Mount-Dennis, Toronto

Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Toronto's west end, Mount Dennis is a historic enclave steeped in a legacy of narratives and heritage. The neighbourhood draws its name from John Dennis, a Loyalist shipbuilder from Philadelphia, who settled here in the early 1800s. Initially encompassing the Dennis family's sawmill, woollen factory, and expansive farmlands, this area forms the bedrock of present-day Mount Dennis. In the late 1800s, its renown grew, lauded for its brick yards, the Conn Smythe Sand and Gravel pit, and verdant market gardens that once adorned the fertile expanse of what we now know as Eglinton Flats. Mount Dennis has steadily evolved, transitioning from rural origins to an urban hub. Today, it stands at the precipice of change, with the imminent inauguration of the Eglinton Crosstown subway. Recent additions like the York Recreation Centre underscore community involvement, offering a fully accessible 67,000-square-foot facility. Mount Dennis boasts charming winding streets and rolling hills that lend it an old-world allure, attributed to its distinctive topography. Renowned for its diverse community and cultural vibrancy, it stands proudly among Toronto's most multicultural neighbourhoods. The architectural landscape mirrors Mount Dennis' evolution, showcasing diverse styles from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Many homes still boast views of the picturesque Humber River Valley or overlook the numerous parks scattered throughout the area. Mount Dennis embodies the harmonious amalgamation of historical legacy and progress.

The Mount Dennis neighbourhood boasts a Livability score of 77/100. The score is considered exceptional for certain areas. A detailed list of its livability follows below: The neighbourhood boasts a violent crime rate of 4% below the national average safety grade, solidifying its reputation as one of the city's most secure communities. Residents enjoy a notably low 1 in 26 chance of being affected by crime within this area. Please refer to the table below for comprehensive and detailed local crime statistics.

In this diverse neighbourhood, people from various cultures peacefully coexist. Fostering an environment that celebrates their differences and actively encourages strong, interconnected relationships among its residents. Over 36.2% of the entire community in the region is Black. Other communities include 10.5% Latin Americans, 5.5% Filipinos and more. Mount Dennis resonates with linguistic diversity, showcasing a multitude of languages and diverse linguistic backgrounds. As the community is home to various cultures, the community is inclusive. Most of the population's predominant mode of communication remains English as their primary language. The median household income is 25% lower than the national average. On the contrary, the region's unemployment rate is 2% lower than the national average. So, the community does have a steady economic landscape. For a more detailed insight into the demographics of Mount Dennis, refer to the table below.

Mount Dennis serves as an inviting and accommodating enclave, catering to the diverse needs of its residents. This vibrant community offers easy access to quality education, healthcare facilities, eclectic dining choices, and bustling shopping centres. These combined offerings create a rich tapestry that enriches the everyday experiences of Mount Dennis residents.

• Harwood
• Roselands
• Brookhaven
• Eglinton West
• Caledonia
• Weston

Mount Dennis Schools

Mount Dennis is home to various educational institutions, ranging from Catholic to Public schools, providing diverse options for residents. Among the closest schools in the neighbourhood are:

• Bala Avenue Community School
• Roseland Public School
• Cordelia Junior Public School
• Keelesdale Junior Public School
• Harwood Public School
• Dennis Avenue Community School
• Charles E Webster Public School

Mount Dennis Shopping mall

Regional shopping malls cater to local goods and international brands, providing residents a diverse shopping experience. Among the closest shopping centres in the vicinity are:

• Jane Park Plaza
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre
• Stockyards Village
• Dufferin mall
• Westside mall
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre
• Lawrence Allen Centre

Mount Dennis Restaurants

Mount Dennis boasts a captivating culinary scene that blends a variety of cuisines. It also showcases several eateries offering a delightful array of international dishes alongside local specialities.

• K&A Caribbean Cuisine & Bar
• Meechies BBQ & Jerk
• Calabar Grill & Bar Toronto
• Pier 6 Seafood
• 244 Pizza & Wings
• V’s Caribbean Restaurant Inc.

