Six great things to do on Queen Street West right now

Queen Street West transforms into a mystical wonderland during the holidays, but the magic doesn’t end once January hits! Here are the best places — both indoors and outdoors — that you can explore throughout the winter season in and around Toronto’s Queen West area. Graffiti Alley Graffiti Alley stretches from about Spadina to Portland St, just south of Queen St W, making it a giant canvas for local artists to express themselves! Tourists love wandering through this area during the warmer months, but the alleys off Queen Street West are also perfect to stroll through in the winter — there are fewer people, and the street murals appear much more rugged and authentic after a light snowfall. Begin your journey by checking out the street art along the three-block, half-mile alleyway of Rush Lane. Make a pit stop at Jimmy’s Coffee (735 Queen St W) for some roasted espresso and to admire the sprawling Jimi Hendrix/Jimmy Page mural. Gallery 1313 If you prefer to view your art indoors, this non-profit, artist-run centre (1313 Queen St. West) is an artist’s oasis during the winter season. The contemporary art exhibitions are different from what you’d find in a traditional gallery, so...