The Vibrant Heart of Toronto: Yonge Dundas Square
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Yonge Dundas Square, Toronto's vibrant heart filled with entertainment, shopping, and cultural events.
Yonge Dundas Square, often dubbed the Times Square of Toronto, is a bustling public space that offers a dynamic blend of culture, entertainment, and shopping. This vibrant square draws both locals and tourists, providing a picturesque backdrop for events, festivals, and everyday life in the city. With its impressive digital billboards, surrounding attractions, and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Toronto.
A brief summary to Yonge Dundas Square
- Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, CA
Local tips
- Visit during the summer months for outdoor events and festivals that bring the square to life.
- Check out the schedule of events to catch live performances and cultural activities happening throughout the year.
- Bring your camera; the colorful lights and bustling atmosphere make for great photo opportunities.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Eaton Centre for shopping and the Ed Mirvish Theatre for world-class performances.
- Plan to arrive in the evening to experience the square's dynamic nightlife and illuminated displays.
Getting There
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Car
From any location in the British Columbia Interior, head towards Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and follow the signs towards Vancouver. Once you reach Vancouver, continue on Highway 1 until you see signs for the Granville Street exit. Take the exit and follow Granville Street into downtown Vancouver. From there, take the BC-99 S (George Massey Tunnel) towards the US border. After crossing the border, you will continue on I-5 S, which will take you into Washington State. Follow I-5 S to I-90 E, and then take I-90 E towards Seattle. From Seattle, continue on I-90 E until you reach I-5 N again. Follow I-5 N into Canada, and then take the exit for Highway 99 N. Follow Highway 99 N until you reach the signs for downtown Toronto. As you approach downtown, follow the signs for Yonge Street. Yonge Dundas Square will be on your right, near the intersection with Dundas Street. Note that you will incur costs for fuel and possibly tolls on this route.
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Public Transportation
Start by taking a bus or train to the nearest major city with an airport, such as Kelowna. From Kelowna, book a flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Once you arrive in Toronto, you can take the UP Express train from the airport to Union Station. This trip costs approximately CAD 12. From Union Station, take the TTC subway Line 1 (Yonge-University) in the direction of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Get off at Dundas Station, which is just a couple of stops away. Once you exit the station, you will be in close proximity to Yonge Dundas Square. The total cost for the UP Express is around CAD 12, and subway fares are approximately CAD 3.25.
Discover more about Yonge Dundas Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Plaque: Sir Ernest MacMillan (1893 - 1973)
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Metropolitan United Church
0.4 km
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McGill Street Arch
0.4 km
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Churchill Memorial
0.5 km
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100 Queen St W
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Sculpture: Freedom of Expression
0.6 km
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Birkbeck Building National Historic Site of Canada
0.6 km
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Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
0.7 km
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Mary Pickford Historical Plaque
0.7 km
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Toronto Heritage Plaque: Site of Toronto's First Moving Picture Show
0.7 km
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Canada Life Building
0.8 km
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Toronto DownTown
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Ontario Heritage Plaque: Toronto Dominion Centre
0.9 km
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Half House
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Old Town Toronto
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Unmissable attractions to see
City Sightseeing Toronto
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Little Canada
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CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
0.1 km
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Mackenzie House
0.2 km
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CF Toronto Eaton Centre
0.2 km
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Church of the Holy Trinity
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Massey Hall
0.3 km
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St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica
0.3 km
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Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
0.4 km
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Canadian Provinces Flags Alley
0.4 km
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Toronto Old City Hall
0.4 km
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Toronto City Hall
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Cafe On The Square
0.4 km
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Memorial - Old City Hall Cenotaph
0.5 km
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Nathan Phillips Square
0.5 km
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Essential places to dine
The Senator
0.1 km
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Trattoria Mercatto
0.2 km
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Donatello Restaurant
0.3 km
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Richmond Station
0.5 km
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The Carbon Bar
0.5 km
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GEORGE Restaurant
0.6 km
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The Chase
0.6 km
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The Rabbit Hole
0.7 km
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Restaurant 20 Victoria
0.7 km
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Carisma
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Volos Greek Cuisine
0.8 km
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Woods Restaurant & Bar
0.9 km
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bosk
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The Blake House
0.9 km
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Jump Restaurant
1.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Canada Gifts
0.3 km
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Canadian Naturalist
0.3 km
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CHIC Store
0.4 km
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Global Gifts
0.5 km
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Sunny Gift Shop
0.6 km
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Canada's National Ballet School
0.9 km
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Grapefruit
1.0 km
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Kochi Stores
1.0 km
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shopAGO
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Anything Goes Accessories
1.0 km
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GIFTWORKS
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Tribal Rhythm Vintage
1.1 km
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Unique Gifts & Convenience
1.2 km
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Nile Palace Treasures
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Sparetime Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jazz Bistro
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LAWYERS FEED THE HUNGRY
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Walker Law - Litigation Lawyers in Toronto
0.7 km
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PIMCO Canada Corp.
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The Drink - Cocktail & Pizza Bar
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Pravda Vodka Bar
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Bar Dem
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The Reservoir Lounge
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after seven 後七
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Bar Noir
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Scotland Yard Pub
1.1 km
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LIBRARY BAR
1.1 km
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Paradise Grotto
1.2 km
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Saint John's Tavern
1.2 km
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Melrose On Adelaide
1.2 km
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