Toronto Hotels City Guide Refresher: What To Do, See + Eat Near The Drake Hotel - The Drake
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    Toronto Hotels City Guide Refresher: What To Do, See + Eat Near The Drake Hotel

    Highly lauded as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, West Queen West is home to some of the best food, drinks and shopping Toronto has to offer. Luckily, The Drake Hotel is right in the heart of all the action. Make the most of your Toronto hotel stay with this guide.  

     

    Toronto Hotels  

    When it comes to Toronto hotels, the city has no shortage of world-class options. From historic Toronto hotels that have been fixtures in the city for decades to international boutique hotels new to the city, there’s a plethora of places you can stay–but here’s what sets The Drake Hotel apart from other Toronto hotels:  

     

    Where To Stay 

    The Drake Hotel is located in the epicentre of the best Toronto has to offer. Explore our Classic and Modern Wing rooms here and book your stay now.  

    The Drake Hotel Toronto Hotels King Room
    Photo by Brandon Barre

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    While there’s no shortage of things to do and see in the surrounding neighbourhood you can enjoy some of the best the city has to offer without leaving the hotel.  

    You can get your food fix in our dining lounge. Helmed by Executive Chef Laura Maxwell, the restaurant offers exciting menus, featuring locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to from-scratch plates. See our menus here 

    The Drake Hotel Brunch
    Photo by Louisa Nicolaou

     

    If you just want to grab a coffee and one of our famous blueberry scones before setting out on a day of city exploration, head to the hotel’s Café.  

    In the evening, start your night with snacks and cocktails in our cozy Lobby Bar, or end your adventures with a nightcap before taking the elevator home to your crash pad.  

    The Drake Hotel Toronto Hotels Lobby Bar
    Photo by Brandon Barre

     

    Then if you’re looking for some excitement, descend into Drake Underground to catch a show or dance the night away. The Underground is always hosting dance parties, DJs and other musical acts, so no matter what’s on, you’re bound to have a good time. See what’s on here.  

     

    What To Do

    Art Highlights 

    The Drake Hotel is filled with thoughtful art around every corner. But if you’re looking for more art to discover, consider these art destinations:  

    Art Gallery of Ontario  
    317 Dundas St W 
    As one of the largest art museums in North America, the AGO is a must-see for art lovers.  

    Museum of Contemporary Art   
    158 Sterling Rd #100 
    MOCA showcases modern works by emerging and established artists and is another destination for art lovers, and is surrounded by other smaller galleries to explore.  

    Towards Gallery  
    163 Sterling Rd Unit 144 
    Just by the Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll find Towards Gallery, which is both an online publishing platform for independent art projects as well as a gallery space.  

    Xpace Cultural Centre  
    303 Lansdowne Ave Unit 2 
    Xpace Cultural Centre is an artist-run centre that showcases emerging and student artists, designers and other creatives.  

    MKG127  
    1445 Dundas St W 
    This contemporary gallery has been one of the most influential spaces in Toronto ever since opening back in 2007.  

    Eating + Drinking  

    Toronto’s food scene is unique and unexpected and some of the best eats in the city are right in the neighbourhood. Eat your way through the city at these spots:  

    Milou 
    1375 Dundas St W  
    TikTok’s favourite bistro offering coffee and Parisian charm is just a few minutes away from The Drake. 

    Hello 123 
    1122 Queen St W  
    For a vegan-friendly option, head to Hello 123. It’s a great spot for brunch or lunch, and they also serve cocktails. Their sister quick-service restaurant and café, which is also all plant-based, Kupfert & Kim, can be found all across the city too.  

    Bar Modercai 
    1272 Dundas Street W 
    This romantic spot for cocktails and small bites also has private karaoke rooms  

    Mother  
    874 Queen St W 
    This inventive cocktail bar has an ever-changing menu, inspired by, as its name suggests, their  “collective childhood memories.”  

    Imanishi  
    1330 Dundas Street W 
    Inspired by Tokyo homestyle cooking, this intimate spot is low key, offers small plates and a good selection of sake. 

    Pizzeria Badiali 
    181 Dovercourt Rd 

    This slice shop is inspired by old school New York joints and slings no-frills slices on paper plates for whenever those pizza cravings hit.  

    Coffee + Treats  

    Sam James Coffee Bar 
    6 Brock Ave 

    Sam James Coffee Bar has been a city favourite for over a decade. They have five locations downtown, including the Brock location just down from us, but you can find their coffee roasting in cafes and restaurants all over.  

    Café 23 
    728 Queen St W 
    Part café, part garden escape, this spot boasts a heated patio that’s the perfect resting spot during a day of city exploration. 

    Found Coffee  
    189 Shaw St 
    This quaint café brings Australian flair to the neighbourhood along with crafted coffee drinks.  

    Honey’s 
    1448 Dundas St W 
    From the same team that brought the city the beloved vegan Bunner’s Bake Shop, Honey’s doles out plant-based ice cream with a rotating menu of inventive flavours. 

     

    Shopping Highlights  

    What’s a trip without a few souvenirs? Peruse some of our favourite shops and boutiques while you’re here:  

    VSP Consignment  
    1410 Dundas St W 
    A mainstay in the city for fashionphiles, VSP Consignment has one of the best selections of luxury vintage clothing, handbags and more.  

    Public Butter  
    1290 Queen St W 
    For thriftier shoppers, Public Butter is crammed with vintage clothing to sift through. It might take some time, but you’re bound to find a gem or two in here.  

    Shopcoat 
    1203 Dundas St W 
    Shopcoat is another curated vintage store that has a funky collection of clothing, shoes and even homewares.  

    Lost & Found  
    44 Ossington Ave 
    Lost & Found offers a premium selection of men’s fashion and home goods.  

    Easy Tiger  
    1447 Dundas St W 
    Easy Tiger is a lifestyle store that specializes in home decor, stationery, accessories, and more. 

    Antikka  
    960 Queen St W 
    Coffee and records—is there a more perfect combination? Sip on Armenian coffee while perusing the selection. 
     

    Parks 

    Want to spend some time outdoors? Consider our park picks for a more laid back day of sun-soaking and neighbourhood exploring:  
     
    Trinity Bellwoods Park  

    During the summer months, Trinity Bellwoods is a mainstay for city dwellers, perfect for picnicking and people watching. Bring a blanket and grab a sandwich (Forno Cultura and Lambo’s Deli are both good options, but be sure to order ahead of time at Lambo’s!) 
     
    Riverdale Park East  

    Though this park is on the opposite side of Toronto, all the way on the east side of Queen, we promise the trek is worth it. Drive or take the streetcar all the way east and be rewarded with the best views of the Toronto city skyline. 
     

    More Recommendations  

    For even more ideas, consult our community board next to the Modern Wing elevators to see a collection of recommendations from those who know the city best—our own team! 

     

    Getting Around 

    The Drake Hotel is steps away from transit stops that will take you directly to two main subway lines that service downtown Toronto—Line 1 and Line 2.  

    The Eastbound Queen streetcar will take you directly into the downtown core and connect you to Line 1 of the subway system. The streetcar stop is across the street from The Drake Hotel, by Queen Street and Abell Street.  
     
    To get on Line 2, you can take the bus north from the corner of Dufferin Street and Queen Street to Dufferin Station. Head to the TTC site for more information about transit hours, fares and more (https://www.ttc.ca/trip-planner). 

    Parking  

    If you’d like to drive instead, chat with our front desk to reserve a parking space. There’s also an indoor lot located at 45 Abell St, a block south of the hotel.  

     

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