The heart of downtown Toronto contains the retail and entertainment section of one of the longest streets in North America. Malls with neon signs mix with historic architecture and theaters.
Downtown Yonge is a busy shopping and entertainment district that counts over 600 retail outlets and 150 restaurants in addition to theaters, public squares and historical buildings. Whether shopping for the latest fashion or enjoying free cultural events, there is always something interesting going on.
Running through the heart of the district is Yonge Street, the main thoroughfare and the Toronto section of one of the longest streets in North America and the world. In Downtown Yonge you’ll find major attractions, including the Toronto Eaton Centre. Spread over two blocks, this shopping mall has over 230 stores and welcomes some 50 million visitors a year. Check out the mall’s glass atrium, decorated with a flock of 60 sculpted geese.
Opposite the mall is Yonge-Dundas Square, which hosts free events such as movie screenings and concerts, all-night art exhibitions and artisanal markets. Similarly, you can enjoy free music events and fashion shows at College Park and Trinity Square. Don’t miss August’s Buskerfest, which celebrates the art of street performing.
Downtown Yonge’s entertainment tradition continues at its various theaters. Enjoy an opera performance at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, which is the last surviving Edwardian double-decker theater complex. Watch world-renowned musicals at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Find a schedule of events on the theaters’ official websites.
Learn about the history of the district and its significant landmarks on a free guided tour. Highlights include the Romanesque revival-style Old City Hall, the haunted Mackenzie House and the Arts and Letters Club. Tours take place from May to August. Visit Downtown Yonge’s official website to find a schedule and details of the meeting point. You can also pick up a map from the meeting point and take a self-guided tour.
Located in downtown Toronto, Downtown Yonge is easily accessible via public transport. Buses, streetcars and the metro all stop at various points along Yonge Street. If you are driving, the parking garage at Toronto Eaton Centre is a convenient option if you don't mind paying a fee.
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