Jun 11, 2025

The White Squirrel Toronto

The Moby Dick of squirrels

""The White Squirrel" in Toronto, a cafe with an interesting story (yes, there once was a white squirrel here); it's no surprise their latte is really good."

'There is a white Sciuridae among them trees...' goes the story. Think Moby Dick but with an albino squirrel instead of a multi-ton Sperm whale and you get the idea. As for the residents of the nearby Trinity Bellwoods Park on Queen West, this rodent reached local celebrity status before its rather public passing

So much that owner David Ginsberg, named his cafe after what would be instantly recognizable to the immediate neighborhood and on that he succeeded in spades.    

But what to get at White Squirrel Coffee Shop? I would suggest starting off with a latte as that is something they do particularly well. Now just like the story, the cafe feels bigger than seen from the outside thanks to its two-storeyed layout, white decor and high ceilings which give it a very modern, minimalist vibe.

Seating is found on the second floor and limited but during the Summer, I suggest going to Trinity Bellwoods across the street and sitting on a bench or enjoying a leisurely walk among one of Toronto's most historical parks. A third option would be to explore the shops along Queen West which for many Torontonians is a local pastime.

Aside from selling fair trade coffee and dairy, they also sell Greg's Ice Cream, a local Toronto institution of creamy flavour for over three decades so if you feel like having a delicious latte, great ice cream or a snack, say a sandwich, then you are all set! Check this great neighborhood cafe.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

907 Queen Street West

Latte:

C$

6

6474284478

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Aloette

Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister

"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

Gift Shop

A not-so-secret secret speakeasy

"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

Swatow

My go-to for hole-in-the-wall Chinese food

"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

La Salumeria

The perfect midtown deli

"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

Parallel

My fave Israeli spot for brunch

"Parallel" in Toronto makes their own tahini with a huge stone grinder and they use it in just about every dish in the menu, including the amazing hummus.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

The One in the Only

Coffee coffee coffee

"The One in the Only" in Toronto is an eclectic coffee shop that just exudes positivity. Most of the decoration is a random mix of old photos & art prints.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Il Covo

Α gem of a hideout in Little Italy

"Il Covo" in Toronto is an Italian restaurant that's special for every special occasion. I encourage you to order and share as many cichetti as possible!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

The Only Cafe

Beer beer beer

"The Only Cafe" offers one of the widest selections of domestic and international beer in Toronto. After 30 years in business, it's quite iconic...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Spacing Store

Real Toronto souvenirs

"Spacing Store" is the perfect place to pick up truly authentic Toronto souvenirs. Though I really think that it's more geared towards local fans...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Kasia

Kmiec

Jun 11, 2025

Envelōp

Toronto fashion designer

"Envelōp" in Toronto is a small independent store who designs smart men's and women's shirts right here in the city! Jim Smith is a true artisan...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Lahore Tikka House

North Indian cuisine

"Lahore Tikka House" is my favorite North Indian and Pakistani restaurant in this part of Toronto. Definitely try the tikkas & Lahori Kulfi ice cream.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

The Real Jerk Restaurant

Caribbean bar & eatery

"The Real Jerk Restaurant" in Toronto has been a Caribbean and Jamaican mainstay since 1984. Try their namesake cocktail and the curried goat and rice...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters