Our city expands out from the core. The more central you can find an apartment to rent in Toronto, the more access you have. That’s especially true if you’re on the subway line, and doubly so if you’re in the centre core where the two subway lines intersect.

That’s where we are. And for over 30 years, our residents have raved about the convenience of living where they do, and a few comments kept coming up.

Window shopping

They call our stretch of Bloor Street the Mink Mile because it’s lined with ultra-high-end boutiques including the new Hermes flagship store. Of course, Yorkville’s just north of Bloor and you could daydream through there all day. And on days where you need a different kind of escape, one of Toronto’s best movie theatres is just steps away at Manulife Centre.

Indoor winters

The buildings on the east side of Bay Street (including 44 Charles Street) are connected to the mid-town underground. Residents love that they can get to Yonge or Bay subway stations without going outside, and that they can get a lot of their shopping done without needing to bundle up. Of course, with Manulife Centre below us, our residents have it particularly good. And when Eataly arrives, they’ll have it really good.

Highway access

Routes to Rosedale Valley Road are just a few blocks away. It’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to cut across to the Don Valley Parkway, and by far the prettiest.

Incidentally, according to City of Toronto figures, congestion at around the Bayview/Bloor ramps is over 20 percent lighter in both directions so getting on and off the highway is rarely an issue. Our residents appreciate this, and also appreciate our underground parking lot with an in-house car detailer.

Long walks

The best of Toronto is accessible by foot from Bay and Bloor. North takes you to Yorkville/Cumberland and into Ramadan Park and mansion-lined Rosedale. East is the fun Yonge Street and the super-duper fun of Church Street. West is U of T, one of Canada’s premier universities (and university campuses), along with the tree-lined student village complete with cheap eats, great bars and energy. South is the core: the financial district, the CN Tower and many of Toronto’s biggest attractions and our beautiful lake.

Our residents also get to enjoy Toronto from the comfort of home. When you live in our high-rise tower you get to enjoy fabulous east, south and west views from the pool deck on the 51st floor!

Space to move

Crowded sidewalks aren’t a problem around here, mostly because of how wide the sidewalks are ¾ especially so on Bloor Street. The city recently completed a massive pedestrian experience enhancement project and we can absolutely feel the difference. Our residents come in and out on Charles Street, a pretty side street just south of Bloor. Here, there’s always room to stretch your arms.

Thinking about Bay and Bloor for your next home? Have a look at our floor plans and give us a call at 416-961-4998.

If you live at 44 Charles, you don’t have to go far to put a great date together, from a restaurant with the best view of the city to a movie at the best theatre in town. (more…)

Indoor pools aren’t a rarity in the neighbourhood. But you’d be hard pressed to find a better post-swim spot to take in the gorgeousness of the city than the 51st floor sundeck just off our swimming facility.

Look south and you can see the buzzing downtown core including Yonge Dundas Square, the financial district and Discovery Way.

Turn to your left and you can gaze west along Bloor Street, past the University towards High Park. On a clear day, you can watch the airplanes coming and leaving Pearson Airport.

You can walk around the patio for the eastern view of the lush Don Valley and the port lands. Or you can stay cozy and warm in the pool and gaze out at it while doing your laps.

When you’re done your soak, hit the sauna and then the showers, both right there.

Sound like your kind of evening? Call Stella Gomes or Michael Gula at 416-961-4998 or email livemanulifecentre@manulife.com to set up a tour.

Welcome to the 44 Charles Street blog, a celebration of life on the southeast corner of Bloor & Bay and a look inside the area’s most affordable high-end rental residence.

Living here has so many advantages, and you’ll see them all here on the blog. We’ll show you the building’s unique amenities like the view from the pool and offer entertaining tips if you’re using the club or party room. We’ll tour you through the great shops and services at the Manulife Centre, just steps outside 44 Charles’ lobby.

We’ll also take you on a tour of the neighbourhood and show you what gives it its character like Yorkville, the Mink Mile and quite possibly the city’s best deli.

We’ll also be sharing some apartment-living wisdom we’ve picked up over the last three decades, both here and on Pinterest. Whether you already live here or you’re thinking of moving in, you’ll find some great tips for making your space better. Keep an eye out for our guest stylists who’ll be making an appearance here from time to time, starting with Yanic Simard, who designed our furnished rental suites.

And don’t forget that you can also follow along on Twitter. That’s where we’ll be posting new vacancies, so add us if you’re keen on getting in.

In the meantime, if there’s something you want to know about life at 44 Charles Street or if you’re ready for a tour, call Stella Gomes or Michael Gula at 416.961.4998 or email livemanulifecentre@manulife.com