Cathy MerrittPlanning to visit Yorkville anytime soon? You might want to check out a subsection of that neighbourhood called the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BIA)—and make sure you have your wallet with you because you’ll definitely be spending!
An initiative to increase tourism in the area, the Bloor-Yorkville BIA boasts a membership of a whopping 1,400 businesses. I personally love coming here for the diverse food scene, but the shop lineup is phenomenal as well.
If you’re planning to visit Bloor-Yorkville BIA soon, let this article be your guide.
Where is Bloor-Yorkville BIA?
The Bloor-Yorkville BIA neighborhood doesn’t have fixed boundaries. The main office is situated at 77 Bloor Street West, and the businesses under the BIA initiative are scattered nearby.
Roughly, it spans from Church Street to Avenue Road (the west side) and from Scollard Street to Charles Street.
What is the main street of Bloor-Yorkville BIA?
Bloor Street is the main street of Bloor-Yorkville BIA because, and it’s where most businesses in the area are located. Yorkville Avenue and Yonge Street are also prominent streets in the neighbourhood lined with restaurants and shops.
How to Get to Bloor-Yorkville BIA
By Subway: Take the Line 1 Yonge-University line from Union Station to Bloor Station. You can also take Line 2 and disembark at St. George, Bay, or Yonge Station.
By Car: You can reach the neighbourhood by driving along Bloor Street or Yonge Street. For parking, you have 18 lots to choose from. The Green P Lot at Charles E. and Hayden is my personal recommendation because it has the cheapest rates.
Best Time to Visit Bloor-Yorkville BIA
If you ask me, the best time to visit Bloor-Yorkville BIA is around the holiday season (roughly from November to January). The neighbourhood comes alive with fun events and festivals, such as the Icefest, Fleur de Villes: Noël, and Holiday Magic.
The restaurants and shops also have special promos, such as discounts or limited-time product offerings.
What to Do
Join the Constantine Yorkville Run
– From: yorkvillerun
When: Usually around September
If you love to run, then the Constantine Yorkville Run is a must-try! It’s held every year, around September, and the goal is to fundraise for the community. Aside from helping local causes, this is also your chance to meet fellow runners.
I’ve never participated, but my friends have, and it’s always so exciting seeing them run. The great thing about this race is that all participants receive their own premium race kit, which has a unique finisher’s medal. You’ll also receive complimentary food and drinks on race day.
Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
– From: romtoronto
Address: 100 Queens Park
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165868000
The Royal Ontario Museum is located in the Bloor-Yorkville BIA vicinity, so this is your chance to check it off your list of local museums to visit. This museum is the largest in all of Canada, carrying a collection of over 18 million pieces of artwork from around the world and across the ages!
Considering how massive this museum is, it’s impossible to explore all of its galleries and exhibitions in one day. Even I haven’t seen them all!
But I do have a favourite section: the Art and Culture section. I’m in awe every time I see sculptures and paintings from ancient civilizations!
Play bowling at The Ballroom Bowl
– From: the ballroombowl
Address: 1 Bloor St E Unit CRU6, One Bloor
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473667716
In the mood to go bowling with friends? Then, you need to head to The Ballroom Bowl as soon as possible.
What I love about this spot is its energy and the amenities are wonderful. Every alley has a plush lounge, so you can sit back like a king while waiting for your turn.
The bowling pins also glow. It’s super satisfying to see them get taken down by your ball!
Test your wits at E EXIT
– From: exityorkville
Address: 70 Yorkville Ave Unit# LR1
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14163952929
A thrilling and heart-pounding experience awaits you at E EXIT! I’ve only come into this escape room a couple of times, and it’s always a blast. It’s among the best in the city!
My friends and I love the Dark Ritual Room, which reminds us of Stranger Things. I mean, you have a classmate who’s acting strangely, disappearing pets, and sightings of weird creatures. Plus, it’s all set in a small town!
This room was pretty challenging for us, but we enjoyed every minute of it. My heart was still pounding even when we left!
Watch a live performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music
– From: theroyalconservatory
Address: 273 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—8 am to 2 pm
Contact Number: +14164082824
The Royal Conservatory of Music is a well-respected musical institution training our future musicians, and it also holds concerts. I recommend you try attending one. You’ll learn to appreciate music even more!
