Highland Creek is a neighbourhood built for space, roots, and a real sense of community.

The Ultimate Neighbourhood Guide to Highland Creek, Toronto

Whether you’re outgrowing a downtown condo, planning for a growing household, or simply craving a slower pace without giving up city access, Highland Creek offers a rare mix of large lots, mature trees, and small-town charm just steps from the ravine.

Why Families Love Highland Creek

Neighbourhood Overview

With its historic main street, ravine parks, and a school-and-library-anchored village core, Highland Creek blends heritage character with everyday family convenience — making it a strong option for buyers ready for their next chapter.

Growing Families

Looking for larger lots, more bedrooms, and a genuine sense of community as their kids grow up.

Nature-Minded Buyers

Drawn to ravine trails, creekside parks, and quiet, tree-lined streets.

UTSC-Connected Households

Looking to be close to campus life, whether for work, study, or convenience.

Multigenerational Households

Seeking detached homes with room to comfortably accommodate extended family.

What Makes This Neighbourhood Unique?

Ravine Living
Right at Home

Highland Creek backs directly onto Colonel Danforth Park and the Highland Creek valley, giving residents easy access to deep ravine trails, picnic spots, and bike routes without ever leaving the neighbourhood. Morningside Park adds even more green space nearby, with creekside paths that make weekend walks feel like a mini escape from the city.

A Real Small
Town Main Street

Old Kingston Road gives Highland Creek something few Toronto neighbourhoods still have: a genuine small-town shopping strip. The Highland Creek Plaza and surrounding storefronts bring grocery, bakery, and personal-service shops together in a walkable stretch that residents actually use, rather than a big-box plaza tucked off a highway.

Anchored by a Historic
School and Campus

Highland Creek Public School has served local families since the 1800s, and its heritage-designated 1918 building still sits at the heart of the community today. The University of Toronto Scarborough campus adds another layer of character, with green space, public events, and modern facilities that spill benefits over into the surrounding streets.

Housing in Highland Creek: Room to Grow

Highland Creek is largely built out with detached homes on generous lots, offering upsizing families more space than many downtown or midtown alternatives, alongside a growing number of newer builds. Many of the neighbourhood’s original bungalows and sidesplits sit on wide, deep lots that leave plenty of room for additions, garden suites, or simply a bigger backyard.

Because the area developed steadily from the 1950s onward rather than all at once, streets offer a genuine mix of home styles and price points.

Home Types:

Detached Bungalows & Sidesplits (1950s–1970s)
Two-Storey Detached Homes
Backsplits and Raised Ranches
Newer Custom and Infill Builds

Live, Work & Explore

Community & Lifestyle in Highland Creek

One of the first areas settled in the former Township of Scarborough, Highland Creek has grown from a rural farming community into a well-established residential neighbourhood, all while holding onto its small-town main street feel along Old Kingston Road.

Schools and Family Resources

Highland Creek is served by a strong mix of public and Catholic schools, along with the added benefit of a major university campus in the neighbourhood.

Local Schools:

Highland Creek Public School — heritage K–8 school with a close-knit, small-school feel and Extended French programming
West Hill Collegiate Institute — nearby TDSB secondary school offering STEM and composite programming
Local Catholic elementary and secondary options within the Toronto Catholic District School Board
University of Toronto Scarborough — degree programs plus community events, athletics, and green space

Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Space

Families in Highland Creek are never far from a trail, a playground, or a stretch of green space to explore.

Colonel Danforth Park: ravine trails, picnic areas, and bike routes along the neighbourhood’s southern edge
Morningside Park: creekside walking trails and open green space, popular with families and dog walkers
Highland Creek Community Park: playground and baseball field on Ellesmere Road
UTSC Campus Grounds: walking paths and green space open to the public

Shopping, Dining & Daily Essentials

Highland Creek’s main street feel means everyday essentials are close, walkable, and locally owned.

Highland Creek Plaza: grocery, bakery, salon, bookstore, bank, and dry cleaners along Old Kingston Road
Local eateries and a craft beer and wine shop rounding out the strip
Scarborough Town Centre: a short drive away for larger shopping trips

Culture & Community Life

Highland Creek’s history runs deep, and it still shows in the neighbourhood’s pace and community spirit today.

Highland Creek Public Library: storytime and reading club programs for kids, located on Ellesmere Road
Historic Landmarks: the W.J. Morrish General Store (1891) and the Miller Lash/McLean Estate (1914) on the UTSC campus
A multicultural, family-heavy community with deep roots and an active, small-town atmosphere

Getting Around – Transit & Accessibility

Highland Creek keeps a quiet, residential feel while still offering practical routes into the rest of the city.

Bus Routes: Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road buses connect to Kennedy Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line
Ellesmere Road Bus: direct connection to Scarborough Town Centre and GO Transit
Highway Access: on-ramps to Highway 401 at Morningside Avenue and Meadowvale Road
Drive Time: about 40 minutes to downtown Toronto

Featured Listings in [Neighbourhood Name]

“We moved to [Neighbourhood Name] last year, and it was the best decision for our family. The parks, great schools, and friendly neighbours make it feel like home!” – The Patel Family

Frequently Asked Questions About Highland Creek

Is Highland Creek good for families?

Yes. It offers a heritage K–8 school, ravine parks, larger lots, and a walkable main street that make it a strong fit for families upsizing.

What kinds of homes are available?

Mostly detached homes on larger lots, including bungalows, sidesplits, and two-storey properties, with newer custom builds appearing throughout.

Is there access to nature and parks?

