If you are looking for a vibrant, hip, and dynamic neighbourhood while enjoying your stay in Toronto, plan a trip to Queen St. West. This street has a unique charm that will keep you walking for hours. Queen West has historic sites, shopping, music, clubs and much more. Divide your travel between the streetcar and walking to enjoy all the neighbourhoods that make up this lively street.
Start at Yonge and Queen, where you can’t miss the Eaton Centre and the Hudson’s Bay Company - the world’s oldest incorporated store established in 1670. Don’t spend all your time here, there is plenty more to see just down the street.
The Old and New City Halls of Toronto are close by, followed by Osgoode Hall; formally the Law Society of Upper Canada est. in 1829. Recognizing the significance, the subway at Queen and University Ave. shares the same name as the Hall.
Queen West is well known for its hip and trendy shopping. Passing University Ave, you enter the Fashion District home to a collection of independent and high-end retailers side-by-side, it’s a great place for anyone doing serious shopping or just browsing.
Continuing west, you’ll arrive at Spadina Ave., which forms the southern end of Chinatown. Detouring north you will find one of our favourite Chinese restaurants, Lee Gardens. Also north, a visit to Kensington Market is a must for guests seeking a Bohemian shopping adventure. Back on Queen West you’ll enter the Textile District; featuring dozens of fabric and textiles shops. This is also the best place to find Indie-rock, bars and clubs, including: Cameron House (Indie), Opal Jazz Lounge, The Hideout and Fun Haus (concernt hall).
Before reaching Bathurst St, take a break at Queen Mother Café, Café Crêpe, or the Rivoli for a bite to eat; for more serious hunger there is also a great Italian restaurant, Terroni, the pizza comes as a whole pie, it’s un-sliced, so you’ll need a knife and fork to enjoy this city treat. There are a number of other favourite eateries on the street, like Chippy’s Fish & Chips; and the Nutty Chocolatier. For our Vegetarian travelers, check out Fresh, at the corner of Crawford Ave.
Queen West has something for everyone, if you’re a Sci-Fi and comic book fan, stop by the Silver Snail and Bakkaphonix; pet lovers should drop by Timmie’s Doggie Outfitters, which has a collection of cute outfits and treats for your furry companion (www.timmie.ca). The Japanese Paper Place is a dream for arts and craft lovers.
Wind down your journey, in the Art and Design district. The area is lined with galleries: housing murals, textiles, conceptual installations and abstracts. The artists operate many of the galleries, so you may find their pets in the show rooms too. Antique shops complete the district as you approach end of Queen West at Roncesvalles Ave.
Queen St. West is alive with culture, fashion, art and history. It's just one of the diverse Toronto neighbourhoods that will make your stay a memorable experience!