My favourite type of concert to attend here is the orchestral one. They play the music of renowned composers—both old and new—and every time, I feel like I’m transcending to a different plane. I don’t even understand music theory, but orchestral pieces still evoke such strong emotions from me.
Attend Fleurs de Villes Noël
– From: fleursdevilles
When: December
The Fleurs de Ville Noël is my most anticipated event in this area because it’s always a sight to behold. For about a week in December, Fleur de Villes puts up a trail full of floral sculptures!
Unsurprisingly, the theme is usually Christmas or the holidays in general, so expect lots of floral arrangements and sculptures that look like candy canes or winter wonderland.
But there are also non-holiday-themed sculptures. For example, last year, there was a floral sculpture inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Enchanted.”
Where to Eat
Alobar Yorkville
– From: alobarrestaurants
Address: 162 Cumberland St, Renaissance Court
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169611222
If fine dining is your jam, then you can’t go wrong with Alobar Yorkville. I mean, this is a Michelin-starred restaurant, so a luxurious dining experience is guaranteed.
Whenever I manage to score a reservation here, I treat myself to the absolutely massive Iberico pork chop. The meat itself is savoury with subtle notes of sweetness and spice, and I love to pair it with chimichurri for a bit of tangy snap. Technically, this dish is for sharing, but frankly, I can finish it all on my own.
Sofia Restaurant
– From: sofiayorkville
Address: 99 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164798974
Sofia boasts bold red colour accents, glittering chandeliers, and eye-catching art pieces on its walls. Occasionally, musicians perform here too. It’s very suitable for a romantic date!
I’m a big fan of the pasta dishes here. My personal recommendation is the spaghetti alla chitarra. I love the tangy and acidic tomato sauce, paired with the mellow sweetness of the lobster. This dish is also topped with pangrattato (toasted breadcrumbs), which adds a nice crunchy texture to every forkful.
Kasa Moto
– From: kasa_moto
Address: 115 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16474770423
Kasa Moto is a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a sprawling rooftop terrace, so if you want to dine with a view, you should come here!
My go-to order here is the Jidori Chicken, which oozes with umami and sweet flavours. It also packs quite the punch because it’s served with ginger habanero!
The Wagyu skirt steak is also great. The meat is tender and juicy, and the smoky flavour is front and center.
Kasa Frida
– From: kasafridagourmet
Address: 55 Avenue Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
Craving Mexican cuisine? Then Kasa Frida is the place to go!
You have to get their iconic birria. This dish smells so good that you’ll be drooling even before you take a bite. I love the tenderness and juiciness of the meat and the rich and spicy flavours of the consommé.
To balance out the richness, I like to down a glass of their freshly squeezed orange juice.
Kebaberie
– From: lakebaberie
Address: 55 Avenue Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169227373
I admit that I didn’t seek out Kebaberie on my own. I was just passing by when I caught a whiff of it, drawing me in. Since then, I’ve been a returning patron!
I love indulging in any of the kebab plates. My usual choice is the taouk, which is made of bite-sized chicken breast pieces. The meat has been marinated in a lemon and yogurt marinade, so the tangy, citrusy flavours penetrate deep.
This dish tastes even better when eaten with roasted potatoes!
Paros Yorkville
– From: parosyorkville
Address: 119 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Tuesday—5 pm to 12 am
- Wednesday to Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16478965784
Sometimes, I feel the urge to book a flight to Greece, but unfortunately, I don’t have the means to do so. Whenever this happens, I just head to Paros Yorkville instead because it makes me feel like I’ve been transported to the Aegean coastline.
My current favourite dish on the menu is the whole grilled branzino. The freshly caught branzino is perfectly charred, and it’s served with salsa verde and grilled lemon, so every bite is a tangy, citrusy explosion.
Earls Kitchen + Bar Yorkville
– From: earlsrestaurant
Address: 55 Bloor St W Unit 113, Manulife Center
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Wednesday and Thursday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14373700563
Earls Kitchen + Bar is one of my favourite restaurants, so you best believe that I’m recommending their Bloor-Yorkville outlet in this article. The menu here is pretty extensive. There’s even a section for plant-based options!
