, the Sacraments, and our faith and value system form the foundation of our program.” As originally published by St. Leo Catholic School
Dreaming of moving to one of the most diverse, exciting cities in Canada? Check us out: https://dukerealtyhomes.com/
Our community guide covers the best areas for you and your family that will help you decide on the ultimate place to set up your new home. We will help you decide which is the best area to move to in Toronto according to your needs. We discuss the benefits of living in different areas, the cost of living there, and determine if the areas are well-suited to families and couples, and young professionals.
mimico real estate mimico real estate mimico real estate mimico real estate mimico real estate
[elementor-template id=”30491″]