This vibrant west-end neighbourhood is the best girlfriends’ getaway destination with brunch, boutique fitness and bar-hopping.
From white-collar workers celebrating the weekend, to party chasers getting ready to hit the club circuit, King Street West is a beacon to locals and visitors alike each Friday night. Adjacent to Toronto’s Entertainment District—home to theatres and performing arts venues, as well as nightclubs, bars and lounges—it’s the place to be for exciting days and late, late nights in one of the best nightlife cities.
King West comes alive at night
The neighbourhood
Although King Street West (the street) crosses much of the city, King Street West (the neighbourhood) consists of the downtown stretch bracketed by Bathurst Street on the west and Spadina Avenue on the east. Also known as simply “King West,” this walkable neighbourhood is close to many downtown hotels, and easily accessible from via the 504 King streetcar.
Besides nightlife, King West is home to stellar shopping, dining and spa-ing. Planning a girlfriends’ getaway, bachelor or bachelorette weekend? This is where you need to be. Here’s how your 48-hour getaway could shake out.
Saturday morning: coffee & endorphins
Kickstart your weekend with a light breakfast from Forno Cultura, an Italian-style bakery-café owned by a third-generation baker. Step inside and take in the luxurious smell of freshly baked biscotti, focaccia and pizza. Grab pastries and an Americano to fuel up for the morning ahead.
Next, chase a group endorphin boost at one of the King West neighbourhood’s trendy boutique gyms and studios, including elle fitness, F45 (67A Portland St.) and Fit Factory Fitness. For fast-paced group workouts, consider Barry’s bootcamp and SPINCO.
Saturday afternoon: spa time & shopping
You’ve worked up a sweat, so a little pampering is in the cards. Head over to Majesty’s Pleasure for spa treatments accompanied by snacks and refreshments including coffee, tea, juice—or cocktails!
But don’t forget the retail therapy: King West is just a short stroll from the Queen Street West fashion district with its fast-fashion outposts and indie boutiques.
SATURDAY EVENING: food, cocktails & DJ sets
Start your night with modern Italian cuisine at chic, Art Deco-inspired Oretta. Their menu leans heavily on fresh seasonal flavours, with an extensive regional Italian wine and cocktail list, with creative zero-alcohol options, too.
For after-dinner drinks with a gorgeous view of downtown, visit Lavelle with its luxe rooftop experience, complete with outdoor pool and cabanas, lounge, dining room and 360-degree views of Toronto’s skyline.
Still got energy to burn? Catch a DJ set at EFS or Arcane.
SUNDAY MORNING-ISH: brunch!
Start your Sunday the way Torontonians do: over brunch. If you’re up bright and early you can beat the brunch crowds, but if not, be prepared to wait at some of the more popular venues.
Try Baro for an Instagram-perfect rooftop patio (open year-round), the perfect backdrop for a South American-inspired brunch of tres leche waffles. Say cheers with a zesty citrus paloma. Or go for a short stroll south to Le Sélect Bistro for French fare on a cute outdoor patio.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON: theatre or ping pong
Depending on how worn out your crew is from Saturday night, you could hit the Entertainment District’s Royal Alexandra Theatre or Princess of Wales Theatre for a matinée performance of a Broadway-style show.
Or you could get active with a late-afternoon session at SPIN, a ping pong social club. Book a table by the hour, then enjoy the DJ-equipped lounge along with drinks and food.
SUNDAY EVENING: dinner & craft beer
Close out the weekend with relaxed good times. A short walk from King Street West, Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace offers a farm-to-table, seasonally-driven menu, served up in a sprawling, cottage-style terrace.
Or if local craft beer and elevated pub fare is more your speed, grab a lager and a burger (or Roman-style pizza) at the airy and laidback Northern Maverick Brewing Co.
