Surrounded by parks and close to downtown, Bloor West Village boasts that elusive city-meets-small-town vibe. Part of the neighbourhood’s charm lies in its independently owned boutiques, some of which have been around for decades. Stroll along the strip to shop local in Toronto, where you’ll find stylish and unexpected items to gift or take home.
For the tchotchke-obsessed
Walking into Lemon & Lavender is like entering a high-end spa, thanks to the warm scent of soaps and candles greeting customers. Luxe brands like Michel Design Works offer bath and body products that smell good enough to eat. And that’s just the entranceway!
The entire shop is packed with pretty products for entertaining (heart-shaped plates, taper candles in every colour imaginable), children’s goodies (stuffed toys, glitter paint) and lovely trinkets that would make ideal hostess gifts (floral napkins, stationery sets).
Shop Canadian: Load up from Lemon & Lavender’s stellar selection of maple everything (think: syrup, candles, candies, chocolate, popcorn and more).
For the tea connoisseur
Few things are as soothing as a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s day. At Say Tea, customers have more than 230 teas to choose from, including loose-leaf specialties like Formosa and Kenya Green Kosabei Estate.
A neighbourhood fixture for 30+ years, the quaint shop also houses a hand-picked collection of accessories like teapots, infusers and cozies. There’s an eclectic range of mugs, too, from fine-bone floral prints to whimsical Snoopy and Charlie Brown options. Sipping in style has never been so easy. (P.S. There’s coffee, too!)
Shop Canadian: Elevate your morning cuppa with a fine bone china tea mug by McIntosh, a Canadian company for over 100 years.
For the trendsetter
For cozy-cool staples like rock and roll tees and stylish felt slippers, those in the know head to Buck’s Hard Goods.
This boutique has the feel of a highly curated general store. It offers fun accessories like socks with sayings like “Young Broke And Fabulous” and “Here Comes Cool Dad,” humorous greeting cards and essential winter wear (plaid flannel shirts, wool toques, cozy knits).
Load up on gifts from quintessential Canadian brands, including Shy Wolf Candles, Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. and Maison Apothecare.
Shop Canadian: Forest & Brooks candles are made in Newfoundland and come in peak-Canuck scents like Trail Hike and Partridgeberry Jam.
For the wellness warrior
At first glance, Peachtree Health Foods seems like a typical health-food store with all-natural vitamins, supplements and body-care products. But it’s Peachtree’s awe-inspiring range of crystals and gemstones that makes it a must-stop for wellness gurus (or simply those looking to up their self-care game).
From amethyst to quartz, each stone is said to serve a distinct purpose, whether promoting calm or physical healing (they’re beautiful to look at, too). Warm up your hotel room or bedroom with a Himalayan salt lamp—they create a warm amber glow and are believed to promote a better night’s sleep.
Shop Canadian: Go natural with Green Beaver, a Canadian sustainable skin and body care brand that offers sunscreens, toothpastes and deodorant.
For the doting pet parent
If you don’t come home with treats, you’ll be in the dog house, so make a pit stop at Ruffin’s Pet Centre or Pet Valu. Both Canadian chains have shops in the Village, fully stocked with treats and fashion finds for dashing dogs and cool cats.
Shop Canadian: Grab a bag of treats from My Mightly Lion (for cats), or Tilted Barn and Crumps’ Naturals (for dogs), all made in Canada.
For the style-savvy set
Trixie is Bloor West Village’s go-to boutique for women’s wear. Expect a nicely curated selection of plush hoodies, playful rompers, sequined dresses, and everything in between.
There’s a strong focus on Canadian brands, including Gentle Fawn and Smash + Tess. Cold-weather essentials include an oversized cardi by Cali designers Sadie and Sage, and Toms’ desert-inspired, waterproof Mesa Boot.
Getting to Bloor West Village:
Take the Line 2 Bloor-Danforth subway to Runnymede or Jane subway stations.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in December 2021.
