Winter Streetscape

 

This is a recent shot of Bloor St W in Korea Town. You can see how the snow becomes piled up between the road and the sidewalk. That one shop at the right has been ambitious and shovelled right out to the roadway. Most shops do nothing or do a small section but theirs is really wide.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Mural

 

This large mural was spotted on the side of an alternative school along Bloor St W. It commemorates the signing of a treaty between groups of indigenous peoples many years ago. The list of artists is on the left side.

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world. 

It's Electric

 

I spotted this restaurant while walking along Bloor St on a Sunday morning. It wasn't open but apparently they serve Australian pub food. I am not sure what that is so will have to drop by on another day. I guess that is a platypus on the sign?

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Crafty On Bloor

 

The Crafty Coyote is a pub found on Bloor St W in the Annex neighbourhood. I have always liked the building with those little cupolas on the roof. There must be interesting space up on that top floor.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.  

A Winter Pastime

 

Having a good book to read on a stormy winter day is a great way to pass the time and on a nice winter day heading out to a bookstore is a treat. This large bookstore, BMV, on Bloor St in the Annex neighbourhood fits the bill as it has several floors of books of all types. This is a view towards the mystery section which was my destination on a recent visit.

Waiting For The Parade

 This was the scene on Bloor St about 2 hours before the Santa Claus Parade began. People come out very, very early to claim an area along the road and set out chairs for the kids to use later. Then the adults stand around guarding their territory. It was only about 0˚C so it wasn't too cold for these early kids. Some years it has been really cold!

The Wise One

 

This wise owl in the Santa Claus parade was ready for the action to begin. During the parade little kids will be sitting on those 2 white benches in front of him - with seat belts on.

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world. 

Cheesecake

 

This was a new float in the Santa Claus Parade. They were actually handing out samples under that red awning in the background. They were quite tasty!

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Mario At The Parade

 

I am not into Nintendo but the kids seem to like Mario a lot so this float in the Santa Claus Parade is a popular one. During the parade those vehicles go up & down. That is still Christie Pits park in the background.

Start The Parade

 

Our Annual Santa Claus Parade took place a few weeks ago and I always try to go down to Bloor St in the morning well before it starts so I can get up close to the floats and take pics. This was the 121st parade after missing 2 years during the pandemic and Mother Goose has led off the parade since 1917. She has changed form many times through the years and is now a Canada Goose. That is Christie Pits Park behind her.

Taking part in Saturday's Critters. Click HERE to see more creatures from around the world. 

Autumn Light

 

These buildings were a couple of kilometres away from me as I walked along a railway line but something about the light and the sky made for a pleasant view. The tall one under construction is at the busy corner of Yonge St and Bloor St, a prime location to have a condo.

New Sign

 

The red Maple leaves were the attention grabber for me as I walked along Bloor St W past Varsity stadium. The Varsity Blues are the various sports teams representing U of T. The sign showed better from the other side of the street except for all the tree branches in the way so I tried to get it from down below. I think it is a new sign.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Gates On Bloor St W

 

When walking along Bloor St W by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)  you will come upon these gates which lead to a lovely pathway through part of the U of T campus. Most people don't notice the entrance and pass by but it it is a tranquil path which I will show you for the next few days. It is called Philosophers Walk.

Shoe Museum

 

This is the Bata Shoe Museum which is located on Bloor St very near yesterday's hot dog stand. The museum was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It is a surprisingly (to me) interesting place to visit with a collection going back thousands of years as well as special exhibits of a more contemporary style. The building is said to reference an open shoe box.

Hot Dogs

 

This hot dog stand as been on Bloor St W by U of Toronto (U of T) for many years and always seems to have customers. Why is it that hot dogs from these stands taste so good?

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Bee Happy

 

I first posted this mural back in 2016 when it had just been painted on a building along Bloor St in the Annex neighbourhood. At the time there was no vegetation around it and so I was pleased to see how the plantings have grown up beside it. The artist is Nick Sweetman and you can see more of his work if you click the label below.

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world. 

A Good Name

 

The name "Jimmy's Athletic Club" made me think of an old time weight lifting gym and after checking on line this seems to be the right reaction. Apparently they do weightlifting, personal training, and other types of martial arts. 

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Brisket

 

I am not sure if that is a vegan brisket being offered at this place on Bloor St W. I think this needs further investigation. 

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world. 

Under The Sea

 

This mural was found in the laneway behind the shops along Bloor St W in Koreatown. I have no idea what business is out front. The artist for this one is ROAMto.

Taking part in Monday Murals. Click HERE to see more murals from around the world. 

Who You Gonna Call

 

I never noticed that Ghost Bureau sign before on this Bloor St building until the frozen yogurt place on the ground floor closed. It turns out the ghost bureau is a marketing agency on an upper floor. The building could use a new paint job.

Taking part in Signs2. Click HERE to see more signs from around the world.