Mount Dennis Hospitals

Several medical facilities and hospitals are conveniently located within easy reach of the Mount Dennis neighbourhood. Some of the closest hospitals to the region include: 

• Humber River Hospital
• Toronto General Hospital
• St. Joseph’s Health Centre
• Michael Garron Hospital
• Toronto Western Hospital

Mount Dennis is home to many distinctive attractions and leisure activities. Some of the standout spots in the region are:

Hall Park

A 10-minute drive from the neighbourhood, Hall Park offers various features and activities. With numerous hiking trails, sports facilities, and a stunning lakefront, it provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Accessible parking and convenient public transit connections make it easily reachable. The park's dog-friendly area, zoo showcasing various animals, and thoughtfully designed playgrounds cater to both animal lovers and families with children. Moreover, its lush gardens and breathtaking cherry blossoms in April or May offer a visual treat, attracting crowds yearly. A stroll along Grenadier Pond amidst ducks and geese provides a serene escape. The park also offers an array of sports facilities. The unique Jamie Bell Adventure Playground ensures there's something for everyone.

CN Tower

The CN Tower is Canada’s most iconic landmark. This concrete communications and observation tower dominates downtown Toronto's skyline with a staggering height of 553.3 metres (1,815.3 feet). Built on the former Railway Lands and completed in 1976 by Canadian National, the tower held the esteemed title of the world's tallest freestanding structure for 32 years. Although surpassed by newer systems, the CN Tower remains a monumental feat of engineering. Presently, it ranks as the tenth-tallest freestanding structure globally. Honoured as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, the CN Tower continues to captivate visitors worldwide. Itdraws over two million international guests annually. The tower offers multiple observation decks affording unparalleled panoramic views, a revolving restaurant at a soaring 350 metres (1,150 feet), and an entertainment complex.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The Ripley Aquarium offers a captivating aquatic experience within Toronto's vibrant downtown. This incredible attraction, established as part of a collaborative effort between three levels of government, stands as a marvel of design and aquatic conservation. The aquarium, nestled southeast of the iconic CN Tower, beckons visitors with its stunning architecture. The aquarium’s main entrance features a roof miming the Earth's crust peeling away. Boasting 5.7 million litres of marine and freshwater habitats, the aquarium houses over 20,000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens. Despite controversies around animal captivity, Ripley's Aquarium offers a mesmerising glimpse into the wonders of aquatic life.

Several municipal parks, such as Jasper Park and Noble Park, are key attractions in the neighbourhood.

Golf At Scarlett Woods Golf Course

When exploring Mount Dennis, a must-do activity is to indulge in a round of golf at Scarlett Woods Golf Course. Nestled alongside the serene Humber River, this executive-length par 61 course caters to golfers of all skill levels, making it an ideal spot for novices and seasoned experts. Offering an 18-hole public golfing experience, the course is conveniently situated near Eglinton Flats, accessible through the traffic light at Eglinton Avenue and Emmett Avenue. The course amenities include a clubhouse, a pro shop stocked with rental equipment, ample parking for 107 cars, and public washrooms, ensuring a comfortable and convenient golfing outing. With its moderately difficult 18-hole layout stretching across 3,749 yards, golf enthusiasts can relish the challenge while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of the Humber River. Additionally, the presence of a licensed restaurant allows for a delightful post-game dining experience. And visiting Scarlett Woods Golf Course is an all-encompassing and enjoyable activity for visitors and locals alike in Mount Dennis.

Explore The Casa Loma

Casa Loma offers a glimpse into Toronto's architectural and historical splendour. This Gothic Revival castle-style mansion turned historic house museum.  And this landmark was crafted from 1911 to 1914. It served as the residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt. The mansion's unique character has made it a popular filming site for movies and television, serving as a sought-after venue for stand-out wedding ceremonies. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lavish interiors with European-designed furniture and captivating features. You can stroll through the five acres of lush gardens. Noteworthy exhibits within Casa Loma include the Girl Guide Exhibit and a vintage car exhibition.

