Cathy Merritt“Diverse” is the best way to describe Toronto’s West End. Covering a vast swath of the city, this neighborhood includes ethnic enclaves and residential areas inhabited by immigrants from all over the world.
The same adjective can be used to describe the different attractions here. Green spaces are abundant in the area, and you can also find quirky shops and charming restaurants, especially in Little Italy and Ossington Village.
To enjoy your time in Toronto’s West End, here’s a helpful guide to the neighborhood!
- Where is Toronto’s West End?
- What is the main street in Toronto’s West End?
- How to Get to Toronto’s West End
- Best Time to Go to Toronto’s West End
- What to Do and See in Toronto’s West End
- Where to Eat and Drink in Toronto’s West End
- Where to Shop in Toronto’s West End
- Where to Stay in Toronto’s West End
- FAQ
Where is Toronto’s West End?
Toronto’s West End is roughly bounded by Bathurst Street to the east, St. Clair Avenue to the north, the Humber River to the west, and Lake Ontario to the south.
What is the main street in Toronto’s West End?
There are many streets that span the West End, and one of the major ones is Queen Street West. This street is known for its trendy bars and lounges, ultra-hip shops, and fancy hotels.
Another main street of the neighborhood is College Street, which takes you through Little Italy. Dundas Street West and Bloor Street West are also popular streets since these pass through notable areas like Little Portugal and The Junction.
How to Get to Toronto’s West End
By subway: If you prefer commuting via the subway, Bloor-Danforth Subway Line 2 serves the West End. The major transit hub is the Dundas West Station, which also has sections for streetcars, buses, and GO Transit commuter trains.
By bus: Bus 63 will take you along Ossington Avenue, while Bus 29 travels along Dufferin Street. Bus 47 is also a good choice because it serves Lansdowne Station on Bloor-Danforth Subway Line 2.
By car: Bloor Street, Dundas Street, and Queen Street are the best streets to drive along in the West End because they seamlessly connect to other parts of the city.
Best Time to Go to Toronto’s West End
While the West End is a perfect destination for no matter the month of the year, I highly recommend coming here during the summer. This is because there are many fun events during this season—from food festivals to music festivals!
Two such events you can look forward to are Summerlicious (a food festival where participating restaurants offer limited prix fixe meals) and Do West Fest (a get-together celebrating music, art, food, and culture in Little Portugal).
What to Do and See in Toronto’s West End
Enjoy a lovely stroll at High Park
– From: highpark_official
Address: 1873 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163380338
High Park is the most popular park in the West End, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing yet fun experience. I recommend having a picnic on the beautiful lakefront because not only will you get peace, but you’ll also enjoy a gorgeous view.
Strolling is also a must in this park. You can find many hiking trails that will bring you up close to the park’s diverse flora and fauna, and you might also find yourself in the zoo with adorable animals that your children (if you have any) will squeal over!
Stop by Colborne Lodge
– From: tohistorymuseums
Address: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163926916
Technically, Colborne Lodge is located within High Park, but since it’s a memorable landmark on its own, I have to dedicate a separate section for it.
This lakeside cottage used to be the home of two painters, but now it serves as a museum. Here, you can find the owners’ art collections, architectural drawings, and inventions. It’s such a cool inside look at their eccentric lives!
If you’re a supernatural fan, you might be interested to learn about the reported hauntings here. Just ask the lodge’s guide about them!
Pretend to be nobility at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
– From: medievaltimestoronto
Address: 10 Dufferin St
Contact Number: +18889356878
Is it a dining spot or a theatrical performance? Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is actually both, and it’s one that you should definitely experience while in the West End!
Essentially, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to medieval times because you’ll be watching “knights” fighting—with swords, horses, and armor—while enjoying a four-course meal that includes roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, and more.
Even the setting is a castle! As such, it’s hard not to feel like royalty when coming here.
