Loft district guide

West Queen West lofts

Toronto's densest loft corridor. Twelve major conversion buildings within a ten-minute walk along Queen Street from Bathurst to Dufferin. Former factories, candy warehouses, textile plants, and commercial buildings turned into the city's most sought-after loft addresses.

12
Hard loft buildings
~900
Total units
$1,017
Avg $/sqft (2026)

About this district

The character of West Queen West

West Queen West runs along Queen Street between Bathurst and Dufferin, with important buildings spilling north onto King Street and south toward the rail corridor. The neighbourhood developed as an industrial and light-manufacturing zone in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it's that history that produced the buildings that make it worth living in now.

The Candy Factory at 993 Queen is probably the best-known address, and for good reason. Former Ce De Candy Co. factory, converted in 1999, it has the kind of exposed brick bearing walls and Douglas fir beam ceilings that soft lofts try to replicate and never quite get right. The Chocolate Company Lofts next door at 955 Queen were a Paterson Chocolate factory. The Argyle Lofts on Lisgar were a textile warehouse. Every building in this district started as something else, and that origin is visible in the materials.

The neighbourhood character is genuinely creative. The Art Gallery of Ontario is a ten-minute walk east. Trinity Bellwoods Park is three blocks north. The restaurant and coffee shop density on Queen between Ossington and Dufferin is among the highest in the city. This is a walkable, bikeable neighbourhood where you can spend most of your life within a few blocks. That's reflected in the prices.

West Queen West lofts trade at a premium. Hard loft units here typically range from $900 to $1,100 per square foot depending on building, floor, and condition. The Candy Factory and Chocolate Company buildings command the top of that range. Smaller buildings like the Argyle Lofts or Queen West Lofts sometimes offer slightly better value for the product. Units rarely sit on market long. Multiple offer situations are common on well-presented units in recognised buildings.

What to watch for in this district: parking is limited in most buildings, and many units don't include a spot. Street parking permits are available but competitive. If you need to drive regularly, factor that into your budget and your assessment of the building's amenities before you fall in love with a unit.

District at a glance

TypePrimarily hard loft
Buildings12 conversion buildings
Typical ceilings12 to 18 ft
Price range$900 to $1,100/sqft
Parking includedRarely
Live/work unitsAvailable in most buildings
Heritage designatedSome buildings
TransitQueen streetcar, 501/504
Walk score97 (Walker's Paradise)
Amenities in buildingsLimited — this is a hard loft district

The buildings

West Queen West loft buildings

Candy Factory Lofts

993 Queen St W

Hard loftConverted 1999121 units

Former Ce De Candy Co. factory. Exposed brick bearing walls, Douglas fir beams, ceilings to 18 ft on some units. One of the most recognisable hard loft addresses in Toronto. The building is well-established with a mature condo board. Units turn over infrequently. When they do, they sell quickly. The street-level commercial space adds activity without compromising the residential feel above.

Chocolate Company Lofts

955 Queen St W

Hard loftConverted 2005144 units

Former Paterson Chocolate factory. Mix of open-plan main floor units and mezzanine configurations. Brick and beam throughout, polished concrete on many units. Active arts and creative community within the building. Slightly newer conversion than the Candy Factory, with corresponding improvements to building systems. Good reserve fund track record.

Argyle Lofts

36 Lisgar St

Hard loftConverted 200354 units

Former textile warehouse on a quiet side street off Queen. Small building with an intimate feel. Original wide-plank floors, exposed brick, structural elements preserved throughout. The smaller scale means a tighter condo community and often more active owner-occupancy than in larger buildings. Worth researching if you prefer the boutique feel.

Globe Lofts

1029 King St W

Hard loftConverted 200273 units

Former Globe Furniture warehouse on King Street, just west of Strachan. King corridor location gives slightly easier parking and less pedestrian traffic than Queen Street buildings. Timber structure, brick exterior, good ceiling heights throughout. The King streetcar (504) runs directly in front.

Getting around

Transit in West Queen West

This is one of Toronto's most transit-accessible neighbourhoods. The Queen streetcar runs the full length of the district. Dufferin and Ossington buses connect north to Bloor and the subway. Most residents in this district don't need a car for daily life, and parking spots in loft buildings reflect that.

Streetcar

Queen 501

Runs the full length of Queen West, connecting to downtown and the Beach to the east. Frequent service during peak hours.

Bus

Dufferin 29

North-south connection to Dufferin station (Line 2) and south to the waterfront. Key connection if you work north of Bloor.

Bus

Ossington 63

North to Ossington station (Line 2). Fast connection to the subway from the middle of the district.

Streetcar

King 504

Serves buildings on King Street. Connects to Union station and the financial district. Frequently crowded during peak hours.

Cycling

Dundas & Shaw lanes

Dedicated cycling infrastructure connects the district to downtown and the waterfront trail. Most buildings have secure bike storage.

Walk

Walk score: 97

Grocery, pharmacy, cafes, restaurants, and services within 5 minutes on foot for most buildings in this district.

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