Idylwylde was first subdivided and named in 1914. The neighbourhood is bounded on four sides by major roadways, and, as with other areas developed during the 1950s, the neighbourhood’s street network is based on a modified grid pattern. This arrangement keeps the interior of the neighbourhood, which is predominantly single-family homes, fairly quiet.

Several apartment buildings, a high school, and some commercial land uses are located along the neighbourhood’s boundaries. Idylwylde features two parks, two schools, and several religious assemblies. The neighbourhood is within an accessible distance of the Mill Creek Ravine, which is located west of the adjacent Bonnie Doon neighbourhood.

Residents have easy access to shopping opportunities at Bonnie Doon Mall, located just west of the neighbourhood, and are within fairly close proximity to the Whyte Avenue commercial area located along 82nd Avenue.

The neighbourhood name was likely derived from “idyll,” which refers to a short poem describing a simple country life.