The stretch of Queen Street West between Spadina and University may be uber-hip and commercial, but, as Globe and Mail photographer Tibor Kolley puts it, "it also has its artsy-fartsy side," what with booths of artisans selling handmade jewellery and the "Hug Me" tree, freshly painted by an anonymous artist each year.
Mr. Kolley noticed the landmark as he was taking a stroll while his car was being repaired. "I've probably driven past it hundreds of times and never noticed it. One has to get out of their car more often," he said.
And, according to one of Lonely Planet's online contributors, the next time he visits the affection-demanding tree would be an opportune time to bring along someone special - it was included on a list of the "best kissing spots in Toronto."