Queen Street West

By Gayle Kiss, SLA Toronto Chapter

Recently re-named the "Art & Design District", Queen St. West, bordered by Bathurst Street and Shaw Street is well worth visiting during your stay in the city. The area is an eclectic mix of trendy clothing boutiques, unique restaurants and art galleries. The neighbourhood is rapidly changing and every week different stores or restaurants appear in this neighbourhood that is quickly gentrifying. Factories are giving way to loft and condominium developments. Many yoga studios seen from the strip.

One feature along the strip is Trinity-Bellwoods Park with the original gates from the 1880's when Trinity College, now part of the University of Toronto, called this land its home. See the now-paved horse carriage trail that wound around the main building, torn down in 1925. The park is also home to a bandstand and outdoor theatre in addition to the baseball diamonds, hockey rink and tennis courts.

The shopping is another neighbourhood draw. Trendy clothing in boutiques such as Seveneighty, Psyche or Girl Friday will certainly provide plenty of choice for those who like to dress hip. Most selections are originals by local designers that can't be found elsewhere. You won't find shoes like the ones at Heel Boy and at those prices you will have to stop in. People come from all around for unique and high quality yoga and fitness fashions at Canadian-made Lululemon. There is fabulous jewelry at Experimetal, just a few doors down. If you are looking for something more conservative for the office, stop into David Finlay. It might be hard to take home with you but the furniture and home décor stores are also a treat. Stop into Urban Barn or Pavillion and see how Canadian designers can fit into your home.

Restaurants reflect the eclectic mix of nationalities along the strip. Little Tibet has authentic Tibetan food and next door is Izmi for sushi. San provides Korean fare. Or try the wood-stove pizza at Terroni's. Vegetarians will delight in the Butler's Pantry and if you're looking for a good meal with some evening entertainment to follow, stop into Gypsy Co-op. Further down at Crawford St. is another vegetarian restaurant, Fresh on Crawford and at Shaw St, you will find Kei, a Malaysian restaurant operated by its owner who you will see cooking your meal in an exposed kitchen. Of course, Oyster Boy is a delight for those looking for your cuisine from below the water. Of course coffee shops like Starbucks and the Canadian Second Cup, can also be found. The Red Tea Box provides a great place to stop for lunch and they even serve tigh tea.

The neighbourhood is growing with art galleries that have reasonably priced art from local and international artists. If you collect art, this strip is not to be missed. Lipman Contemporary Art, just past the park, is one of my favourites!

Of course, this booming strip has much more to offer than written here. Just a short 15-minute walk north-west from the convention center, it is well worth the time for a visit.