I usually come here for brunch, and the Earls Breakfast is my go-to order. It’s their take on an English-style breakfast, so it’s super hearty. I love dipping the crispy potato pavé in the runny egg yolks and then topping the dry-cured bacon and garden greens on the sourdough toast.
Nanis Gelato
– From: nanisgelato
Address: 6 Charles St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—2 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—2 pm to 11 pm
For people who love desserts, Nanis Gelato has got you covered. This ice cream shop has so many amazing flavours that you might be tempted to order several. (At least, I do every time I come here.)
I’m obsessed with their gelato pies. I mean, thick gelato in a pie form? How can I say no? My favourite flavour is the Lotus Biscoff one because it’s super indulgent and sweet. The Hazelnut Rocher Pie is a close second.
S’Cream
– From: screamyorkville
Address: 126 Cumberland St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169647777
Another ice cream shop that you might want to visit is S’Cream. This shop lets you customize your order, so you can get all the toppings you want!
There are also other desserts like waffles and macaron sandwiches. It really is a paradise for people with a sweet tooth!
I love their Boozy Scoops, which, as you might guess, are ice cream flavours with a hint of alcohol. The Mango Aperol ice cream is my favourite because it’s fruity and refreshing. I feel like I’m on a tropical beach every time I eat it.
Where to Shop
119 Corbo
– From: 119corbo
Address: 119 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169280954
119 Corbo had humble beginnings—a boutique curated by a mother-and-daughter duo in 2006. Now, it’s a well-known spot in Bloor-Yorkville BIA, where people looking for clothes that scream “quiet confidence” come to shop.
This shop offers a wide range of brands, such as Stella McCartney and Balenciaga. I love coming here to browse the dresses. Most of the designs are simple but elegant.
Brunello Cucinelli
– From: brunellocucinelli_brand
Address: 108 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16472453123
Brunello Cucinelli is a well-known clothing brand, one that I’ve heard recommended so many times, so I was thrilled to learn that it has an outlet in the Bloor-Yorkville area.
I like browsing the knitted tops because they’re so soft and comfortable. But this boutique shop also carries other items like shoes, bags, and fragrances. There are also clothing items for men and children.
Toronto Designers Market
– From: torontodesignersmarket
Address: 50 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
What I love about Toronto Designers Market is that it highlights Canadian designers, artists, and entrepreneurs. So, whenever I shop here, I know that I’ll be supporting local talent.
Another thing I love about this shop is that it doesn’t just carry clothes. There are also jewelry pieces, other clothing accessories, and even furniture and decor!
Oh, and did I mention that the products are reasonably priced? Truly, this shop deserves more love and hype.
Browns
– From: brownsshoes
Address: 60 Bloor St W CRU: 2
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14168746355
Fashion isn’t complete without shoes, so I recommend you stop by Browns when you’re shopping in Bloor-Yorkville BIA. This shop carries all the popular brands, so you’ll undoubtedly find a pair (or several) of shoes that fit your personal aesthetic.
Aside from footwear, this shop also offers other products, especially bags and all sorts of outerwear. I actually got one of my coats (a Michael Kors 1384MK coat) here, and it still looks brand new!
Pistil Flowers
– From: pistilflowers
Address: 55 Bloor St W, Manulife Center
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163951817
Sometimes, buying myself a bouquet of flowers is enough to lift my mood. If you also think the same, then I have a flower shop recommendation in Bloor-Yorkville BIA: Pistil Flowers.
The floral arrangements available here always take my breath away. I often go for bold, vibrant flowers, but I also love the bouquet of pastel roses. If you don’t like flowers (totally not judging you), you might like the succulents and pots of cacti that this shop also carries.
The Webster
– From: thewebster
Address: 121 Scollard St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169220726
The Webster is another store that I love to check out; I’m obsessed with how pretty their clothes look!
In particular, I love the Magda Butrym dresses. They look simple and timeless with neutral colours. They’re also form-fitting, with distinctive pleats and folds that help enhance my figure.
