Yonge and Bloor History

This is what Yonge and Bloor looked like from 1924 to 2015

Yonge and Bloor is an intersection well-known in the city, as it is home to not only the busiest TTC station, but acts as one of the main crossroads of Toronto. 

Now home to soaring condos and upscale shopping, Bloor-Yonge has a storied history. As new developments transform the historic square, we'll have to collectively wait for Yonge and Bloor's next transformation, but in the meantime, let's look back at the seemingly ever-changing intersection.

Here's a history of Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. 

bloor yonge history


A postcard from the 1920s. Image from the Wikimedia Commons.

bloor yonge history

The southeast corner. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

Shops with signs, in the 1920s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

Shoppers crossing in the 1930s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

Streetcar tracks in the 1950s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

stollerys

Taller buildings start to rise in the area, in this image of Stollerys from the 1970s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

Shops and theatres dotted the streets of the intersection for many decades, including these in the 1970s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge

The northwest corner, 1971. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

A snowy scene following a storm, looking south on Yonge in the 70s. Photo by citatus.

bloor yonge history

Chalk artists spruce up the sidewalk, 1984. Photo by mcwidi_2.

yonge bloor

Pedestrians cross between cars, late 1980s. Photo from the Toronto Archives.

bloor yonge history

The UPTOWN sign being removed, 2000s. Photo by TOrebelXTguy.

bloor yonge history

A hot dog vendor in the rain, 2000s. Photo by caughtonfilm.

bloor yonge history

The intersection, with people crossing before the scramble was added. Photo by inventor_77.

bloor yonge history

An old Harvey's sign is seen missing as the intersection undergoes a transformation. Photo by Derek Flack. 

one bloor east

Construction on the lower floors of the now-built One Bloor East, 2015. Photo by Marcanadian.

Lead photo by

The Toronto Archives. Written by Derek Flack. 


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Doug Ford just got even tougher on Ontario bike lanes with new measures

Toronto's $27 billion Ontario Line just crossed its biggest construction milestone so far

Rare Canadian gold coin sells for over $1.5 million

Toronto ranked among the top 100 best cities in the world for 2025

A full list of all the items included in Canada's holiday GST cut

Liquid soap sold at stores across Canada recalled due to contamination

Canadians to get GST cut on groceries and new $250 rebate ahead of holidays

Snow is finally coming to southern Ontario and here's when it will hit