What to know and love about this Toronto neighbourhood
Queen West is a neighbourhood in Toronto best known for its eclectic personality. Vogue magazine even named “West Queen West” the second coolest neighbourhood in the world (first coolest in North America)! It has unique shopping, dining, and entertainment for everyone. Hundreds of quirky shops, great restaurants, cafes, bistros, and bars are always steps away. The urban canvas of Graffiti Alley encourages people to add their artistic signature to the city walls. Entertainment venues fill the streets with live music, from rap to rock to jazz. The area manages to be simultaneously laid-back and exciting. If you want a place that truly captures the charisma of Toronto, look no further than Queen West.
“you’ll
love”The cool factor. Queen West’s venues have a cozy, intimate feel. Historic and legendary, The Drake Hotel has live music rooftop at the Sky Yard, or in its moody Underground. The Rex is famous for jazz and blues performed by Toronto’s most talented musicians. The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art is a great place to view incredible work, all at a pay-what-you-can price. Named after Queen Victoria, this Toronto neighbourhood really does rule.
the
neighboursA multicultural and diverse spot, Queen West welcomes everyone. The majority of residents are between age 25 and 44. Real estate in Queen West is a classic Toronto mash-up of older brick homes and well-designed condo buildings. It is one of the most sought after areas for condo buyers.
Local Insight: “The Queen West Art Crawl has artisan exhibits, food, and live performers. It celebrates the art and culture that make Queen West such a special place to be.”
what its
like to live hereWhat to Expect: It all! Queen West is a Toronto neighbourhood that offers everything to residents and visitors in the area. Art galleries and exhibits, dining, and unique shopping are plentiful here. Public transit is easy too, with access to Queen and Osgoode subway stations and the Queen streetcar. The Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard are nearby for driving in and out of the city. There is green space to hang out in, with Trinity Bellwoods Park right off of Queen Street West.
What NOT to Expect: Quiet streets. The area is crowded with street, and foot, traffic. The many destinations in Queen West mean people are always seeking out the area.
A Day in the Life: Walk from your condo to a murky coffee shop for a homemade breakfast treat. Take a walk through Trinity Bellwoods park where your neighbours are flying kites. Head to a workshop at the wool shop and knit colourful mittens for fall. Have a bite of Bangkok-style Thai noodles before shopping at a denim bar and sock shop for your lower-half fashion needs. As evening rolls around, view spectacular photography at a local studio. Then it’s over to The Horseshoe Tavern for drinks with your friends. A well known act pops in to play a surprise set with the local band. You’re right there to experience it all!
In Summary: Queen West is Toronto royalty, where the city’s best art, music, and urban energy collide.
