Totally Toronto: About Toronto : Neighbourhoods : Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village
It is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Toronto. Bloor West Village has often been described as a city treasure; a small, distinct community, in a big city.
Business owners in the Bloor West area of Toronto can be credited with coming up with the idea of establishing the BIA or Business Improvement Association concept.
That was back in the early 70's and many neighbourhoods in both Canada and the United States have followed their lead. Today the Bloor West Village BIA is an example to the world.
Simple put, Bloor West business owners didn't want to lose customers to the surge of big malls nearby so that came together, pooled their resources and cash, and gave the neighbourhood a fresh, inviting look.
The results were outstanding and business in the village has been thriving ever since. To learn more about the world's first BIA visit www.bloorwestvillagebia.com.
Location
Bloor West Village in Toronto is located along Bloor Street between Jane Street and Ellis Park Rod. It is a short walk away from Runnymede neighbourhood and High Park; the city's most well-known park.
Style
Whether it is shopping, dining or any other services, Bloor West Village has a European flavor that seems to keep both Torontonians and tourists coming back time and time again.
Some sections of the shopping district are considered hip and trendy while other sections can be labelled as elegant. There are well over 400 retailers and restaurants in Toronto's Bloor West Village.
Attractions/Events
Don't be fooled by the word "village". Just because it is a small community, doesn't mean that there isn't plenty to see and do in Bloor West. Here are a few attractions to consider if you plan to head to the village:
- High Park
- Village Shopping
- Movie Theatre
- Annette Recreation Centre
- Annual Ukranian Festival (September)
- July Festival
- Cavalcade of Lights (Christmas season)
Of the attractions High Park and village shopping seem to be the big draws. Toronto's High Park includes a vast waterfront, a zoo, an off leash dog park, a sports area, and a picnic area.
The village shopping experience has something to meet just about anyone's taste. Below is a list of some unique outlets you will find in Bloor West Village:
- Bettenhaus Drappery and Bedding Centre
- Brown's Sport and Cycle
- Ana Jewelry
- Caleche Ladies Wear
- Aztec Furnishing
- Luggage Expert
- Cecil Ward and Son's Men's Shop
- Bows and Toes
- Trove
- Mendocino
- La Contessa's Jewelry
- Jolanta Interiors
- Periwinkle
- Jasmine's Fine Jewelry
- Petit Pied
- Phil's Bootery
- Arka Shoes
- L'Enveloppe Rouge Papery & Giftware
- Bizzy B's Stamp and Scrap
- Kumari's
Restaurants
Meditteraean, Asian, North American; whatever your taste buds are calling for, Bloor West Village can deliver. This area of the city is known for its high quality, high service restaurants, including some of the establishments listed here...
- Villa Restaurant
- African Palace
- 17 Steps
- 1800 Degrees
- Rawlicious
- Bloom Restaurant
- Amber European Restaurant
- Dr. Generousity
- Simply Tai Cuisine
- A Dark Horse
- Queens Pasta Café
- Sakura Sushi
- Yumi
- Classico
- Falafal World
- Kingsway Fish and Chips
- Westwood Grill
- Yama Japanese Restaurant
There are a several café's, delis, and delicious bakeries in Bloor West Village as well.
Nightlife
While Bloor West can be a busy place during the daylight hours as people shop and enjoy outdoor landmarks, it can also be a lot of fun in the evenings.
Here are a few spots that come alive in the neighbourhood at night: Yellow Griffin Pub, Disgraceland, Breyden's, Comedy Bar, Three Speed, and My Place.
Accommodations
If you would like to stay overnight in the Bloor West Village area of the city, elegance and charm is what you will find. The neighbourhood has several bed and breakfasts to choose from that are comfortable and picturesque.
- MayFair Bed and Breakfast
- Iverness High Park Bed and Breakfast
- Red Door Bed and Breakfast
- By the Park Bed & Breakfast
- Ambiance Bed & Breakfast
- Bonnevue Manor Bed & Breakfast Place
One of the most well-known overnight accomodations in Bloor West is the Old Mill Inn & Spa. In addition to providing excellent service to those spending the night in town, the Old Mill is a popular place for weddings and parties.
Real Estate
Spend just a little bit of time in Bloor West Village and it is easy to see why people love to live here. The list below outlines the best known Real Estate offices in the neighbourhood.
- Bloor West Village Real Estate Ltd.
- Remax West Realty Inc.
- Three Acres Realty Inc.
- Homesmith Realty Inc.
- Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
There are many other real estate offices throughout the city of Toronto that list houses in and around Bloor West Village. You can find them by simply doing a quick search on the web.
If you are interested in moving to Toronto's Bloor West Village, Vacationing in the area or just visiting for the day, it won't take you long to notice that it is likely incomparable to any other modern village you have been to.
Bloor West villagers are proud of their history, proud of their BIA leadership, and proud to share their surrounding with new visitors.
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