Check out artistic masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art
– From: mocatoronto
Address: 158 Sterling Rd #100
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
- Friday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165302500
If you’re a big fan of art, then the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a must-visit. What I love about this landmark is that it’s both a museum and an art gallery, so you get to learn a bit of art history while also enjoying the artwork pieces on display.
MOCA mostly features Canadian artists, but there are also entries from international artists. Of course, limited-time exhibits are also available here, and you should check out as many as possible because you don’t know if they’ll stop being on display.
Where to Eat and Drink in Toronto’s West End
Dil Se Indian Restaurant and Bar
Address: 335 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165346344
Pricing: $$
If authentic Indian cuisine is what you seek, then you should head to Dil Se Indian Restaurant and Bar. The best part is that this restaurant is halal and has vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone is welcome here!
You can’t go wrong with the butter chicken because it’s just so indulgent. Pair that with butter naan, and now you have the ultimate comfort meal! If you want something more filling, you can order the lamb biryani, which already comes with a bowl of basmati rice.
Mamakas Taverna
– From: mamakastaverna
Address: 80 Ossington Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5:30 to 10 pm
- Friday—5 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165195996
Pricing: $$$
At Mamakas Taverna, you’ll feel like you’re in Greece yourself—from the lovely interior to the mouthwatering rustic Aegean dishes!
Treat yourself to the Laimós Arnioú, which is a 24-hour roast Ontario lamb neck that’s been marinated in sage and rosemary. It tastes herby and salty—with a bit of char—and the meat is just so tender that it practically melts on your tongue.
Complete your meal with an alcoholic beverage! This restaurant has many options for cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits.
Cafe Diplomatico and Restaurant
– From: cafedip
Address: 594 College St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165344637
Pricing: $$
Pasta and pizza always hit the spot no matter what, and if you’re craving either (or both) of them, then you’ll like Cafe Diplomatico and Restaurant.
My ultimate pasta recommendation is the Pasta alla Pescatora because the white wine-tomato sauce is sweet and tangy and meshes well with the delicate seafood. Pasta al Forno is also great, and it tastes earthy because of all the mushrooms.
For pizza, you should get one with gourmet toppings (e.g., goat cheese, spicy cacciatore sausage, Moroccan black pitted olives, and prosciutto) because they offer such interesting flavor combinations (e.g., earthy, creamy, and spicy).
Cafe Polonez
– From: cafepolonez
Address: 195 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165328432
Pricing: $$
Polish cuisine is hard to find in Toronto, but fortunately, there’s Cafe Polonez. This restaurant serves Polish dishes that somehow taste like a warm hug.
One of the standout dishes is the beetroot soup with dumplings, which is what I tend to get as an appetizer. The striking red of the soup always fascinates me, and I love biting every dumpling because I always get an explosion of tender savoriness.
For the main dish, go for any of the Polish classics, such as the Hunter’s Stew. It’s slow-cooked sauerkraut with sausage and pork, and it tastes so good when paired with rye bread.
Barque Smokehouse
– From: barquebbq
Address: 299 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165327700
Pricing: $$
Barque Smokehouse isn’t the place to go if you’re on a diet. You should come to this restaurant to treat yourself to a feast, preferably with other people!
I recommend getting the Meet Meat Platter because it’s loaded with so many things, such as half-pound smoked brisket, a full rack of baby back ribs, smoked sausages, and chopped BBQ pork. This platter is enough to feed up to six people!
A BBQ feast isn’t complete without drinks, so be sure to order bottles of beer for everyone.
Karahi Boys
– From: karahiboys
Address: 741 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—1 pm to 12 am
- Tuesday—4 to 11:30 pm
- Friday—1 pm to 3 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 3 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165197355
Pricing: $$
Karahi Boys is one of the most popular halal restaurants in Canada. In fact, there are now eight locations in the country, and one of them is in Toronto’s West End!
This restaurant serves authentic Pakistani cuisine. You should try the Behari Boti Karahi, which is one of the specialty dishes here. The beef (behari boti) is tender and has a nice char, and the sauce is tangy, spicy, and a little bit acidic.
