One of Toronto’s favourite neighbourhoods has earned yet another badge of honour, taking the top spot as the city’s undisputed epicentre of cool.
Global travel publication Brooklyn Of, which highlights the trendiest and most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods in more than 150 cities around the world, has officially named West Queen West as the “Brooklyn of Toronto.”
Using “Brooklyn” as a metaphor for creative energy, independent shops, and thriving nightlife, the publication selected the West End neighbourhood over other iconic Toronto spots, with Kensington Market and Davenport finishing as runner-ups.
“The Ossington strip packs over 30 independent bars and restaurants into a single 600-metre stretch between Queen and Dundas,” reads the article.
Spanning the stretch of Queen Street West between Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue, the area was celebrated for its rare blend of walkability and density. The guide praised the neighbourhood’s ability to seamlessly deliver everything from morning coffee to last call, highlighting local staples like Type Books, Gladstone House, The Drake Hotel, and world-class cocktail bars like BarChef and Mother.
At the core of the neighborhood’s charm sits Trinity Bellwoods Park, the ultimate summer gathering hub for locals. Combined with colourful street art, vintage boutiques, and an endless array dining options, West Queen West proves once again why it remains one of Toronto’s most unbeatable cultural hotspots.
You can read the full ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in North America here.