You can also find jewelry pieces, bags, and shoes here. Your wallet is totally in danger once you step inside this shop (I can tell you this from my personal experience).
Stylessence
– From: stylessencej
Address: 2 Bloor St E, Hudson’s Bay Center
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169449897
I wasn’t a jewelry fan, but then I stepped inside Stylessence. I love the classic and timeless pieces here!
My favourite section to browse is the one with bracelets. I’m eyeing to get one of the studded chain bracelets because I love how they glint under the lights.
Some of the bracelets even have raised charm dividers, so you can personalize yours by adding your favourite charms!
Royal de Versailles
– From: rdversailles
Address: 101 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 5 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 5:30 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169677201
Another jewelry store that I’ve come to love is Royal de Versailles. As the name suggests, this shop carries jewelry pieces and accessories that look like something a royal person would wear!
I’m a big fan of the necklaces here. I’m eyeing one necklace, in particular: the 18kt white gold opal and diamond pendant. It simply looks stunning, and I love the pendant’s light pink colour, making it stand out from the white gold chain.
Teuscher
– From: teuscherto
Address: 131 Bloor St W, The Colonnade
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday—10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169648200
Calling all chocolate lovers who are on the hunt for their next favourite local chocolate shop: Teuscher should be on your itinerary. This shop offers a great variety of chocolate treats—from classic bars to fancy truffles.
I’m obsessed with their box of assorted truffles. My favourite flavour tends to change often, but right now, it’s the cinnamon truffle. I love the subtle earthy notes paired with the rich chocolate.
Candle Emporium
– From: candleemporium
Address: 87 Yorkville Ave #3
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169617334
If you want to brighten up your home (literally), stop by Candle Emporium. I’ve never seen such a wide array of candles before. They have the classic hand-rolled beeswax candles, and there are also candle types I haven’t heard of before, like colonial candles and root candles.
That’s not all, this store also carries oil lamps, reed diffusers, and scented sachets. This place smells so heavenly, and visiting always inspires me to pick up a few products so that my home will also smell just as good.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
– From: fstoronto
Address: 60 Yorkville Ave
Contact Number: +14169640411
If I want to be treated like royalty during my stay, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is where I go.
This five-star hotel goes all out in the list of amenities it offers. Rooms are spacious and equipped with all you need, and if you go for a suite, you’ll even have your very own kitchen. Plus, you can enjoy expansive views of the city.
As a guest, you’ll also have access to perks, such as the modern indoor relaxation pool with a hot tub and steam room. You can also work here because this hotel has its own office-like space!
W Hotel
– From: wtoronto
Address: 90 Bloor St E
Contact Number: +14169618000
“Modern paradise”—that’s the best way to describe W Hotel if you ask me. This hotel is inspired by the rich artistic vibe of the neighbourhood, and its interior design shows it through its jewel tones and almost theatrical aesthetics.
Aside from the gorgeous rooms and suites, this hotel has an enchanting rooftop bar where you can sit down and relax while enjoying the view of the city. If you’re lucky, you can even catch live performances of talented musicians.
The Hazelton Hotel
– From: hazeltonto
Address: 118 Yorkville Ave
Contact Number: +14169636300
The Hazelton Hotel is a small boutique hotel with only 62 rooms, but it’s luxurious all the same. In fact, it’s the only luxury boutique hotel in Canada that received a five-star rating from Forbes!
With its 1940s-inspired Hollywood glamour theme, this hotel makes you feel like you’re a celebrity. The rooms and suites are opulently furnished, and you have access to other facilities like a pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Windsor Arms Hotel
– From: windsorarms
Address: 18 St Thomas St
Contact Number: +14169719666
As much as I love a minimalist interior design, an over-the-top theme with bold colours, golden accents, and elegant details is still the winner in my eyes. That’s why I love the Windsor Arms Hotel; it’s so grand, it reminds me of a European castle!
The rooms and suites are furnished with furniture you would normally find in historical dramas. And of course, there are other facilities that will make your stay even more memorable.
I love the bar where I can relax with a unique cocktail while enjoying live music. When I’m tired, I can head to the spa and get a luxurious skin and body treatment to rejuvenate myself.
