People in Toronto have long been aware of the artistic vibe of the West Queen West neighbourhood. The global spotlight has now shone on West Queen West following a feature in Vogue that crowned it the coolest neighbourhood worldwide. It’s pretty amazing how this recognition has put West Queen West on the map! According to Vogue contributor Nick Remsens portrayal of the neighbourhood as a hub for bakeries and local fashion brands along with galleries tucked away from plain sight truly embodies its cool factor. The article online talks about landmarks in the hip neighbourhood like The Drake and Gladstone hotels and also highlights the Museum of Contemporary Art along with Soho House Toronto and Graffiti Alley.
History Of West Queen West, Toronto
During the 1800s West Queen West started to thrive as a Pacific Railway Hub near the Village of Parkdale located just outside the City boundaries and exuding a distinct working class appeal. Two iconic landmarks in this area are the Drake Hotel and The Gladstone Hotel, both nestled along Queen Street West. These historic hotels have undergone renovations and upgrades becoming parts of the vibrant revitalization of the West Queen West neighbourhood today.
Lifestyle
Residents of Toronto have long been aware of the artistic vibe of the Queen West neighbourhood—. Now the global spotlight is shining on West Queen West thanks to a recent feature in Vogue naming it the second coolest neighbourhood worldwide! How awesome is that? In his article for Vogue magazine Nick Remsen describes this area as a hub of bakeries, local fashion brands and discreet art galleries—truly embodying all things hip!
The article online talks about landmarks in the hip neighbourhood like The Drake and Gladstone hotels as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Soho House Toronto along with Graffiti Alley being mentioned too! West Queen West showcases the vibe of the area with its retail scene on Queen Street West that includes trendy fashion boutiques and furniture shops, alongside antique and vintage stores plus a wide selection of eateries representing Toronto’s rich cultural mix. Artscape Youngplace is located at 180 Shaw Street. Serves as a centre for the arts community with artist studios, multi functional event spaces, for rent and inviting public gathering spots.
There are lots of art related and community events taking place at this centre every day! Visit AYP to check out the hallway exhibitions or have a meal at the café while enjoying the public lounge areas and using the WiFi to surf the internet.Youngplace is open to everyone, from 8am to 8pm every day of the week. Is wheelchair accessible.
West Queen West, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Trinity Bellwoods Park sits east of West Queen West and north of Queen Street. A spot for locals and visitors to enjoy on weekends in nice weather. The park offers amenities like a playground, a wading pool for children, sports fields, a baseball diamond and four tennis courts. There’s an ice rink where people enjoy skating for fun and playing forms of hockey like permit hockey and shinny hockey including womens and girls ice hockey alongside a hockey school available as well, at the Trinity Community Recreation Centre situated at 155 Crawford Street which also features an indoor pool gymnasium track and weight room in the same facility.
Artscape Youngplace located at 180 Shaw Street serves as a vibrant community centre with artist studios event spaces for rent and public lounging areas available, for use There’s a lot going on at this centre with art and community events daily! Visit AYP to check out the gallery halls and enjoy a meal at the café while relaxing in the public lounge areas with WiFi access, for surfing the internet anytime you want to connect online. From 8 am to 8 pm every day of the week is when Youngplace welcomes everyone in and it’s designed to be easily accessible for those, in wheelchairs.
West Queen West, Toronto Transit
The Queen Streetcar is a mode of transportation, along the Queen route making it convenient to opt for transit over using your car at times especially when heading to West Queen West and other destinations like the Eaton Centre, the Beaches and Leslieville are on your agenda! If you prefer driving, accessing downtown routes via the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard can easily connect you to the 427 North and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) North well.
West Queen West, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
West Queen West is a culturally diverse area in Toronto known for its thriving arts scene and unique blend of stores that cater to an urban lifestyle.The neighbourhood provides access to a range of options with public and private schools available for elementary and secondary high school, within the vicinity and nearby.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 3
Public Schools
- Ossington/Old Orchard Public School
- Queen Victoria Public School
- Central Technical School
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Catholic Schools
- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s College School
- Monsignor Fraser College
Private Schools
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- Royal St. George’s College
The vibe and rich culture of West Queen West blend well with its scene to give families various schooling choices in the area.The schools nearby provide a mix of experiences that add to the neighbourhood’s charm as a closely knit community.
West Queen West, Toronto Homes
West Queen West is filled with boutique condominium complexes and townhouses offering residents the opportunity to step out their doors and immerse themselves in the bustling energy of one of Toronto’s most lively and vibrant neighbourhoods.