Building a Community
Strengthening the City

Looking for a completely different experience than Toronto's traditional gay village? 

Queer West Village - Yours to Discover

---

The Inside Story is one of Queer Toronto's leading media publications, with the hottest happenings in the coolest places.

Travellers to Toronto can double their pleasure by exploring the cities second “gay village,”

By Bryen Dunn info@bryendunn.com bryendunn.com

Toronto is on the list of growing international cities that claim more than one "gay village". As most visitors believe, the Church Street Village (centred around Church and Wellesley streets) is Toronto's gay hub. However, the west end of the city has gradually carved out a place on the map, known locally as the "Queer West Village," or QWV.

There has been a significant queer presence in this area for several years, but it only recently it started gaining recognition as a viable gay alternative to the Church Street Village.

Queer West Toronto is more of an attitude than an identity—new and radical with a thriving underground gay scene. “I like the diversity here,” explains local Tom Riley, who has lived in the area for 10 years. “This is a fairly tolerant neighbourhood in terms of ethnicities. As for its attitude toward the gay community…I've had no adverse reactions.”

There are no purely gay bars in this part of town; instead there are mixed events and venues that provide a safe and welcoming place to party and be yourself. As well, there are several funky dining establishments and accommodation options so you can actually plan a full itinerary in QWT.

The annual Queer West Fest - is about cultural diversity as well as sexual diversity (diverse cité). A 10 day celebration running from Friday June 13 to Sunday June 22, 2008. Learn More

The Queen West strip (sometimes called “Queer West”) suddenly exploded with the arrival the ever-so-funky venue/hotel The Drake (1150 Queen W). The boutique concept rooms have been featured in magazines, on television and most recently on international flights.

The hip and happening migrate here nightly to be seen or to catch the hottest acts in the city. A cluster of other equally trendy venues soon opened in the vicinity, including The Beaconsfield (1154 Queen W), Lot 16 Bar (1136 Queen W) and the gay-owned Beaver Cafe (1192 Queen W).

The hipsters are now migrating even further west along Queen Street into the heart of Parkdale. This area is still gritty enough to provide an edge, yet hip enough for some gentrification to occur alongside traditional Parkdale establishments. It’s not uncommon to see same-sex couples strolling hand-in-hand without anyone skipping a beat. Michael Paré founder of the Gay West Community Network Inc. a not-for-profit organization, notes, "A foundation has been established. Slowly the new west-end queer community is coming together, one gay, lesbian and straight person at a time. Toronto's population is growing daily and the boundaries are moving outwards. It's not inconceivable that other gay villages will soon be founded." Paré has been instrumental in establishing the Queer West Village and has been a gay community activist in Toronto, for close to 30 years.

One of the most popular neighbourhoods in Queer West Toronto is Parkdale. Happening entertainment venues include the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen W), Stone’s Place (1255 Queen W) and Rhino (1249 Queen W), long-time mainstays of the area that continue to attract devotees to their premises. Last year “The Caddy” doubled its patio size, making it one of Toronto’s largest. Rhino also underwent a facelift and now sports new décor with changing art exhibits. As for Stone’s Place, it’s their eclectic and often gay events that make it interesting. across the street.

Further along is the discreet Café Taste (1330 Queen W). Not to be missed are the great affordable eats at Bacchus Roti (1376 Queen W), regularly voted as one of the best places in the city to buy a roti. Two recently opened establishments are Chino (1378 Queen W), offering Asian cuisine, and Mother India (1456 Queen W), with delectable Indian flavours.

For a quick pint be sure to stop by Not My Dog (1510 Queen St W), a tiny spot with a big attitude. This area is locally known as Little Tibet with the large Tibetan population adding character and flavour to the area, including Tibet Kitchen (1544 Queen W). Mezzrow’s (1598 Queen W) and Mitzi’s Sister (1554 Queen W) are two long-time watering holes that attract the neighbourhood night-owls. Mitzi’s is gay-owned and operated, and Mezzrow’s proudly displays a Pride sticker in their window.

Poor John’s Café (1610 Queen W) is a cozy little shop offering an assortment of baked goods, sandwiches and other delicacies all made onsite. There’s also free WIFI to keep you connected. Rice and Noodle (1690 Queen W) is a great stop for take out before heading down to the lake or over to High Park. Finally on the south side of Queen just before Roncesvalles is Easy Diner (1645 Queen W), around for quite some time and still attracting crowds, especially on weekends when there’s generally a line up. While you’re in this block, be sure to browse the multitude of antique shops. Twenty-something Jonathan who recently moved to the neighbourhood enjoys the alternative scene without the attitude. “I like being able to step outside my door and have options of where to go for queer happenings without having to make my way to the old Gay Village, which is so mundane anyway.”

