Torontonians have always known that the West Queen West neighbourhood is cool and hip and incredibly artsy. Now the whole world knows about West Queen West thanks to a recent Vogue article that identifies the West Queen West neighbourhood as the second coolest neighbourhood in the world. How cool is that! 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. Many of the rooming houses and multi-unit homes in the Annex have recently been converted back to single family houses reflecting the return to prominence of this historic Toronto neighbourhood. History

In the late 1800s West Queen West emerged as a Pacific Railway Hub on the outskirts of the Village of Parkdale. This location was beyond the City limits and had a decidedly working class charm. Two of the oldest neighbourhood landmarks are the Drake Hotel and The Gladstone Hotel which are both situated on Queen Street West. These hotels have been dramatically restored and refurbished and today both hotels are prominent pillars in the revitalized West Queen West neighbourhood.

Lifestyle

West Queen West reflects the young demographic of the neighbourhood. You will find an eclectic retail mix on Queen Street West including fashion boutiques, interior design and furniture shops, antique and vinate stores and a vast array of restaurants reflecting Toronto's multicultural diversity.

Recreation

Trinity-Bellwoods Park is located just to the east of West Queen West north off of Queen Street. There is something going on most weekends in good weather, and enjoyed by neighbouring residence from near and far. The park's facilities include a children's playground, a wading pool, sports fields, a baseball diamond, and four tennis courts. There is also an artificial ice rink that is used for pleasure skating, permit hockey, shinny hockey, women's and girl's ice hockey, and a hockey school. The Trinity Community Recreation Centre at 155 Crawford Street, has an indoor pool, a gymnasium, a track, and a weight room.