Queen Street West, Toronto’s trendiest street

A short walk away from the Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, Queen Street West, between Barthurst and Dufferin, is considered by many to be the coolest street in Toronto.

Located in a neighborhood filled with local designer boutiques, third wave coffee shops, art galleries and museums, this section of the street may well show you a side of Toronto you never knew.

Queen Street West feels slightly British with its colorful houses, oversized signs and its independent boutiques. You will feel somewhere in between the punk atmosphere of Camden Town and the retro charm of Portobello Road.

First stop: Graffiti Alley. The alleyways of Queen Street West, Augusta Avenue, Richmond Street West and Spadina Avenue are decorated with murals and eccentric street art. There are always dozens of people looking for the perfect selfie.

As you carry on with your walk, stop by one of the lovely cafes to grab a drink to sip on while strolling. The London Fog at Café 23 (728 Queen Street West) is delicious or, on a hot day, opt for Jimmy’s Coffee’s cold brew (15, Ossington Avenue).

If you are in the mood for shopping, stop by Coal Miner’s Daughter (744, Queen Street West), Lavish&Squalor x Merchants General (253, Queen Street West) or Mama Loves You Vintage (541, Queen Street West). You will find unique pieces created by local designers, vintage clothing and natural beauty products.

There are also larger names like Anthropologie, Frank & Oak, Aesop, Deciem and Oak + Fort, for example.

After your shopping spree, head over to the pretty Type Books (833. Queen Street West) to find a good book and read it in the beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park, located across the street.