Bloor West Village Neighbourhood Guide

The epitome of family friendly neighbourhoods, some of the best fruit stands in Toronto's west end, historic homes with inviting front porches on mature tree lined streets, a truly walkable community next to High Park, the Humber River, and historic Old Mill. 

Reasons To Love Bloor West Village

• The very family friendly vibe. When you walk through Bloor West Village, it won't take you long to realize that this neighbourhood is home to a lot of families. Young kids, dogs, strollers, and expectant parents are a frequent sight. Families make use of Beresford Park's playground, wading pool, and outdoor ice skating rink. Close to some of the west end's most reputable daycares (and doggie day care at Dogtopia), and highly regarded public schools, Bloor West Village is the kind of neighbourhood many families dream about putting down roots in.

• Fruit stands galore. The fruit stands of Bloor West Village are some of the best in the city, and offer way more than just fruit. Their perfectly stacked tables of produce flow onto the sidewalk, offering pantry staples, fresh flowers, and a variety of produce. The close proximity to the Ontario Food Terminal ensures that the food is extra fresh! It's almost impossible not to buy a bottle of fresh squeezed orange juice from Fresh and Wild when the amazing citrus scent hits you when you walk in the door.

• Lots of cute cafes and bakeries to choose from. Some of our favourites are Lit Espresso Bar, Bread & Roses Bakery Cafe, Koffea Espresso Bar, and Baka Gallery Cafe which displays work from local artists on their walls. If fresh juice is what you are craving, stop by Village Juicery for a smoothie or cold pressed juice.

• The proximity to High Park. Bloor West Village residents can walk to High Park in under 10 minutes and enjoy the beauty of this huge west end gem. The open green space, picnic areas, splash pad, playgrounds, zoo, outdoor pool, Grenadier Pond, and the dog park are just a few of the reasons that High Park is a peaceful place to spend the day. Every spring, High Park sees a flurry of activity as people come from all over to see the abundance of cherry blossoms in bloom. It is beautiful!

• All your grocery shopping can be done within your neighbourhood. Fresh grocery options are within walking distance of eachother in Bloor West Village. You will find everything you need between the large selection at Max's Market, the fresh meat markets like Bloor Meat Market, Snappers Fish Market, and Kingsway Meat and Deli, and all the fresh fruit stands. This neighbourhood makes supporting local independent businesses easy.

• Located on the Bloor subway line. Bloor West Village residents benefit from having the Bloor subway line running through their neighbourhood making commuting into the city a breeze from Jane station and Runnymede station. A lot of families living in this neighbourhood find they can get by with only one car, or no car at all, because of the easy access to the subway and bus routes. Extra points if you spot the life sized elephant roaming the grounds at Jane station.

• Bloor West Village has great neighbours. The location of Bloor West Village is ideal because it has awesome neighbourhoods on each side. Old Mill and Baby Point to the west, Swansea to the south, High Park to the east, and The Junction to the north. Residents of Bloor West Village can easily enjoy the perks of all these other great neighbourhoods without needing to stray far from home.

• Classic Toronto homes with large front porches located on tree lined streets. Bloor West Village is home to mostly detached homes built in the 1920s and lots of Craftsman style homes can be found here. We are seeing some houses being replaced with custom built modern homes, but many owners are choosing to renovate the existing home while still maintaining elements of the historical charm of these beauties. Original hard wood floors, stained glass windows, wood burning fireplaces and large front porches can be found in Bloor West Village.

• Picturesque Etienne Brulé Park and the Humber River. Just outside the western boundary of Bloor West Village you will find Etienne Brulé Park, one of west end Toronto's most beautiful parks located on the Humber River. The Humber River Recreational Trail is a great way to explore the park, which runs north along the river all the way until highway 401. The arched stone bridge over the river dates back to 1916, and connects to the historic Old Mill Inn and Spa. Etienne Brulé Park sees a spike in visitors in the early Fall when people come to cheer on the salmon as they swim upstream in the annual salmon run.

• A historic library celebrated for it's traditional Canadian design, right down to the red front door. Built in the late 1920s, Runnymede Public Library is a popular architectural landmark in the city with heritage designation. The library has undergone several renovations and an addition over the years, but the architect's original design has never been compromised.

Things To Do, Eat, and See in Bloor West Village

• Spend an afternoon exploring the independent shops that call Bloor West Village home. Grab a coffee and walk along Bloor Street, popping into all the little shops. We love Book City for the indie book store vibe, Maison Apothecare for their Canadian made natural bath and body products that smell so good, Havana Castle for their extensive cigar collection (and you can't go wrong with their house blends), and Brodawka & Friends for their gifts and accessories. Also, check out Binz on Bloor for all your organizing needs. It is like paradise for Type A people.

• Get a sweet treat (or a dozen!) from Bake Sale. With three locations in the west end, this popular bakery has no shortage of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Cakes, ice cream, cookies, macarons, squares, pastries, and a big selection of cupcakes. We recommend the pecan squares, chocolate cupcakes, and monster cookies.