Burdock Brewery
– From: burdockbrewery
Address: 1184 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14165464033
Pricing: $$
If you’re just looking for a chill time with your loved ones, then you might want to check out Burdock Brewery. This bar offers a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, and there’s also live music available, so you can also find new artists to support!
In addition to beers from local breweries, this shop also offers a wide variety of comfort food. You might want to get a cheeseburger and fries to go with your drink, or if you want something more filling, order the steak frites instead.
The Swan: A Firkin Pub
– From: firkinpubs
Address: 2205 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14167679222
Pricing: $$
Firkin Pubs are a dime a dozen in Toronto, and if you’re in the mood for some revelry with the locals, The Swan is a great option in Toronto’s West End.
You should treat yourself to any of the pub faves because they’re so hearty and comforting. Fish and chips is a classic, but I’m personally fond of the steak and ale pie. The meat filling is so tender and savory, and the mashed potato is so creamy.
For your drink, you’ll be delighted to know there are several beers available on tap. Some are from local breweries, while others are imported.
Civil Liberties
– From: civilbto
Address: 878 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165465634
Pricing: $$
Civil Liberties is a bar with an air of mystery. Its exterior is pretty simple and doesn’t attract the eye, but the moment you step inside, you find yourself in a lively crowd of people.
Cocktails are the specialty here, so be sure to try a few. I recommend the Sherry Cobbler, which somehow tastes like a Christmas drink because of the cinnamon and orange bitters.
While there are no big meals here, there are small snacks. You can pair your drink with a basic hummus and chips. The hummus has a nice sour tang and kick of heat.
Get Well
– From: getwellbar
Address: 1181 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473512337
Pricing: $
What makes Get Well stand out is that it’s not just any bar—it’s an arcade as well! In other words, you can play classic arcade games like Centipede, Dig Dug, and Donkey Kong while chugging down a drink with friends.
Aside from beers on tap and other alcoholic beverages, this bar also has pizza. You should get The Great Cornholio, which somehow tastes refreshing because it pairs mozzarella with corn, brined red onions, and cilantro lime crema.
Where to Shop in Toronto’s West End
Stackt Market
– From: stacktmarket
Address: 28 Bathurst St
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—9 am to 11 pm
Stackt Market is a fascinating tourist destination in its own right. It’s designed entirely out of shipping containers—who isn’t going to be intrigued by that?
The amazing thing about this market is there are so many stalls to check out. There’s one that’s selling cute roller skates and accessories and another one with spa products like soaps and candles.
Of course, this place is also overflowing with food and drinks. Treat yourself to juicy burgers and sweet, chewy cookies. To quench your first, stop by any of the microbreweries and order a pint of local beer.
Doll Factory by Damzels
– From: dollfactorybydamzels and wizz_bang_
Address: 394 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 7 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165333232
Doll Factory by Damzels is filled with bold and flamboyant clothes and accessories, so fashionistas, especially those who love making a statement with their outfits, will love browsing this shop.
I’m quite fond of their “Dressier Dresses,” which are essentially maxi dresses with eye-catching designs. I also love that the shop has dresses with pockets, and I know my fellow women will feel the same.
In terms of accessories, you might like the hats and hairbands here. They’re so vibrant (some are even sparkly) and will definitely attract attention from others!
Lilliput Hats
– From: lilliputhats
Address: 462 College St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14165365933
Lilliput Hats is another popular store that fashion lovers must visit. This is especially true if you’re a fan of big, flamboyant hats!
It’s so fun exploring this shop because the hats are so extravagant in design. For example, there are hats with giant bows that make you look like a walking Christmas gift, and others with mesh nets as veils or giant feathers sticking up!
The best part is that there are hats for all genders, and the ones for men are just as creative and outlandish.
Hanji Gifts
– From: candelacanada.ca and hanjigifts
Address: 619 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16473492095
Whether you’re a tourist looking for unique souvenirs to bring home or a local who just wants a lovely gift for yourself (or a loved one), Hanji Gifts is a must-visit. This tiny shop is oozing with charm, and you can see that in the items on display!
