Credit: The Drake Hotel
Even on a slow night, Toronto crackles with energy. Its heady mixture of thumping nightlife, fine al fresco dining, art shows and city park softball games transform the Six into an all-night party. But there’s one spot in Toronto that rises above the rest – one neighbourhood that packs enough excitement into its borders to fuel the entire city. Of course, we’re talking about Queen Street West.
When Vogue tipped West Queen West as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world (second only to Shimokitazawa in Tokyo – a tough competitor), it reinforced what Torontonians already knew. There’s something special about this place.
Often compared to New York City’s SoHo, Queen Street West is one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for exploring the city and its nightclubs, music venues, shopping, and restaurants. The main drag is artistic and energetic, surrounded by quiet residential streets, gorgeous Victorian homes, modern townhouses and a serpentine network of tastefully graffitied alleyways.
As one of the top Toronto realtors, we at Harvey Kalles Real Estate get really excited about showing the treasures of Queen Street West. It’s one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto and has so much to offer as a vibrant place to settle down. If you’re an urban dweller who loves to be right in the thick of the action, then Queen Street West is the place for you. Read on to discover why you should consider this vibrant district as your next home.
A Lay of the Land
What are we talking about when we talk about Queen West? Most definitions of the area put a rough border between Spadina to the east and Gladstone to the west. The streets jutting off from Queen – like the stately Dovercourt area or the homes around Bellwoods – generally make the cut. And, depending on who you’re speaking with, some people even include parts of Liberty Village or downtown in the conversation.
There’s a lot of diversity packed in this strip of Toronto. To the east, you see the influence of adjacent areas like the Fashion District and Alexandra Park, blending together dense, business-driven streets and tranquil green space. And to the west, you have chic mainstays like the Drake, the Gladstone or the ever-popular Ossington strip.
The Music Scene
When it comes to music and other forms of expressive culture, Queen Street West has a long and fascinating history.
Some of the city’s oldest and finest live music venues call Queen Street West home. You can find the infamous Horseshoe Tavern on the corner of Queen and Spadina, a historic spot that’s hosted The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, The Talking Heads and more. Further east, jazz lovers can sip on a stiff martini at The Rex and watch a four-piece band play experimental tunes into the wee hours.
If smaller venues are more your style, walk about five minutes west of the Horseshoe and you’ll find the intimate, and also incredibly historic, Cameron House. This bohemian and cozy Toronto favourite was first coined “The Cameron House” in 1896. By the mid-1920s it was operating as a working hotel. Unlike the Horseshoe, this venue caters more to up-and-coming musical artists, and also offers engaging nights of open-mic poetry readings. Although no longer a hotel, The Cameron House continues to provide a welcoming space to local musicians and enthusiasts in the Queen Street West music scene.
Queen Street Dining Fit for a King
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys architectural and cultural history while eating delicious food, then Queen Street West is your ideal home. The history of Queen Street West is fascinating; once home to some of Canada’s most notable figures, you’ll trendy bars and restaurants dotting the entire length.
On the eastern end, you’ll find Toronto institutions like the Rivoli, a hybrid comedy bar, restaurant and pub where The Kids in the Hall got their start. You can sample the French menu at La Palette as you sip a glass of natural wine on the street-facing patio. Or grab a quick, satisfying slice of pizza at North of Brooklyn and an Instagram-worthy ice cream cone at iHalo Crunch, and take them to Trinity Bellwoods for an inexpensive night on the town.
As you move west into (the aptly named) West Queen West, the bars and restaurants just keep getting trendier. Try Jen Agg’s love letter to diner food at Le Swan, on the corner of Queen and Crawford. Sample the ultra-popular Italian pastries at Forno Cultura or the creative small plates at La Piquette. Raise a pint at Bar Poet or The Dog and Bear (owned by Kenny Hotz of Kenny vs. Spenny fame). And, after a big night out, do your body good with the vegan menu at Hello 123.
Fashion
As mentioned, Queen Street West contains multitudes – it’s home to mega international retailors, such as Zara and H&M, but also local and independent shops you can only find here. Take a walk west toward Trinity Bellwoods Park and you’ll encounter unique shops such as GASPARD and Philistine. You’ll also find lesser known (or hard to find) stores such as Aesop and Le Labo.
Queen Street West is still considered the fashion district of Toronto, but historically, it also housed operating textiles factories. While many of the stores today occupy these interesting spaces or have been turned into condominium buildings, some are still there. Be sure to explore the different walking tours in Toronto and inquire about exploring this captivating part of Toronto and Queen West’s history.
While on a walking tour, also inquire about visiting the historic Gladstone and Drake Hotels. These two hotels (and no, The Drake isn’t associated with the famous Toronto rapper), both have stylish interiors with lavish restaurants and bars, and both offer live music and events. The Drake doubles as a sort-of art gallery, as its inside space is filled with contemporary art made my local and internationally recognized visual artists.
We’ve outlined some of the reasons why we think Queen Street West is one of Toronto’s most exciting places to live, and we didn’t even begin to discuss the gorgeous homes in the area that are available. At Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., we have some of the best real estate agents in the city who know this neighbourhood inside and out. If you’re curious to know what it might be like to live in a cosmopolitan centre like Toronto’s Queen Street West neighbourhood, please reach out to us.
In the meantime, get yourself down to one of Queen Street’s sunny patios and take in all that the district has to offer. We promise you won’t want to leave.
