Bloor West Village, also known as the shopping district, is located west of High Park. It is easily accessible via the Jane and Rummymede subway station. Located along Bloor Street, providing access to more than 400 shops, including specialty clothing shops, book stores, restaurants and cafes.
The History of Bloor Street West Village
Bloor West Village is located between two neighbourhoods. To the north is Runnymede, a former streetcar suburb and to the south is Swansea, a former village dating to the 19th century. Bloor West Village is also considered the name of the immediate vicinity of Bloor Street.
Runnymede Public Library was opened in Bloor West Village in 1930, serving the neighbourhoods around the Village.
On February 25, 1966, the Bloor–Danforth subway line opened in the area, allowing shoppers to shop downtown instead of the businesses along Bloor Street. Competition was also developing from enclosed shopping centres. Businessmen of the district attempted to set up a business association to pay for improvements to the area, but received only partial support from businesses in the area, and not enough to pay the estimated expenses to renovate and market the area. The businessmen lobbied the Toronto and Ontario governments for legislation to compel all business owners within a designated area to pay towards improvements, as directed by an elected body.
The Ontario Municipal Act was amended in 1970 and the Bloor West Village Business Improvement Association (BIA) was founded as the first of its kind in the world.
In 1980, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) was formed. This is an organization that now represents 66 BIAs across Toronto. The organization promotes business activity in the area by holding several annual events and festivals. It also puts efforts into the beautification of the area.
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 cares, 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.
Lots of cute cafes and bakeries to choose from. Whether you are grabbing a quick breakfast, meeting a friend for coffee or picking up a sweet treat for the family, Bloor West Village has many bakeries and cafes to suit whatever you are looking for.
The proximity to High Park. Bloor West Village residents can walk to High Park in under ten 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 each other. You will find everything you need between local markets, fresh meat and fish markets and delis, 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.
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.
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.
Real Estate 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 are proposals for a new condo developments in the area which would bring more housing options for people looking to live in this great neighbourhood.
Looking for the best of Bloor West Village?
Parks
Schools
Please click here for a comprehensive list of schools in Bloor West Village/.
Restaurants
Bloom Restaurant: Modern Latin American fare with fixed-price options, served in an orange- and lime-coloured room.
Flame Food: Turkish restaurant serving grilled fare, a café and eclectic boutique, all set in a two-storey space.
Amber European Restaurant: Classic homestyle Polish & Ukrainian fare served in a simple, modern setting.
Cafés
Baka Gallery Café: Stylish, modern hangout offering chic sandwiches, salads & pastries, plus tea & coffee.
Coffee Tree Roastery: Gourmet coffee and light eats in a comfy spot with local art, a garden terrace & a street-side patio.
Patisserie 27: French bakery offering tarts, eclairs, macarons & other classic pastries along with various breads.