People walk by a wall mural that reads "This is Paradise" in Toronto's Queen Street West neighbourhood

Queen West

The dynamic energy of Toronto’s Queen Street West is unmatched anywhere else in the city. Nestled between Simcoe and Bathurst streets, this colourful neighbourhood is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, independent boutiques, music venues, art galleries and murals. Queen Street West is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the heart of Toronto's creative spirit. Let’s explore further!

Eclectic Queen Street West shopping

Discover a vibrant mix of locally-owned stores, contemporary art galleries, vintage boutiques and name-brand retailers. As you stroll down this iconic Toronto stretch, you’ll find treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Peruse local art housed within Twist Gallery and houseware, jewellery and Indigenous art at Craft Ontario Shop. Put Queen Street West shopping on your itinerary for a culturally rich retail experience. 

Must-try brunch & coffee shops

When you need a coffee break amid all the exploring, hit one of the many coffee and brunch spots on Queen West Street.

Pair an espresso with a freshly baked pastry at Forno Cultura, a third-generation Italian café and bakery. Enjoy your favourite caffeinated beverage amid artsy decor, plants and a garden patio at Cafe23

Beyond coffee, you can select from a menu of plant-based entrées for brunch and organic cold-pressed juices at Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar Crawford. The Mission Eatery serves all-week brunch favourites, including eggs benedict, crepes and chicken and waffles.

Hub of arts & culture 

Embark on a self-guided journey of Queen West’s impressive galleries, art-filled hotels and graffiti-coloured alleyways. 

Catch mesmerizing exhibits at venues like the John B. Aird Gallery, part of the city’s rich art scene. Why not keep the creative spirit alive in every aspect of your stay? Consider booking a room at The Drake Hotel, an elegant haven for art enthusiasts housed in a beautifully modernized mid-century building. Alternatively, you can opt for the Gladstone House, Toronto’s most enduring hotel, where creativity is found in every corner, from the furnishings to the walls.

Looking for a place where art springs to life in the streets? Look no further than Graffiti Alley, Toronto’s only designated haven for street art, spanning an impressive 1,000 feet. This picturesque spot serves as a canvas for local artists to express their creative visions, transforming the walls into a vibrant display of imaginative murals.

If you’re here in September, you won’t want to miss the annual Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC), a free outdoor multidisciplinary art exhibition at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

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The Westside is the liveliest and trendiest part of the city. It’s open all hours, and the streets are lined with hip restaurants, bars and all manner of local boutiques.