Downtown Yonge

Yonge Street Shopping District featuring street scenes, modern architecture and a skyscraper
Photo provided by Tourism Toronto
Downtown Yonge
Yonge Street Shopping District showing street scenes, a city and a square or plaza
Yonge Street Shopping District showing signage, street scenes and a city


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 theatres, 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 theatres. Enjoy an opera performance at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, which is the last surviving Edwardian double-decker theatre complex. Watch world-renowned musicals at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Find a schedule of events on the theatres’ 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

4 out of 5
108 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
30 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG
Cambridge Suites Toronto

Cambridge Suites Toronto

4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

4 out of 5
Toronto, ON
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
One King West Hotel & Residence

One King West Hotel & Residence

4 out of 5
1 King Street West, Toronto, ON
One King West Hotel & Residence
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

4 out of 5
525 Bay St, Toronto, ON
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt

TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt

4 out of 5
203 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON
TOOR Hotel Toronto, part of JdV by Hyatt
Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto

Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto

4 out of 5
251 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON
Panorama Suites Downtown Toronto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Downtown Yonge

Downtown Yonge in Toronto offers a vibrant mix of activities, including premier shopping experiences and lively entertainment options such as live music. Visitors can discover the dynamic atmosphere of downtown Toronto and take part in exciting events like autograph sessions. Additionally, there are opportunities to explore free museums, making it a perfect destination for cultural enthusiasts and those seeking diverse experiences.

Shopping

In Downtown Yonge, visit CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a vibrant shopping experience, only 322m away. St. Lawrence Market, 1.1km away, offers local goods and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, The Dog Bowl, located 3.2km away, is perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Rogers Centre, a vibrant sports stadium, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 1.6km from Downtown Yonge. Roy Thomson Hall, 1.1km away, presents captivating musical performances in an elegant setting. For a dose of laughter, visit Second City, 1.4km away, perfect for family entertainment.

Adventure

The Martin Goodman Trail offers a scenic hiking experience mere moments from Downtown Yonge, perfect for nature enthusiasts. For winter sports lovers, Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre provides exhilarating slopes, while True North Climbing challenges adventurers with its climbing wall, promising an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Nightlife

In Downtown Yonge, the Four Seasons Centre offers a romantic theatre experience brimming with culture, while the Princess of Wales Theatre similarly enchants with family-friendly shows. For cinema lovers, the Scotiabank Theatre Toronto provides a delightful escape into the world of film, perfect for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Downtown Yonge

Downtown Yonge offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, vibrant tourist precincts, and renowned art museums. This area caters to travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and the essence of city life. Whether you're exploring the artistic side of Toronto or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling urban hub.

  • CN Tower: This iconic modern structure towers over Toronto, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. Visitors can experience the thrilling glass floor and dine in the 360 Restaurant, making it a must-visit for its unique city vibes.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: A hub for business and events, this expansive venue hosts conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. Its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it an essential stop for those interested in the business side of Toronto.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: Steeped in history, this prestigious university showcases stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. The campus is alive with cultural events and academic pursuits, providing a rich experience of Toronto's educational heritage.

Best time to go to Downtown Yonge

The best time to visit Downtown Yonge is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Yonge

To save money during your visit to Downtown Yonge, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Sundays being the cheapest nights. Avoid Saturdays for the best savings. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter and sort hotels by price, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can yield additional savings. For public transport, use the TTC, which offers affordable fares. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to make the most of your visit without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown Yonge are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Downtown Yonge is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Yonge is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive options, ensuring you see the lowest prices first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your Downtown Yonge hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia