Downtown Yonge Tours and Activities

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


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 theatres.

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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Water activities

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Downtown Yonge Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
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
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
Cambridge Suites Toronto

Cambridge Suites Toronto

4 out of 5
15 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON
Cambridge Suites Toronto
Fairmont Royal York

Fairmont Royal York

4 out of 5
100 Front St West, Toronto, ON
Fairmont Royal York
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown

2.5 out of 5
Toronto
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown
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
Chestnut Residence - Campus Accommodation

Chestnut Residence - Campus Accommodation

2.5 out of 5
89 Chestnut Street, Toronto, ON
Chestnut Residence - Campus Accommodation
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
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

In Downtown Yonge, you’ll find a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and live music. Explore the bustling shopping centres, where you can discover trendy boutiques and local experiences. Don't miss out on the lively atmosphere that makes Toronto such a unique destination, perfect for enjoying a day out or an evening of fun.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience in Downtown Yonge, visit CF Toronto Eaton Centre, just 322m away, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. St. Lawrence Market, 1.1km away, is perfect for local goodies, while the PATH Underground Shopping Mall, 1.3km away, provides a unique underground experience.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Rogers Centre, where you can catch a thrilling game or concert, soaked in the vibrant sports atmosphere. Alternatively, head to The Danforth Music Hall for an unforgettable night of live music and entertainment, all within a short distance from Downtown Yonge.

Adventure

Explore the Martin Goodman Trail, a scenic hiking path located 322m from Downtown Yonge, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For winter sports, visit Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 11.3km away, or challenge yourself at True North Climbing, 12.9km away, both offering thrilling adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Downtown Yonge with a show at the renowned Ed Mirvish Theatre, only 161m away. For a cultural evening, Massey Hall is a mere 322m away, while the Princess of Wales Theatre, 1.3km away, offers a romantic atmosphere perfect for a 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 in Toronto is a vibrant hub filled with urban parks, art museums, and bustling tourist precincts, perfect for those seeking culture and family-friendly activities. Explore the iconic Yonge Street, discover local sights, and immerse yourself in the city's rich experiences. Whether you're wandering through parks or visiting museums, there's plenty to see and do in this lively area, making it a must-visit destination for travellers.

  • CN Tower: Standing at an impressive height, CN Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto. Its glass floor and observation deck provide a thrilling experience for visitors keen on city vibes and stunning landscapes.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: This bustling event venue hosts numerous conferences and exhibitions. With its modern facilities and business atmosphere, it’s a hub for networking and innovation, making it an exciting stop for those interested in the corporate world.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: With its stunning architecture and rich history, this campus exudes cultural vibes. Wander through its beautiful grounds and discover the vibrant academic life and art galleries that showcase Canadian 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 SunnyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly HighSlightly 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

When visiting Downtown Yonge, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by applying filters for eco-certification and sorting prices from lowest to highest. To save even more, look for package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and activities. Take advantage of the city's public transport system, which is affordable and efficient, and explore free attractions like local markets and parks for a budget-friendly experience.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Downtown Yonge hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.