Yes. Colonel Danforth Park and Morningside Park both back onto the neighbourhood, offering ravine trails and creekside walking paths.

How's the commute downtown?

About 40 minutes by car. Local buses connect to Kennedy Station and Scarborough Town Centre for subway and GO access.

What's the neighbourhood vibe?

Quiet and community-focused, with a genuine small-town main street feel and a strong, multicultural family base.

Is Highland Creek walkable?

The Old Kingston Road strip is very walkable for daily errands, though most of the neighbourhood’s residential streets are best suited to driving or cycling.

What's nearby for university students or staff?

The University of Toronto Scarborough campus sits right in the neighbourhood, making Highland Creek a practical choice for staff, faculty, or families with kids headed to UTSC.

Are there recreation options for kids?

Yes. Highland Creek Community Park has a baseball field and playground, and the local library runs storytime and reading club programs for young children.

Meet Chris & David – Your Toronto Upsizing Experts

With decades of experience in Toronto’s real estate market, Chris and David have helped countless families find their dream homes while navigating the complexities of upsizing.

Chris Cook

Sales Representative & Team Lead

Chris is the driving force behind The Halyard Group, helping families navigate the complex process of selling their current home and finding a larger one that truly fits their needs. As a long-time resident of Toronto’s east end, Chris has a deep understanding of the best family-friendly neighbourhoods, school districts, and hidden gems perfect for growing families.

Before his career in real estate, Chris competed at the highest levels of sailing, representing Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. That same strategic mindset, discipline, and drive for excellence now help his clients win in Toronto’s competitive real estate market.

Chris ensures that every client has a clear, step-by-step plan for upsizing - whether that means selling first, buying first, or managing both at the same time. His goal is to make sure families move seamlessly into a home with more space, in a neighbourhood that supports their lifestyle.

David Ferris

Sales Representative

Born and raised in Toronto’s east end, David has firsthand knowledge of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods for families looking to upsize. As a parent himself, he understands how important it is to find a home with the right space, the right schools, and the right community feel.

Before real estate, David built a successful career in the music industry, where he honed his negotiation skills, creative problem-solving, and ability to work under pressure - all of which he now applies to helping families transition into a larger home smoothly and successfully.

David takes a highly personalised approach, ensuring that each client’s next home matches their long-term goals. Whether it's finding a bigger backyard, a better school district, or a quieter street for a growing family, he helps clients make informed decisions with confidence.

What Other Families Say

Mike P.

The Halyard Group was the best. They created a structured sales process using dedicated professionals - from decluttering, repairs, cleaning, staging and marketing. Everything was done as per schedule and on time. When our home was listed, it sold on first day - before the sales sign was put in ground and for 25% over asking. I would gladly recommend Chris and his team to anyone.

Khristel L.

Chris and his team, particularly David was incredibly responsive throughout the buying process. They promptly answered my husband and I's inquiries and kept us informed about every development. David's efficiency was remarkable. They expedited the paperwork and coordinated viewings effectively, leading to a quick sale. We were impressed that he managed to lower the asking price significantly, saving us thousands. We didn't have any hiccups and it was indeed a smooth process. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Re/Max Hallmark - the Halyard Group. Their dedication to our satisfaction was evident in how they went out of their way to meet our expectations. Thank you team!

Connie H.

Selling our house was easy because Chris and his group, are professional, knowledgable, excellent quality, and great value. Providing a crew to clean our house inside and out, our windows have never been so clean. The Staging was fabulous. I couldn't believe I was walking into my own hose after staging, and all to no cost to us. All you associates are profesional, polite, excellent service. Thank you very much.

Gina S.

I very highly recommend Chris and team. My personal situation selling my Toronto condo was very challenging, many factor were beyond the control of Chris. His level of professionalism in the face of obstacles was greatly appreciated, I knew I was in good hands from the beginning and he did not disappoint! David's efficiency was remarkable. They expedited the paperwork and coordinated viewings effectively, leading to a quick sale. We were impressed that he managed to lower the asking price significantly, saving us thousands. We didn't have any hiccups and it was indeed a smooth process. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Re/Max Hallmark - the Halyard Group. Their dedication to our satisfaction was evident in how they went out of their way to meet our expectations. Thank you team!

Monique G.

We could not have asked for a better team to work with on the sale of our home. From getting everything ready seamlessly, quickly and efficiently to advising on timing, Chris and his team were the best. He’s solid, professional and approachable. Questions were answered quickly and we felt well support every step of the way. And most importantly, we are thrilled with the results. I would recommend Chris if you’re looking for an honest hard working agent who will go the extra mile for you.

Joanna K.

Knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Chris and his team had made selling our condo a very smooth process.

Chris J.

Working with Chris was great. From day one, he was extremely helpful and took our needs into careful consideration to help us narrow our search, coaching us along the way to help us better understand the market, our capabilities and our best chance of success which is critical in the current market in the GTA. Every step of the way, he went out of his way to make sure we were happy. Chris continually maintained contact throughout the search and regularly checked in. We're relatively picky so it was a long search with many showings, all of which were smooth and effortless thanks to Chris' excellent planning. When it came time to make an offer, Chris' industry knowledge helped us achieve victory to win the bid and the home of our dreams. Thanks Chris, we couldn't be happier.

Why You'll Love Living
in Highland Creek

If you’re upsizing into a neighbourhood with room to grow, ravine trails at your doorstep, and a real sense of community, Highland Creek delivers all three.

It’s a place where heritage and everyday family life meet — where your kids can walk to a century-old school, and your family can settle into its next chapter.

Toronto Neighbourhoods