Explore Bloor-Yorkville: Your ultimate guide to art, fitness and self-care this summer

The best kind of self-care is simply taking a day for yourself, turning off your notifications, letting go of your worries and embracing the sights in your own city. In Bloor-Yorkville, there are endless ways to recharge and find new inspiration, whether browsing world-class art galleries, trying out gourmet coffee shops, treating yourself to a boutique fitness class, or attending an exciting summer event.

With a dynamic mix of art installations, live music performances and seasonal festivals, Bloor-Yorkville is your summer hub for entertainment. From Aug. 24 to 25, explore the Yorkville Murals festival, which transforms Yorkville Avenue between Bellair Street and Hazelton Avenue into a captivating art and muralism celebration. Enjoy live painting, music, dance battles and pop-up shops, as well as interactive installations, arts talks, screenings, and the annual block party that wraps up the event with food, beverages, live DJs and dancing.

If smooth summer melodies are what you crave, check out the Summer Music in the Park concert series, taking place June 14 until Sept. 2 on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tap your feet to classic jazz by Juno-nominated artists Alex Bird and Denielle Bassels, listen in on the folk pop of David Celia and Co., sway with the soul-fusion beats of Quincy Bullen and the O’Deadlys Celtic performance, or have a seat by the “Big Rock” and enjoy traditional New Orleans jazz by the West End Riverboat Band.

For inspiration and culture

Not only is Bloor-Yorkville renowned for lively events, it’s also a thriving hub for the arts, filled with internationally acclaimed galleries and museums.

Mira Godard Gallery

22 Hazelton Ave.

Mira Godard loved sharing art, and this gallery is a true testament to her legacy. Focusing on contemporary Canadian and international art since 1962, it has three floors of stunning paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs to spark inspiration and creativity. Some of Canada’s most notable artists are featured here, including Alex Colville, Christopher and Mary Pratt, Takao Tanabe, David Milne and Lawren Harris.

Royal Ontario Museum

100 Queen’s Park

The ROM is Canada’s largest, most comprehensive museum and one of the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. With over 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, the ROM is at the epicentre of arts, culture and the natural world. Standout exhibitions include Earth: An Immersive Journey, a multisensory tour through our planet’s vibrant ecosystems, and Wild Cats, which offers an up-close-and-personal experience of cats’ beauty, diversity and predatory skills. If a late-night exploration is more your style, check out ROM After Dark, a 19-plus after-hours event featuring curated music, food and beverages, and pop-up performances.

Taglialatella Galleries

99 Yorkville Ave.

You may recognize the Taglialatella name from its locations in New York, Paris and Palm Beach. The Yorkville gallery opened its doors in 2018, welcoming guests to peruse artist exhibitions, public art installations, mural festivals and many other community-focused art initiatives. Showcasing an eclectic collection of street and pop art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Banksy, Craig Alan, Sage Barnes and Fidia Falaschetti, it’s a sought-after spot for long-time collectors and newcomers alike.

Izzy Gallery

1255 Bay St.

Presenting a diverse array of contemporary and modern photography with flair and innovative dynamism, Izzy Gallery invites you to admire stunning large-format images by artists like Albert Watson, Erwin Olaf and David Yarrow. Plus, it hosts exclusive exhibitions for Bryan Adams, Kate Moss, Douglas Kirkland and other celebs. Find unpublished thought-provoking pieces alongside world-famous images—each hand-selected from the artists’ archives.

For a pick-me-up

Bloor-Yorkville is no stranger to exceptional food and beverages. Take a moment to yourself and enjoy one of its many cafes.

Jacked Up Coffee

Yorkville Village, 55 Avenue Rd.

A Yorkville staple since 2015, Jacked Up Coffee lives up to its name, serving only the highest-quality espressos. Enjoy some solo time while sipping on a matcha, a flat white or an iced americano with an artisan treat, like an espresso brownie sourced from a local bakery.

Goldstruck Coffee

130 Cumberland St.

Goldstruck is known for both its cozy atmosphere and its handcrafted specialty drinks, including its unique cayenne, turmeric and halva lattes. Its beans are sourced and carefully chosen from small co-ops, and its desserts are baked in-house throughout the day. Perhaps treat yourself to a croissant, loaf or cookie. There’s also a selection of croissant sandwiches if you’re looking for lunch!

Zaza Espresso Bar and Gelato

162 Cumberland St.

Zaza started with one location on Bellair Street and has since expanded to include two more in Bloor-Yorkville. It’s clearly Toronto’s go-to spot for a truly authentic Italian experience. Try an iced double macchiato or an Americano misto, paired with biscotti or a scoop of house-made gelato. There’s also a large selection of Italian cookies, éclairs, cannoli and savoury bites such as frittata, panini and scones. The large indoor and outdoor spaces bring a European feel to the cafe, inspiring guests to stay and enjoy themselves.

To get the heart pumping

A workout is an invigorating way to cap off a day well-spent. Luckily, there’s a variety of options to suit your strength and abilities in Bloor-Yorkville.

Carrie’s Pilates

62 Cumberland St.

Get ready to strengthen, lengthen and tone! Newly opened in the neighbourhood, Carrie’s has quickly become the place for a high-intensity workout that combines cardio, Pilates and strength training. Classes use a Pilates reformer–style machine, so those who are unfamiliar should start out with the beginner-level class, where instructors move slowly, breaking down each exercise in detail. Those familiar with reformer classes can opt for the signature 45-minute Carrie’s Full Body Burn. Either way, you’re guaranteed a challenging and unique workout.

Innovative Fitness

33 Bloor St. E.

This luxury personal training gym offers a variety of classes and services to help you meet your fitness goals. Make sure to sign up before you go, as it’s appointment only for all classes, including fascial stretch therapy, personal training, nutrition coaching and more. Stop by for a complimentary fitness assessment to unlock your next steps toward a healthier life.

Jaybird

110 Bloor St. W., Lower Concourse

Improve how you experience the present moment and shed previous expectations about exercise at Jaybird. Take part in an intimate fitness journey inspired by yoga but with reformer and mat Pilates, with darkened rooms, soothing candlelight, and moments of stillness to relax and rejuvenate. There are no mirrors here either, helping you get out of your head and into your body.

Rumble Boxing Studio

1235 Bay St., Unit 101

When the lights get low and the music gets loud, it’s time to rumble. Don’t feel intimidated if you’re new to boxing—Rumble Boxing Studio is an inviting space for all, offering one-of-a-kind high-intensity classes, personal training, small-group boot camps and more. Here, comfort doesn’t make you stronger; persistence does.