In particular, this shop will appeal to crafty and journal-loving people. There are so many stationery items here, such as notebooks, stickers, sticky notes, washi tape, and more!
Aside from stationery stuff, you can find other products like ceramics, candles, and magnets. There’s even an impressive selection of tea here!
EweKnit and Craft
– From: eweknitto and laine_magazine
Address: 832 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165304438
If you’re a big fan of knitted sweaters, then you should stop by EweKnit and Craft. This shop sells many handcrafted clothing items, and they all feel so soft and look so simple yet elegant!
You can also find supplies here if you’re interested in learning how to knit, embroider, crochet, and sew. There are books to get you started on your journey as well as a wide selection of needles, yarns, and threads.
Cheese Boutique
– From: cheese_boutique
Address: 45 Ripley Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14167626292
Cheese Boutique is undoubtedly a paradise for cheese lovers since it’s stocked with a wide array of cheeses. But more than that, this shop also offers many kinds of meat and other treats, so you can create your very own cheese board!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all your options, you can get any of the cheese kits. These kits already come with the latest cheese and cured meats—chosen by the staff. You can also choose to purchase a wine bottle to complete the charcuterie experience.
Where to Stay in Toronto’s West End
The Drake Hotel
– From: thedrakehotel
Address: 1150 Queen St W
Contact Number: +14165315042
Pricing: $$
Funnily enough, I mostly associate The Drake Hotel with brunch and afternoon tea, but it’s a hotel first and foremost. It’s a wonderful hotel, too—very modern and colorful—so I always recommend it to tourists.
What’s great about this hotel is that the rooms look like works of art; some have a timeless feel, while others sport a contemporary design. Guests can also enjoy many perks, including complimentary yoga and access to cultural events and art exhibits!
Gladstone House
– From: glastonehouseto
Address: 1214 Queen St W
Contact Number: +14165314635
Pricing: $$
Another gorgeous hotel to stay at in Toronto is Gladstone House. This boutique hotel has been featured in Michelins’ Toronto Hotel Guide and for good reason; the bold design choices and exemplary customer service are sure to lure guests in!
Each room is unique in terms of appearance, so you’re in for a surprise when you come here. As for perks, there are plenty for you to enjoy. Some great examples include access to the gym, art studio, and Graydon skincare and bath products.
Ode
– From: ode_toronto
Address: 1417 Dundas St W
Pricing: $$
Just like Gladstone House, Ode’s rooms all have their own theme, furniture, and custom art made by local artists. So, no matter how many times you stay in this boutique hotel, it’s likely that you won’t encounter the same theme twice.
But while the rooms are lovely and well-equipped, the main selling point of this hotel is the rooftop. The rooftop boasts a spacious space with colorful walls. As such, many guests come here every day to do yoga, enjoy the sunrise, or take pictures for social media.
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection
– From: hotelxtoronto
Address: 111 Princes’ Blvd
Contact Number: +16479439300
Pricing: $$$
Do you want a luxurious stay in the West End? Then, you should book a room at the Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection!
This hotel actually feels more like a resort because it offers a wealth of amenities. Aside from the fully furnished rooms, you also have access to fast internet and a fitness center.
There’s also a rooftop swimming pool that’s available and heated all year round! If you’re looking for other things to do, you can watch a movie in the screening room or get lost in a book in the library.
1 Hotel Toronto
Address: 550 Wellington St W
Contact Number: +14166407778
Pricing: $$$
The moment you step foot inside 1 Hotel Toronto, you’ll forget that you’re in a bustling city. Instead, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a woodsy paradise!
This hotel is decked with plants, wooden architecture, and earthy colors. It also boasts gorgeous views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. Because of this, your stay will most likely be a serene one.
Aside from the lovely rooms, there are many fun things to do in this hotel. You can splash around in the pool, work out in the gym, or even go on excursions using the hotel’s fancy Audi e-tron cars!
