West End Toronto

Toronto's west end is where the city gets interesting. Away from the downtown landmarks, a run of distinct and deeply individual neighbourhoods unfolds along Queen Street West and the streets that branch from it, and your private expert guide and separate luxury SUV chauffeur take you through the best of them.

Queen Street West opens the tour: the original home of Toronto's alternative culture, now a mix of independent galleries, vintage shops and design studios. Your guide brings its history to life, from the art scene of the 1970s and 80s and the music venues that defined a generation to the pull between creative identity and commercial pressure. Ossington Avenue follows, a strip of independent bars, restaurants and boutiques with an energy entirely its own, then Trinity Bellwoods Park, the west end's living room.

The Junction adds industrial heritage, its former factories and warehouses now home to craft breweries, art studios and independent businesses. Time permitting, your guide closes with a few of the streets, shops and corners that only locals know.