Introduction
West Queen West is the strip along Queen St. bound by Dufferin to the west and Bathurst to the east. Packed with independent boutiques and trendsetting style, the street is a mix of commercial and residential. Two- and three-storey walk-up apartments are above storefronts, and condos buildings are in the mix.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle of West Queen West can definitely be labeled "alternative." There’s a strong sense of admiration for art and artists, with numerous galleries, performance venues and independent designers (both clothing and furnishings) – the area is also known as the Art & Design District. Side streets and back alleys are filled with graffiti, but not just gang-style tags, it’s art.
Dollars & Sense
The demand to live in this trendy, up and comping neighbourhood is high. Rents trend upwards of average – especially for the luxury of space. Walk-ups above stores and old Victorian homes converted to triplexes can be charming. It’s hit and miss for modernizations, though the area does boast two new apartment buildings.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Foodies delight! Music venues are plentiful! The artistic graffiti is on a huge scale, and is some of the best in the city! Drivers beware: one-way streets, no left turns and a true shortage of parking. Parking patrol is out in force. The hour limit on side streets is best observed – extra time is a $40 ticket. Parking permits provide residents little relief, spots are in high demand.
Distance from City Hall
2.3 km
2.3 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The Queen St. streetcar runs 24 hours, making it easy to travel across the city or get to the subway. Several major routes include the Bathurst 501 as well as the Dufferin and Ossington buses. There is access to the Gardiner Expressway at the southern end of Dufferin, just south of the CNE grounds. The location is walkable into the downtown core and cyclists abound!
In the Area
The area is a hub and has a bit of everything. Trinity Bellwoods Park is at the heart of the area - a huge greenspace for enjoying time outdoors. Close to hospitals, CAMH is a prominent feature in this community. There are numerous parks, pools and recreational facilities – as well as some outreach programs; despite the property values, there is still an element of poverty.
Meet the Neighbours
The area attracts young urbanites, and has a huge draw for creative types. With the proliferation of bars, lounges and restos, there are the twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings who are drawn to the nightlife. Though a lot of singles and childless couples, the area is family friendly – to a degree – and becoming more so.
The Vibe
The area lives and breathes art, fashion, style and creativity. Shops offer trendsetting independent designer creations, from clothes to jewelry and furniture. The numerous galleries offer incredible talents, with both up-and-comers and artists of some acclaim. Bars and lounges are intermingled with tattoo parlors, fast food and fashionable dining rooms.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Trinity Bellwoods Park
This enormous park is a hub of activity – an urban oasis. People picnic, relax and just hang out. It has an off-leash dog park, baseball diamonds, community centre, greenhouse, wading pool, playground and more.
more info
The Paper Place
The Paper Place has been a stronghold in this community for over 20 years. A paper boutique, it carries incredible and unique paper that lends itself to art projects, archival work, wedding invitations and crafting.
more info
The Drake Hotel
This boutique hotel includes an upscale restaurant, a cafe, two great patios, three trendy bars and an event space. The upstairs patio includes an outdoor fireplace for winter and a large screen for summer fun.
more info
Nadege
If macarons are your thing, look no further. This avant garde boulangerie serves up sugar-laden works of art. Vibrant colours and geometric shapes give little away to the delightful flavours about to excite your palette.
more info
Poutini's
What could be better than mounds of fresh-cut potatoes smothered in gravy and gooey melting cheese curds? While Poutini’s does a steady business during daylight, the line-ups start as area bars empty out.
more info
The Good Son
Chef Vittorio Colacitti has created an amazing destination. The kitchen is outfitted with an impressive wood-burning oven imported right from Italy. The dining room is comfortable and chic, food is fresh, flavourful and creative.
more infoStreet Corner
Demographic Data
West Queen West
Commute
Wheels
Cheers!
Habits
Neighbours
Housing
