In the 1850’s, the area now known as Bloor West Village was the property of Lieutenant Colonel William Smith Durie, the first commanding officer of the Queens Own Rifles. The neighbourhood began to be developed in 1909 when it became part of the City of Toronto. Bloor West Village’s first residents were immigrants of Eastern European background; they helped found the Bloor West Village Business Improvement Area, the first of its kind in Canada. The shopping district has helped make Bloor West Village one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveller, backpacker, part of a small groups of friends, or a newcomer.
ABOUT
Beginning in front of the Toronto Public Library - Runnymede Branch, the interactive tour hosted by your guides Alex Rascanu and a local historian will cover key aspects of Bloor West Village's past and present. The tour will conclude at Palmer Coffee