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Highland Creek neighborhood in Toronto
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Highland Creek

Eastern Scarborough's Nature-Rich Heritage Village

About Highland Creek

Highland Creek is a neighbourhood in the far eastern reaches of Scarborough that manages to feel like a small Ontario town while remaining firmly within Toronto's city limits. The historic village core along Old Kingston Road features a handful of century-old buildings, a community centre, and a bridge over Highland Creek that evokes a bygone era. This village character is genuine — Highland Creek was a distinct settlement long before Scarborough's post-war suburban expansion swallowed the surrounding farmland. The residential areas beyond the village core are more typically suburban, with 1960s and 1970s split-levels and bungalows on quiet crescents, alongside newer subdivisions and townhouse developments that have filled in the remaining open land. The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) is located immediately to the west, bringing a student population and academic energy that has stimulated new retail and restaurant development along Military Trail and Ellesmere Road. The Highland Creek ravine system is the neighbourhood's natural treasure, a wooded valley that winds through the community providing trails for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. The annual Highland Creek Heritage Festival celebrates the area's history and community spirit. For those who value green space, a sense of history, and a quieter pace of life within the boundaries of Canada's largest city, Highland Creek delivers a rare combination.

Key Highlights

Walkability

38/100 - Car-Dependent

Transit

Highland Creek and Military Trail bus routes; proximity to UTSC shuttle; future Scarborough transit improvements

Vibe

Village-like, nature-rich, suburban, heritage

What Makes Highland Creek Special

Historic village core along Old Kingston Road with century-old buildings and character
Highland Creek ravine trail system winding through wooded valleys
Proximity to University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and its amenities
Annual Highland Creek Heritage Festival celebrating local history and community
Mix of heritage village homes and suburban residential developments
Access to Rouge National Urban Park — Canada's first urban national park — nearby

Liveability Scores

25

Walk Score

Car-Dependent

20

Transit Score

Minimal Transit

20

Bike Score

Minimal Infrastructure

Local Favourites in Highland Creek

The best-rated spots right in the neighbourhood, from cosy cafes to beautiful parks.

Fitness & Gyms

Highland Fitness and Wellness

5

364 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

78 reviews

In The Spirit Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge

4.9

376 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

10 reviews

Bakeries

Aira's Cakes

4.9

Parade Square, Scarborough, ON M1C 3T6, Canada

14 reviews

Four Sweets Cookies Bakeshop

4.8

371 Old Kingston Rd Unit 11, Scarborough, ON M1C 3C8, Canada

107 reviews

Cafes & Coffee Shops

candlesandpalms cafe

4.9

400 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

75 reviews

The Creek

4.2

370 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 4Z1, Canada

297 reviews

Restaurants

Mark's Pizzas

4.8

371 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B7, Canada

478 reviews

Peggy's Caribbean Cuisine

4.7

402 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

55 reviews

Raani Fast Food

4.5

3600 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 4Y8, Canada

120 reviews

Ted's Restaurant

4.4

404 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

971 reviews$

Bars & Pubs

Fratelli Village Pizzeria

4.6

384 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

1,151 reviews$$

Social 7 Bar & Grill

4.4

360 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B6, Canada

385 reviews$$

Amigos Restaurant

4.2

6091 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1K5, Canada

370 reviews$

Kilt Pub

3.6

371 Old Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1B7, Canada

37 reviews$

Parks & Green Spaces

Highland Creek Community Park

4.5

3500 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 1H5, Canada

147 reviews

Canmore Park

4.4

101 Canmore Blvd, Toronto, ON M1C 3R9, Canada

55 reviews

Bramber Woods Park

4.3

15 Bramber Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 4X3, Canada

50 reviews

Tanis Cres Woodlot

4

30 Tanis Crescent, Scarborough, ON M1C 4Z8, Canada

3 reviews

Lavery Trail Park

3.7

Lavery Trail Park, 40 Lavery Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 4T3, Canada

27 reviews

Libraries

Toronto Public Library - Highland Creek Branch

4.4

3550 Ellesmere Rd, Toronto, ON M1C 3Z2, Canada

97 reviews

Happening in Toronto

Upcoming events, festivals, and community gatherings across the city.

All Events
Mar11

Hamilton at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Princess of Wales Theatre

arts
Mar14

St. Lawrence Market Saturday Artisan Market

St. Lawrence Market

communityFree
Mar15

AGO Exhibit: Canadian Modernism Reimagined

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

arts
Mar19

Toronto Tech Meetup: AI & the Future of Work

MaRS Discovery District

techFree
Mar21

Jazz Nights at The Rex Hotel

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar

music
Mar28

Improv Comedy Night at Second City Toronto

The Second City Toronto

arts
View All Events

Nearby Neighborhoods

Explore the communities surrounding Highland Creek.

Centennial ScarboroughWest HillWest RougeMorningside

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