Visit The Royal Ontario Museum

Although a 20-minute drive from the neighbourhood, the Royal Ontario Museum is worth a visit. Renowned as one of the largest museums in North America and the foremost in Canada, the ROM is a treasure trove of art, world culture, and natural history at Toronto's University. Drawing over a million visitors annually, this iconic museum houses an extensive collection of over 13 million items across 40 galleries. This showcases a breathtaking array of artefacts. The museum houses an exceptional group of dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites. It notably houses the world’s largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale in British Columbia, with over 150,000 specimens.

The advantageous positioning of Mount Dennis at the intersections of Highways 401 and 427 guarantees residents a convenient commute, facilitating easy access for those employed in nearby communities.

• Mount Dennis benefits from its proximity to the Toronto Pearson International Airport, 12 kilometres away, ensuring convenient access within a swift 14-minute drive from the neighbourhood.
• One of the closest hospitals to the neighbourhood is the Humber River Hospital (6 km). It just takes just about a 10-minute drive to the hospital. Other nearby hospitals are Toronto General Hospital (11.4 km), St. Joseph’s Health Centre (7.3 km) and North York General Hospital (20.1 km).
• From Jane Park Plaza (1.4 km) to Yorkdale Shopping Center (11.1 km), various shopping centres are close to the neighbourhood, offering all lifestyle amenities and more.
• Meechies BBQ & Jerk K&A Caribbean Cuisine & Bar are popular restaurants in the region.

Mount Dennis's main shopping area on Weston Road is now recognised for improvement. Plans are in place to organise events celebrating the diverse local communities. Jane Street also offers smaller shopping plazas with stores for everyday needs. At the same time, Lambton Avenue provides some shops like variety stores, a grocery store, and a dry cleaner for the neighbourhood.

Starfish Market

Just a 4-minute drive in the neighbourhood, The Starfish Caribbean Market is a well-known retail and wholesale store specialising in Caribbean groceries. Here, you can find a variety of fresh meat, fish, baked goods, and local and imported pantry items.

The neighbourhood offers affordable property rates, making it a great option for a serene living atmosphere. Mount Dennis has a higher population density than Toronto, exceeding the national average by 46%. Additionally, the median age in Mount Dennis is around 2% lower than in Toronto.

Families with kids and children have numerous parks to visit and explore across the neighbourhood. The parks have various sports grounds and courts available. Here are some of them:

Visit The Westlake Memorial Park

Visiting Westlake Memorial Park with kids offers a meaningful opportunity to honour and learn about local heroes. The park is named after the Westlake brothers -Thomas, Albert, and George - who lost their lives in action during the war. It features a children’s playground and a baseball diamond, making it an ideal place for kids to play and enjoy outdoor activities. Additionally, the park boasts some of Toronto's steepest tobogganing hills, providing an exciting winter adventure for families. Renamed in 1996 to honour the Westlake brothers, the park holds a stone memorial and plaque dedicated to these brave men. Moreover, Heroes Lane, adjoining the park, is a tribute to all Mount Dennis area heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Read at the Toronto Public Library

The Toronto Public Library - Mount Dennis Branch is a great place to revive the bookworm in you and your family. The library holds a vast collection of books, ranging from children's tales to educational resources, catering to varying interests and ages. It is a wonderful space for families to bond over reading, encouraging a love for books and learning in young minds. Libraries often host engaging events, storytelling sessions, and interactive programs designed for kids, fostering a love for literature and enhancing their reading skills. The library is right at the centre of the neighbourhood and not even a 5-minute walk.

The neighbourhood boasts a more affordable cost of living, approximately 13% lower than the Toronto average. The following table provides a comprehensive breakdown of the living expenses in the area:

Mount Dennis offers diverse housing options spanning various eras, showcasing architectural styles from the late 1800s to the 1960s. any properties here boast scenic views of the Humber River Valley or nearby parks. Alongside houses, the neighbourhood features affordable condominiums and high-rise apartments, making it a convenient choice for commuters due to its freeway proximity. Ideal for renters, first-time buyers, or families, Mount Dennis provides a balanced lifestyle with abundant greenery, strong community ties, and easy access to urban amenities.