There are several accommodation options in the area, including the swanky Old Mill Inn and Spa (21 Old Mill Rd) right on the Bloor subway line. This magnificent 59-room, 4-star hotel (circa 1793!) is a historic country retreat along the banks of the city’s Humber River. Those seeking something lighter on the pocketbook should check out Palmerston Inn B & B (322 Palmerston Blvd) or Toronto Townhouse (384 Clinton Avenue). There’s also the economical Travelodge Toronto Downtown West (621 King Street W) with free parking, Internet and breakfast. Day’s Inn (14 Roncesvalles Ave) has great views of Lake Ontario. Be sure to check out other places to stay in the Queer West, Toronto.

Queer West Toronto, Ontario is located along Queen St W., in High Park/Parkdale and Trinity Bellwoods, making this is one of the largest queer neighbourhoods in North America. Toronto's QWT boasts some of the most beautiful parkland and nature trails in the city. Although known mostly for its wild nightlife, there are dozens of bistros, boutiques, antique shops, galleries and book stores galore, mixed in with trendy cafés and restaurants providing the perfect meeting place to chill or hang out with friends. It’s a bohemian paradise with extraordinary ethnic diversity that offers gay visitors amazing cuisine, affordable prices, and dining among interesting, historic neighborhoods. Queer West - Photo Albums

IF YOU COME

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has service on nearly every major airline. Toronto is also severed by VIA Rail. As well, it’s within easy driving distance of many eastern Canadian and US centres. Over View of The City of Toronto, Ontario

EAT:

Beaver Café, 1192 Queen Street West, 416 537-2768 – Serving healthy creations during the day and providing queer entertainment at night. Complete meals for around $10.00. Check local listings for evening events

Easy Restaurant, 1645 Queen Street West, 416 537-4893 – A diner of sorts serving huge mouth watering portions. Their specialty is breakfast and located steps from the lakefront so you can walk it all off afterward. Complete meals for around $15.00. Licensed but not open in the evenings.

Mitzi’s Café and Mitzi’s Sister – the cozy Café in picture (100 Sorauren Avenue - 416 588-1234) is a haven for weekend brunch. Complete meals for around $15.00. The bigger Sister (1554 Queen Street West - 416 532-2570) offers an assortment of meals and is a hotbed for local evening entertainment. Serves upscale pub-grub with complete meals including beverage for around $20.00. There’s never a cover charge and both gay owned.

There are now over 70, safe friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurents, where owners, welcome all orientations.There have been no reports of gay bashings since 1978, in the QWT. For travel visitors, there are now over 500 queer events in theatres,cinemas, galleries, bars, cafes, restaurents and the community every day of the week, in Queer West Toronto, Ontario..

MARRIAGE:

It's official! At 6:09 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, the Equal Marriage Bill was proclaimed into law in Canada, making it legal for same-sex couples to exchange vows from coast to coast. Two years previously, the Province of Ontario, announced the legalization of same-sex marriage on July 12, 2002, and as a result hundreds of couples from around the world have come to Ontario and other regions of our province to legally exchange vows.

Marriage requirement for the Province of Ontario: Marriage licenses, valid anywhere in Ontario for three months from the date of issue, cost about $83 and are available from any municipal office in Ontario. Both parties must sign an application form and submit it in person, along with a passport or birth certificate and one other photo I.D. There are no residency or citizenship requirements, and a blood test is not required.

Same sex marriage information and requirements for Province of Ontario and City of Toronto, official government websites. Gay Weddings Toronto Inc. Wedding planners: traditional, contemporary and post-modern services. Telephone: 416 969 9191 Email: info@gayweddingstoronto.com | www.gayweddingstoronto.com/

Christos Metropolitan Community Church A friendly Christian church for all people, with a special outreach for the GLBT community for 18 years. Performs same-sex marriages. Contact :: Rev. Deana Frances Dudley, Pastor, Christos MCC Toronto, 427 Bloor St. W. Southside just west of Spadina, ChristosMCC@hotmail.com Phone (416) 435-1211 ChristosMCC.com The Annex neighbourhood

PLAY:

Crag Crux Climbers - Queer friendly, rock-climbing with 22,000 square of indoor walls. The group also meets outdoors at Milton area, the Collingwood area, Lion’s Head on the Bruce Peninsula. There’s generally a two trips down to the Red River Gorge, in Kentucky.

