West Queen West
West Queen West is well known across Toronto as a cool, hip and incredibly artsy neighbourhood. An article in Vogue Magazine identified the neighbourhood as the second coolest neighbourhood in the world. Vogue writer Nick Remsen describes the neighbourhood as “a verifiable artery of indie patisseries, homegrown labels, and hidden-from-view galleries—hallmarks of hipness, if ever they existed.” The online article mentions iconic hip neighbourhood landmarks including The Drake and the Gladstone hotels, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Soho House Toronto and Graffiti Alley.
History
In the late 1800s, West Queen West emerged as a Pacific Railway hub on the outskirts of the Village of Parkdale, beyond the city limits and characterized by a distinctly working-class charm. Two of the neighborhood's oldest landmarks, the Drake Hotel and the Gladstone Hotel, are situated on Queen Street West. Both hotels have undergone dramatic restoration and refurbishment and now stand as prominent pillars in the revitalized West Queen West neighborhood.
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North: Queen Street W
East: Bathurst Street
South: Adelaide Street W
West: Dufferin Avenue
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West Queen West features a mix of home styles that reflect its diverse history and ongoing urban renewal. Throughout the neighbourhood you can find late 19th century Victorian row houses, lofts and converted industrial buildings, and contemporary boutique condo buildings. Overall, the eclectic mix of home styles in West Queen West contributes to its dynamic and sought-after residential character, attracting a diverse community of residents.
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K-6
Givins/Shaw Junior Public School
K-8
Alexander Muir/Gladstone Avenue Junior and Senior Public School
Grade 9-12
Parkdale Collegiate Institute
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West Queen West is known for its colorful murals, which adorn many building facades and laneways. Artists from around the world, as well as local talents, have contributed to the area's artistic landscape, making it a hub for urban art enthusiasts and photographers.
