Stroll this family-friendly west-end Toronto neighbourhood for unique fashion, lifestyle and foodie finds.

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. Take a stroll along the strip and check out these hotspots for stylish and unexpected finds for home, body, apparel and more. 

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 Work offer an array of 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). 2314 Bloor St. W.

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 between, 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!) 2362 Bloor St. W.

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, with 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. 2240 Bloor St. W.

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. 2239 Bloor St. W.

For the doting pet parent

A beloved doggy daycare, groomer and boarder since 2013, Zendog opened its first brick and mortar location in Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village before expanding to Bloor West Village in 2021. The modern pet shop is stocked with treats, collars, harnesses and more, but it’s the amazing toys and clothing that make it stand out from the pack. Faves include a plush unicorn and reversible Santa and reindeer suit (it doesn’t get much cuter than that). Pets with an active social calendar will want to invest in this season’s shirt collar-bowtie must-have (we’re partial to the confetti print). 2479A Bloor St. W.

For the style-savvy set

Trixie is Bloor West Village’s go-to boutique for womenswear. 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. 2313 Bloor St. W.


Getting to Bloor West Village:

Take the Line 2 Bloor-Danforth subway to Runnymede or Jane subway stations.