Gay West Bike Club – No membership required and tourists are welcome to participate in the monthly rides, including the annual Pride Ride - Bike Club and Yes Queer West has many more clubs and social groups

Java Knights a popular queer educational forum, guest speakers to sex workshops and everything in between.Learn More

Queer West Fest - is about cultural diversity as well as sexual diversity (diverse cité). A 10 day celebration running from Friday June 13 to Sunday June 22, 2008). Learn More

PRAY:

Christos Metropolitan Community Church A friendly Christian church for all people, with a special outreach for the GLBT community for 18 years. Worship services are held each Sunday at 7 pm. at Trinty-St.Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St. W. 416/925-7924 ChristosMCC.com The Annex neighbourhood

Shambhala Rainbow Meditation Group 416-588-6465. 670 Bloor Street West, 2nd floor, near Christie Street subway station. - A LGBT, questioning and two-spirited group at Shambhala Tibetan Buddhist Centre in The Annex neighbourhood

St. John's Anglican Church - 288 Humberside Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. Telephone: 416-763-2393 The parish of St. John's serves the neighbourhoods of historic West Toronto (Parkdale-High Park) including the Bloor West Village. St John's, is a church that welcomes and affirms gays and lesbians.

SLEEP:

Day’s Inn Toronto West Lakeshore, 14 Roncesvalles Ave, 416 532 9900, Rates from $74.00 to $169.00 depending on season. A five-minute walk to Sunnyside Beach at Lake Ontario, and includes breakfast. daysinn.ca

Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W, 416 531 5042, 19 rooms. Choosen by Travel and Leisure Magazine is one of the world's top 500 hotels in 2006. Rates from $179.00 to $289.00 for individually artist designed rooms. Choose based on your mood swings at check-in time. thedrakehotel.ca

Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W, 416 531 4635 - Built in 1889. Local artists have designed each of the 37 guest rooms, which span a wide range of aesthetic styles and features. Rates from $165.00 to $425.00 for a gorgeous top floor two-level corner suite with a panoramic view. gladstonehotel.com

The Old Mill Inn & Spa, 21 Old Mill Road, 416 236 2641. In 1793 the Kings Mill - the forerunner to todays Old Mill - was built in order to process lumber for the first homes in Toronto. Rates from $219.00 to $659.00 depending on season. A classic addition to the historic Old Mill Restaurant, Meeting and Conference facility.On the banks of the Humber River. Right on the Bloor Subway line. This exclusive Boutique Inn incorporates, 59 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, together with a pampering Spa. oldmilltoronto.com

Young Man - Global Village Backpackers Youth Hostel is the place you should go. Young man, there's no need to feel down. You can get yourself clean. You can have a good meal. You can nap whenever you feel. Cost: $24.50 (dorm); $150.00 (weekly dorm rate); $27.50 (quad dorm); $69.50 (private room) Queer West Toronto's Original and Largest Backpackers Hostel offers the ultimate Downtown Experience in the heart of Canada's most vibrant city! Now GVB is your home in Toronto, and the perfect hub for independent youth and student travellers. Global Village Backpackers, just steps away from all Toronto's top tourist attractions and Queer West's Entertainment District. Facilities include 24 hr reception, Free breakfast, Free wireless internet, huge common areas, self-serve kitchen, laundry, daily tours, stunning outdoor patio and Toronto's only in-house Backpackers Departure Lounge, a fun place to hang. GBV .460 King Street West, at Spadina.Tel: (416) 703-8540 Fax: (416) 703-3887 Tollfree: 1 (888) 844-7875 Website: www.globalbackpackers.com

VOICES & TESTIMONIALS:

orbitz.com - ORBITZ (America's leading online Travel Company) "New areas Gay Toronto, like the Queer West Village in Parkdale and "Queer Street West" -- as a section of Queen Street West, is now dubbed -- have blossomed into queer maturity. There's a fairly good women's scene here compared to other cities in North America."

National Geographic, 400 page book: Journeys of a Lifetime (500 of the World's Greatest Trips) included the Toronto Transit Commisson (TTC) Queen streetcar, the 501 as one of the, top 10 trolley routes in the world. The 501 runs through the heart of the Queer West Village, from Roncesvalle to Spadina. It's best way to see a city, from an insider's perspective."

DUANNE BOOTH, Editor-in-Chief - About Magazine "One of the most wonderful achievements from years of fighting for acceptance and tolerance in society is that in almost any major community, and in many smaller communities as well, gay people can live relatively openly almost anywhere they choose and need not necessarily fear for their safety or be made to feel unwelcome. We’re no longer limited to a few city blocks in which to call home." (Editorial November, 2006, Buffalo & Toronto issue in PDF Format)

SHAUN PROULX - Co-Founder + editor, Gay Guide Toronto "In recent years we've witnessed what some would call the demise of Toronto's vibrant gaybourhood as we once knew it. The Church / Wellesley scene has quietened. Canada's largest GLBT population is no longer centered there, but splintered into different neighbourhoods and sub-scenes, and many once-iconic gay businesses up and down Church Street have been or are being replaced with condos, American clothing chains, cell phone providers and food franchises. "

STEVEN BEREZNAI, former editor-in-chief, Toronto fab Magazine . "We've got tons of events happening outside of the old village. People (elsewhere) are pushing the edge in terms of new events," Bereznai said, citing "queer alternative" happenings in the city's west end.

