Canada

“This post contains affiliate links, I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my link“.  New Promo: Save 15% when you book a stay on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, Book between 10/7-11/4 and Stay thru 01/31’25 (USA & Canada – Select Hotels Only). Recently, my back-home friends and relatives moved to Toronto (outside of the GTA) and wanted to explore the immensely beautiful downtown area. Learning about their curiosity, I decided to write this post and came up with the 12 best places to stop and hang out on West Queen West. I am familiar with many of these spots and often revisit when I’m back in this neighborhood. West Queen West West Queen West is one of Toronto’s remaining authentic neighborhoods, with tons of character and charm. When I used to live in this eclectic neighborhood, I fell in love it with it, so I always make time to return when I’m back in Toronto. Perfect for both business and budget travelers looking for a quiet space in one of Toronto’s “hottest” neighborhoods chock full of restaurants and cafés. Vogue Magazine voted this the best neighborhood in the world for its eclectic shops and spacious and unique patios overlooking the city skyline. You’re also just a few minutes walks to the city’s trendiest shopping, galleries, dining, and nightlife. If you’re coming from West GTA, take the Gardiner expressway, you can make a stop at Sunnyside park and the beach on Lake Shore West. From here, you will get the first glimpse of Queen West as you cross Roncesvalles avenue into Parkdale. This street runs all the way to the Eaton Centre Mall at Younge street, so there’s quite a lot to take in. This route will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds, starting with the beach park with nature paths and water adventures such as kayaking while also taking you past the high park and into the heart of the neighborhood with its relaxed vibe and urban setting. Save some notes on transit, transportation, and parking: Transportation: on-site private parking is available on the street.Transit Notes:Lansdowne Bus (North/South) short ride to Lansdowne Subway Station/ GO Station and the UP Express (or 5-minute taxi/uber to UP Express)Quick Car access to Gardiner Expressway and other major HighwaysTransit and exceptional walkability to neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles, College West, Dundas West, Queen West, and Parkdale.Bike-Share Toronto and TTC are just steps away wherever you live on West Queen West.Bike Share Toronto offers 24/7 convenient access to 7,185 bikes and 630 stations across the city. Download the app, grab a bike and ride! To make life easier, I’ve included 12 ‘stops’ that are worth visiting across the entire stretch of Queen West, regardless of what you’re interested in. 1. Dosa Mahal Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or not, you’ll enjoy eating at Dosa Mahal Place. Their Queen location focuses on fresh ingredients with authentic flavors, and some inspired dishes include Steamed Rice and Lentil Patty, chickpea flour pakora, and spinach lentil soups. They’ve got some unique vegan and gluten-free dishes, like eggplant tomato curry, and special personal meals for groups of five or more. Their spot is on Roncesvalles/Queen, is easy to access, and is Instagrammable if you’re searching for Instagram-worthy restaurants to eat at! Dosa Mahal, 9 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2K2, (647) 341-8553 2. Paddler, Boat Noodles in Parkdale The intersection at Queen and Landsdowne is residential, with decent rental units if you are on a budget and want to stay close the action. Paddler Thai Boat Noodles in Parkdale is one of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto, and their restaurant has been a fave of ex-pats for years! They are located in the Parkdale neighborhood on Queen West, where you can enjoy everything from their Khao Tom to Green Curry. While their menu is delicious and has a wide variety of items, their boat dry noodles are the best. You can also mix it up with curries, desserts, and a few sides as well. Paddler Thai, 1710 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B3, (416) 672-0311 3. Vegan Danish Café on Queen If you stay in Parkdale or near Lansdowne, this Vegan Danish Café is worth checking out. It’s one of my go-to spots to eat in Toronto. They have created a unique menu and a cozy atmosphere, so get a table for two and settle into this small café. Also known for its delicious vegan eats and Christmas blend hot cocoa, the portions are decent here, even though it’s a little pricey. Vegan Danish, 1312 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4, (647) 352-1312 4. The Darek Hotel and Café – Small Boutique Hotel There’s only one 3-star boutique hotel on Queen west, The Drake Hotel. While there is another boutique hotel, the Gladstone, down the street, it’s more of a dated building than a modern contemporary space. Even if you’re staying at a rental or a different hotel, The Drake warrants a visit for an afternoon coffee or supper at the Darek café and bar & restaurant. Everything on their food menu is also in an affordable price range, including their mushroom pappardelle and Drake burger. Their drink menu is massive, with plenty of cocktail options, though it is a bit pricy (which balances out with plenty of food options). The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3, (416) 531-5042 5. Mabel’s Bakery Mabel’s is one of Toronto’s best homestyle-based and handcrafted artisan bakeries, and they serve up amazing mouth-watering cakes, pies, cookies, bars, artisan bread, and prepared specialty food options. I always get the blueberry pie and huge brioche in my good-to-go order. Their Roncy Queen West location is the OG spot, but they’ve now got three more locations across the city! Mabel’s, 1156 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J5, (647) 748-4700 6. Mofer Coffee – Birthplace of Coffee Can’t get enough of coffee? You can enjoy this Ethiopian store, a newly opened high ceiling café