If you want to live close to the action and experience everything Toronto has to offer, King West is a neighbourhood you’ll love. Bordered by Dufferin, University, Adelaide and Front, this area checks all the boxes for urban living: fantastic dining and nightlife, stellar shopping, dog-friendly parks and green spaces, easy transit options and unbeatable proximity to downtown.
A little King West history
Once upon a time (1793 to be exact), when Toronto was still called York, a street named for King George III became the fledgling city’s primary commercial thoroughfare. In the 1830s, the land around it evolved into a thriving industrial and manufacturing centre. By the 1980s however, most manufacturers had left the core for greener (and cheaper) pastures, and the beautiful old factory buildings fell into disrepair.
See what King Street looked like in the 1980s (BlogTO)
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In 1996, the City of Toronto decided to bring them back to life. They enacted a plan to attract investment and revitalize the neglected area. And it worked brilliantly: buildings were renovated into residential lofts and commercial buildings. Businesses moved in, developers built new condos catering to young, hip urbanites, restaurants and nightclubs opened up – and the amazing residential neighbourhood we know and love today was born.
Close to everything
If you want to live in a walkable neighbourhood, it doesn’t get any better than King West. Pretty much everything you need is available close by – the area has a perfect walk score of 100. Getting around the city from King West is also easy, with numerous streetcars and buses and a nearby subway stop serving the area and the Gardiner and DVP close by.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Green spaces galore
Whether you’re walking your pooch, going for a morning run or just kicking back with a book and a blanket on a warm day, the area has plenty of parkland, including Massey Harris Park, Gateway Park, and Joseph Workman Park. Head north a couple of blocks, and you’ll be in Trinity Bellwoods Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces with tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and splash pad for the kiddos. Head south and you’ll hit the waterfront’s walking trails, beaches and serene lake views.
Love movies? King West is home to TIFF!
The Toronto International Film Festival happens right in the heart of the King West neighbourhood – the festival’s headquarters is the TIFF Lightbox Theatre at King and John. It’s a buzzy event that attracts all kinds of big names to the area (Brad Pitt alert, anyone?)
King West is condo central
If you’re looking for a property, you’ll find condos, townhomes, hard and soft lofts (there are some incredible hard lofts on Wellington between Bathurst and Spadina), and tons of newer builds. There aren’t many detached homes, but they are around, mostly in a few historic pockets north of King.
Thanks to all the converted industrial buildings, King West has been compared to Soho in Manhattan – a neighbourhood of gorgeous, once-neglected commercial buildings that now house some of the most expensive residential real estate in the world.
A foodie paradise
Restaurants, bars and cafes line King Street, offering excellent cuisine and plenty of chic, see-and-be-seen hotspots. The area is steps from Chinatown, which also has lots of great eateries, and close to Kensington Market, where you’ll find everything from tacos and smash burgers to delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options. Here are five of our favourite King West dining spots:
Patria. Authentic Spanish dishes, from tapas to paella, served up in a beautiful, dynamic space. And if you’re a flamenco fan, you’re in for a treat: they host Noche de Jaleo (A Night of Flamenco) every Thursday from 7-10.
Le Select Bistro. Toronto’s French food lovers were crushed when Le Select closed its doors during the pandemic. But it recently reopened under new management, serving up classics like escargots, steak au poivre, and moules-frites. Bon appetit!
CIBO Wine Bar. Enjoy yummy Italian food and an extensive wine list in the hopping dining room. Try the calamari, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
LOV King West. This amazing vegan spot is loved by even the most committed carnivores – the food is just that good. We love their “scallops” – made with king oyster mushrooms in place of actual scallops, and the result is pretty divine. Trust us.
Belfast Love Public House. The perfect pub for a casual gathering with friends. The wings, pizzas, burgers, and yummy bowls are all great, but our hands-down favourite? The rosemary fries with curry aioli – it’s totally addictive.
5 of our favourite local businesses
King West isn’t just about the great food scene – the neighbourhood also has a variety of excellent shops and services, from award-winning salons to great clothing shops and more. Too many to list here, but here’s a small sampling of our go-to spots in King West.
Hammam Spa. When it’s time to really treat yourself, there’s no better place to detox and destress than in this gorgeous spot. Relax in their intricately-tiled steam room, try an expert wrap or scrub, or book a massage to completely melt the stress away.
John Steinberg & Associates. Need a great cut and colour? This award-winning hair salon has been a fixture at King and Portland since 1991. All the stylists are great, and the experience is always warm and welcoming.
SOMA Chocolatemaker. If you love chocolate, you probably already know (and love) this top-quality chocolate shop with locations at King and Spadina and the Distillery District. We can’t resist their salted caramel truffles and chocolate-dipped candied orange slices, but there are lots of other tasty options, too, from cookies to gelato to their famous (and famously spicy) Mayan hot chocolate.
Read our Distillery District neighbourhood guide
Pure + Simple. Their natural skincare products are a treat for your skin – and they also do some pretty incredible facials and skin treatments in their little spa.
Patagonia. This iconic outdoor clothing retailer, located in a converted stove factory, is a go-to for hikers, mountain bikers, surfers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts looking for quality gear. We love their commitment to the environment – it’s always a purchase you can feel good about.
Thinking about livin’ the city life in King West? Search available properties here.