CANADIAN TOURISM COMMISSION. "GLBT communities flourish across the city, giving rise to Toronto's alternative Queer West Village, located in the city's west end. Here you'll find plenty of queer-geared nightspots, coffee houses, bars, boutiques, and galleries where mixed crowds meet and mingle in a "live and let love" atmosphere. You'll also find plenty of city parks and nature trails in the area." gay.canada.travel/us/central_toronto.php and "Venture from the city’s core and take in some of Toronto’s other flourishing GLBT communities. Located in the city’s west end, Queer West Village is hip and youthful with a “live and let love” atmosphere where people of every stripe come to meet, mix and, of course, love gay.canada.travel/us/CTC_Gay_Niche_Mag_1_rev7_may2.pdf

TORONTO TOURISM "Queer West area is located on Queen Street (really!) and is full of vibrant bistros and cafes. The Drake is a popular meeting place with an eclectic menu and an even more eclectic crowd of regulars. Across the street, the Beaconsfield is a busy bar/restaurant with ambitious dishes like their famous lobster ravioli. And a little more east is Swan, a funky ‘50s diner turned bistro with a menu that changes daily." torontotourism.com

PROVINCE OF ONTARION TOURISM "Queer west, Toronto, one of the city's newest GLBT communities is a gay friendly neighbourhood of trendy shopping and cafes, historic centres, city parks, and so much more to discover."

Out in Canada (2007) OIC is Canada’s major gay travel magazine: "Toronto: Double Trouble" With two gay villages, Toronto’s a great place to visit. Bryen Dunn gives the lowdown on the city’s alternative, Queer West Toronto.

(Quebec Gay Tourism, (March 2007 Newsletter) "Recently rebounding from years of neglect, Queen Street West is now a thriving, trendy neighbourhood. So hip in fact, that it has been dubbed Queer West to mark the tolerance and openness shared by its residents. Over the last 10 years, the neighbourhood has been revitalized with the arrival of bars, galeries and boutiques and is today widely considered as Toronto's second gay village. The QWT - as the locals call it - is also home to "culture hotels", institutions not found elsewhere in the country. These hotels feature artist-designed hotel rooms, event venues, restaurants and exhibition spaces to showcase art!" www.outtravel.ca/newsletter/0703.html

Toronto - fab Magazine Interview by Rolyan Chambers, Deep Dish reporter for fab magazine, May 3rd, 2007 At Gladstone Hotel's Hump Day Bump event: Fritz Helder of The Phantoms was outside smoking a Marlboro. It’s interesting to see more and more old) ghetto boys making the trek out west(QWT) as well. “I used to work at Zelda’s for five years,” Mathew admitted. “I’m glad I live and party here now. And there are some really hot guys in this area too…but don’t tell anyone.” Oops…too late. (fab Magazine covers Toronto's gay scene.)

Out Traveler ( 2007) a division of PlanetOut Publishing Inc. an American gay travel magazine These days the Gay West in Parkdale and "Queer Street West," as a section of Queen Street is now dubbed, Sizzle!

VIDEO TOUR:

Video Tours of Gay Toronto's - Queer West neighbourhoods. Toronto's queer west end, is not so much a part of the city as a collection of small villages. Parkdale in the heart of Queer West Toronto, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city dating back to 1879. Vlog of Parkdale Running through the village is a beat driven queer street which, defies the ordinary Canadian stereotype with its live lingerie models and progressive music scene Vlog of - Queen Street West

In the 1920's, Kensington was know as the Jewish Market. Today, you can sense the city's funky, multicultural mix in shops packed with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia. Vlog of Kensington Market No other neighborhood has quite as much charm as The Annex in Toronto. Unique shops and abundant ethnic restaurants reflect its artsy, diverse population. Vlog of the Annex Part of Toronto's queer west end includes the, quintessential Chinatown that rivals all other chinatowns around North America. Vlog of Chinatown Liberty Village in Parkdale, has become a haven for artists, actors and other madly creative types. Vlog of Liberty Village [ Videos courtesy of turnhere.com]

Zoom Queer West Toronto Map

Village Location: Roncesvalles Avenue to Bathurst and College St W. to King Street. The heart of Queer West is in Parkdale.

Next time you’re planning to visit Toronto Ontario, be sure to include the Queer West Toronto on your list of things to do. "We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re waiting for you!"

Gay West Site Map