Queen West Walk

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Feel like biting into creamy pastries and cakes? Head to Dufflet Pastries, a cafe renowned for delicious desserts. From signature cakes and tortes to brownies and cheesecakes, they have everything for those with a sweet tooth. Along with these, you can gorge on their gourmet snacks and sip on a royally blended 'Extra Brut'. If you're a chocolate fanatic, shop for chocolate morsels, chocolate crackles and chocolate drinks. Signature Dufflet mugs and crockery are also a part of the retail merchandise.

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The original Toronto boutique was destroyed by a fire in February 2008. In September 2008, the store reopened in a new location across from Trinity-Bellwoods park. This is an incredible feat given that Preloved's pieces really are one of a kind: the shop's owners breathe new life into vintage clothing and cast-off jeans and T-shirts by changing the shapes and adding details like vintage lace. The roster of celeb fans includes Alanis Morissette.

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How can I describe how lovely this store and its contents are? A friend of mine, an editor at a major design magazine, told me that this is where local stylists get books to prop photo shoots. Worth a long browse.

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Located on the North side of Queen in the West Queen West area, this community park incorporates eight tennis courts. All outdoor and hard surfaced, the courts are public accessible and classified by the Department of Parks and Recreation as both group 1 and 2. Group 1 courts are available to the public free of charge at all times. Players must vacate the courts "on the hour and half hour unless otherwise noted." Group 2 courts are available to the public, free of charge, Monday-Friday until 5pm.

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Chippy's is synonymous to crisp fish chips and delicious seafood. After all, no one can serve these better than this award-winning restaurant. Eclectic mix of battered fish, breaded seafood and gourmet and tantalizing fish fries are highlights of the menu. Try out their Halibut, Cod or Salmon battered in Guinness beer batter and 'Panko breaded Prawns and Scallops', all these prepared with fresh fish and homemade sauces. And end your meal with a lip-smacking gelato served in exotic flavors. Check out the events hosted here, as that's the time when you can find most of the crowd flocking in.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Drake is a primary nightlife destination among Toronto's young professionals. Live music and a high-end bar experience lure this crowd back each weekend.

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Location. The Drake Hotel Toronto is housed within a renovated 1890s building centered in Toronto's lively Queen West Art and Design District. Walking paths that meander through High Park are located two kilometers away while the hotel is an equal distance from the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds. Lake Ontario outdoor activities and shopping at Kensington Market are both within a three-kilometer radius from this property. Metro Toronto Convention Centre is four kilometers away.

Hotel Features. The hotel's Drake Dining Room features a free-spirited menu that highlights international cuisine and cleverly re-interpreted classic dishes. The wine list is impressive, with more than 200 selections offered. A rooftop piano bar, Sky Yard, boasts bamboo overhangs, bold use of color and communal tables in open-air and covered settings. Décor embellished with banquettes, vintage leather couches, brick fireplace and an antique brass bar identifies the Lounge and Raw Bar, known for its ceviche shooters. Guests may take advantage of on-site yoga instruction and receive massage services. Additional property amenities include concierge services, meeting facilities and wireless Internet access for a fee.

Guestrooms. The Drake Hotel offers 19 contemporary and bohemian-style guestrooms with high ceilings. Select rooms have exposed-brick walls that are hung with original artworks. All accommodations provide down bedding, glass-enclosed shower stalls, flat-screen televisions, and DVD and CD players.

Expert Tip. In keeping with Toronto's support of the arts, this hotel features a live performance venue with nightly entertainment and an art collection located within the hotel.