Bloor Street West Toronto: Things to See & Do

Exploring West Toronto is a walk in the park from UP Express Bloor Station! Toronto is a city of vibrant neighbourhoods chock-full of fantastic parks and trails, must-try restaurants and cool shops. The area in and around UP Express Bloor Station has it all, and if you’re short on time during a long-layover in the city, it makes the perfect destination to stretch your legs and get to explore Toronto’s West end like a local. If you’re travelling in a group with your friends or family, be sure to take advantage of our Group Pass to save on travelling together from Pearson. Also, make sure to purchase your Pearson to Bloor ticket at Pearson Airport, then you’ll be on your way to explore Toronto’s number one neighbourhood! Come experience some of the most interesting and diverse communities in the city.

Check out a Festival

Taste of the Junction

• What is it: Join us for a celebration like no other at the Taste of the Junction! This year, they’re excited to unite exceptional local businesses, offering diverse flavours, beverages, and unique products! It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with your community and discover new local favourites. UP Express will be on-site, so be sure to drop by and visit our booth for fun games and giveaways and to learn more about UP Express!
• Where:  A new location off Jackson Place at 51 Vine Ave.
• When: Saturday, September 7^th, 2024, from noon to 9 PM.
• Get there with UP Express: Take UP Express or GO Kitchener Line to Bloor Station and transfer onto the TTC at Dundas West Station onto the 40A or 40B bus to Dundas St West at Keele St, or take a leisurely 30-minute walk north on Keele St. With One Fare, you only pay once connecting between GO and TTC with PRESTO. 

Toronto’s Ukrainian Festival

• What is it: Toronto Ukrainian Festival, North America’s largest Ukrainian festival celebrating 28 years of amazing Ukrainian culture returns this September. Experience Ukrainian culture and hospitality with non-stop entertainment, delicious and authentic Ukrainian food and beverages and beautiful crafts and collectables. UP Express will be on-site, so be sure to drop by and visit our booth for fun games and giveaways and to learn more about UP Express!
• Where: Bloor West Village
• When: September 13 – 15, 2024
• Get there with UP Express: Take UP Express or GO Kitchener Line to Bloor Station and transfer onto the TTC to Runnymede Station. With One Fare, only pay once when you transfer between GO and TTC with PRESTO.

West Toronto Railpath

Hike, bike, or blade your way across the West Toronto Railpath (WTR). Travelling with a furry friend? UP Express welcome animals on board, you can travel up to two dogs. Just make sure they are leashed. WTR is just steps from UP Express Bloor Station, and there’s more to do than just experience a great route with a view! History buffs will delight at the commemorative plaques detailing Toronto’s transformative industrial and railroad past along the 2.1 km route. Get some Instagram-worthy snaps in front of amazing street art and installations by local artists and groups or simply take the opportunity to stroll or roll along the multi-use path and see what’ll pique your interest.
There are also several easy-to-use Bike Share Toronto docking locations located right at UP Express Bloor Station making bicycle rental easy. Note our bicycle policy onboard has recently changed. Only bicycles that can be folded or stored in an aircraft-ready bicycle box are permitted onboard UP Express.

One of the best ways to get a real taste for what this Toronto neighbourhood is all about is to take the WTR to the end at Dundas Street West to discover Roncesvalles Village and its amazing local businesses. The 1.8 km stretch affectionately known as “Roncy” by locals is an incredible community filled with amazing brunch spots, coffee shops, and unique stores. A stroll down Roncy is not to be missed!

The Bloor West area is a foodie’s playground packed with delicious spots that make your taste buds dance. Kick off your morning with an inspiring coffee from Reunion Coffee, then satisfy your sweet tooth with the irresistible cookies from Andrea’s Cookies. When lunchtime rolls around, dive into the rich, comforting flavours at Café Polonez, where you can find delicious traditional Polish food.For dinner, The Ace is your go-to for traditional diner food with a creative twist and with their seasonal rotating menu, you can try something new every time! If you're craving Italian, Sugo is an absolute must-try for American Italian classics. As the evening rolls in, grab a quirky craft beer at Hole in the Wall or spice things up with Seoul Shakers' bold Korean-Latin fusion drinks and dishes. And don’t forget to cap off your culinary adventure with a cocktail at Famous Last Words, where every drink tells a story.

Don’t let a rainy day stop you from exploring all this vibrant community has to offer. Catch a flick at the Revue Cinema – Toronto’s oldest operational movie theatre - and feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Built in 1912, this blast-from-the-past theatre on Roncesvalles Avenue is not only a local community favourite, it also brings people together with new and classic movie screenings, sensational film festivals, and more.

Local Shop Love

The Bloor West area in Toronto is a treasure trove of local gems that make shopping a joy. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Pinot's Palette offers the perfect spot to unleash your creativity with a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Even better, with PRESTO Perks you can save 15% off your next paint and sip event.For those who love a mix of modern and rustic, Bucks Hard Goods is the place to find unique, well-made men’s and women’s clothing. Vintage lovers will find their paradise at Boomie Vintage and Re-Life Vintage, where every rack is filled with handpicked pieces that tell a story from decades past. And if you’re looking for a unique gift or card, independently owned, TOWN has got you covered. Each of these shops embodies the spirit of Bloor West, making it easy to fall in love with shopping locally.

The jewel in the crown of Toronto’s west end has got to be big and beautiful High Park on Bloor Street West, less than a 10-minute walk from UP Express Bloor Station. This 161-hectare oasis in the city has something for everyone who wants to get out there and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, grab some takeout from one of the restaurants nearby on Bloor Street West or Roncesvalles and have a picnic! If you’re looking for other great places to hike, make sure to check out our list of some of the best spots for hiking in Toronto.

At any time of the year, take a hike, walk or simply meander around the paths and explore the great outdoors and beautiful gardens of High Park. Take a turn around Grenadier Pond where you’ll discover amazing natural habitats for all kinds of birds, fish, turtles and other wildlife, as well as one of the most beautiful views in High Park. Visit the historic High Park Zoo – originally established in 1893 for deer – and get up close and personal (well, not that personal) with bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle, wallabies, emus and sheep. It’s a great outing all year round and, best of all, it’s free.

In the early spring, experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the High Park cherry blossoms bursting with colour around Hillside Gardens and Duck Pond. Strolling among these magnificent cherry blossom trees– or sakura in Japanese- is an annual tradition for locals and visitors. Peak viewing times on Cherry Lane can get busy and it’s recommended to check the latest blossom reports to find out when they’re blooming in early spring. You can also avoid the crowds and take a peek at the pretty petals via a virtual tour.

More to See

Take a walk through the past on the WTR to the historic Wallace Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, just steps from UP Express Bloor Station. As you cross the bridge you’ll get a great view of the CN Tower and the trains coming and going. Built in 1907 and protected under the Ontario Heritage Act, it’s one of the few remaining examples of a specific Industrial Revolution-era footbridge. There have been a few updates in the last few years to battle natural and urban corrosion, but this overpass from the past still looks pretty good for its age.
We hope we’ve made it easy for you to come and check out the hidden gems in Toronto’s West end by traveling with UP Express and hopping off at Bloor Station. Whether you’re arriving from Pearson Airport or Union Station, it’s the fastest way to experience incredible parks, trails, local restaurants, shops, and more while avoiding traffic and parking hurdles.
Whether you are heading out to the airport or just exploring the city, UP Express can get you there comfortably and reliably. We’ve made it easier and more affordable for everyone to travel on UP. Teens and post-secondary students receive 40% off standard adult fare when using PRESTO. Discounted fare is also offered to Seniors.