• Work off the cupcakes at one of the local fitness clubs. A little something for everyone - hot yoga at Moksha, spin or barre at Generate Fitness, pilates at Retrofit, or Belly Bootcamp where Moms work up a sweat in High Park while the babies relax. Also, check out West End Mamas for all types of Mom and baby classes and services like pre/post-natal yoga, birthing classes, breastfeeding support, acupuncture, and doula services.

• Enjoy a meal at one of the neighbourhood's many great restaurants. Some local favourites are Queens Pasta, Gin Mill, Awai, Shakey's, A Dark Horse, The One That Got Away, and The Good Fork with their epic pancakes. Authentic European dishes can be found at Janchenko's Bakery and High Park Deli.

• Explore City Canteen, where foodies feel right at home. Part cooking studio, part cafe, part gourmet take out restaurant, and part artisanal Canadian food market. A perfect spot for a local beer and cheese board, or their yummy bread pudding. You will love browsing the food market for local goodies hand picked by the owner. City Canteen hosts cooking classes, private dinner parties, book club with dinner, and kids culinary camps.

• Treat yourself to some flowers, you deserve it! Bloor West Village has a great selection of beautiful florals and greenery. Karly has been known to go overboard at Bloor & Kennedy Flowers during peony season, and we always have good luck getting our holiday greenery from the shops along Bloor Street over the years too.

• Cycle through High Park, but be warned there are some serious hills. This is a great way to explore the winding trails through High Park, and connect to Sunnyside Park and the Martin Goodman Trail. If you need a tune up or some new cycling gear, check out Racer Sportif, Wheels of Bloor, Brown's Sports and Cycle Co., or Pop A Wheelie. If you don't have your own bike, you can rent one for the day from the bike share stations on the north side of High Park.

• Visit the Annette Village Farmers Market for fresh produce, treats, and seasonal events. Every Wednesday from 3pm-7pm between May and October, locals gather at the Runnymede Presbyterian Church to chat with the vendors and stock their fridge with local goodies. The market also hosts an annual Strawberry Social, Peaches Festival, and Corn Roast.

• Explore the trail along the Humber River, and then get a massage at The Old Mill Spa. Located just west of Bloor West Village is the historic Old Mill Inn and Spa. This Tudor style landmark is a piece of Toronto history, dating back to 1914, and now operates as a boutique hotel, luxury spa, restaurant, and very popular wedding venue. If you feel ambitious, the Humber River Recreational Trail runs from Etienne Brulé Park (located beside The Old Mill) all the way along the Humber River north to the 401. If you manage to complete that ride, you definitely deserve a massage!

• Check out one of Bloor West Village's festivals. The Bloor West Street Fest (July), Toronto Ukrainian Festival (September), Halloween Fest benefiting St Joesph's Hospital (October), and Santa In The Village (November) are all great options that the whole family will love.

• Maple Leaf fans love Bloor Jane Restaurant. Opening at 5am seven days a week, this all day breakfast diner opened in 1972 and has become a shrine to the Toronto Maple Leafs, welcoming fans and players for simple yet satisfying breakfasts for several decades now.

• Check out one of the many programs at Swansea Town Hall. A community hub in Swansea, located just south of Bloor St, Swansea Town Hall hosts programs and workshops for kids, adults, and seniors. Just a few of the programs offered include yoga, children's music classes, Zumba, Mommy Connections, ballroom dancing, babysitting courses, Belly Bootcamp, tai chi, and book club. Swansea Town Hall also hosts a weekly after school homework club for students in grade 3-8.

The Lay of the Land

Located in the west end of Toronto, Bloor West Village borders Old Mill and Baby Point to the west, Swansea to the south, High Park to the east, and The Junction to the north. Official boundaries are Jane St to the west, Bloor St to the south, Runnymede Rd to the east, and Dundas St to the north. Traditionally, people only considered Bloor West Village to be south of Annette St, but the boundaries have expanded north to Dundas St over the years. Some people will refer to the area north of Annette St as "Upper Bloor West Village."

Bloor Street is the hub of activity for Bloor West Village with lots of options for restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Annette Street is quickly becoming a great shopping and restaurant destination too. Larger shopping malls like Stock Yards Village and Sherway Gardens are less than a 15 minute drive from Bloor West Village. 

The Bloor subway line (Line 2) runs through Bloor West Village, with a stop at Jane St and a stop at Runnymede Rd. Commuting from Bloor West Village is easy as many homes are walking distance to the subway line or bus route. You can be on the Gardiner Expressway in under 10 minutes, or Highway 427 in about 15 minutes.

Bloor West Village Real Estate

Style of Homes in Bloor West Village

Bloor West Village is home to mostly detached two storey homes built in the 1920s, situated on mature tree lined streets. Many of the homes are Craftsman style with large front porches. Bloor West Village homes have great curb appeal, and the pride of ownership shows here.  We are seeing some houses being replaced with custom built modern homes, but many owners are choosing to renovate the existing home while still maintaining elements of the historical charm of these beauties. Original hard wood floors, stained glass windows, wood burning fireplaces, and large front porches can be found in Bloor West Village. 

At this point, condo options in the area are generally located just outside of Bloor West Village in High Park and Old Mill. However, there is a proposal for a new condo development on the site for Humber Cinemas at Jane and Bloor which would bring more housing options for people looking to live in this great neighbourhood, while hopefully maintaining the cinema. 

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