West Queen West — the stretch of Queen Street West from Bathurst Street roughly to Dufferin — is Toronto's primary arts and design neighbourhood. The area developed in the early 2000s after artists colonised the former garment and textile factories; galleries, studios, and independent shops followed, and the neighbourhood has been designated as one of the world's coolest streets by Vogue multiple times.
The Drake Hotel and Gladstone Hotel, both renovated in the early 2000s, anchor the social scene at the eastern end and have helped sustain the neighbourhood's art credentials. The area between them and Dufferin has the highest concentration of independent clothing boutiques, vintage shops, and contemporary art galleries in the city.
Trinity Bellwoods Park, just south of Queen West, is one of Toronto's most beloved parks and serves as the neighbourhood's living room in summer. Farmers' markets, pickup sports games, and elaborate picnics fill it on weekends from May through September.