In addition to having the distinction of being the world’s longest street, Yonge Street also serves as an itinerary in itself for both day-trippers new to Toronto and residents looking to discover their city. Originating at Lake Ontario and stretching northwards to Lake Simcoe, Yonge Street cuts through the heart of Toronto as well as through an array of different neighbourhoods best experienced on foot. A walk along Yonge will allow explorers just that. For those who want to reserve their energy for browsing in the many shops to be found along the way, the city’s transit system (TTC) runs a subway line beneath Yonge Street and has stops at primary intersections to help move riders between points. You may opt to purchase a TTC day pass to take advantage of on-and-off privileges.


Trekkers can begin the day towards the north end of the city at Lawrence, taking in the serenity of Lawrence Park and the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens before taking an upwards climb to the Sporting Life store. This marks the start of a stretch of high-end boutiques and cafes, which cater to the area’s young professional population. Dog walkers and the latest trend in baby strollers share the sidewalks which line specialty shops ranging from children’s fashions, yoga apparel, pet stores to candy and paper stores and nutrition houses. Popular retailers such as Gap, Future Shop, Home Restoration and Indigo also make their home here. As you get closer to Eglinton, satisfy your palate with a bite at one of the many eating establishments, representing the city’s ethnic diversity. Restaurants abound, from Japanese to Italian, Thai to haute-Western cuisine as is found in the renowned North 44 and Centro.

Davisville is a short jaunt away, with the Mount Pleasant Cemetery lying just beyond it to the east of Yonge. The road slopes downwards past these landmark burial grounds which serve as a tranquil break from the bustle of urban life. St. Clair is next with its chic shopping as it radiates a more mature atmosphere than its younger cousin Eglinton.
Yonge Street winds its way towards the city’s downtown core past the Summerhill and Rosedale stops, each with its own treasure trove of shops and eateries. Stroll past MTV Canada’s headquarters, a shop dedicated to solely cookbooks and Toronto’s reference library, then detour westward onto Bloor Street into Yorkville, gateway to the rich and famous. Notorious for its expensive designer shops and the destination for celebrities visiting the city, it is the ideal spot for star-gazing. Or, for those willing to part with their money, treat yourselves to the posh clothes and fine dining this locale has to offer.
Yonge between Bloor and College streets offers souvenir seekers an array of t-shirts and knick knacks. Deals that are sure to please bargain hunters in the market for anything from electronics to evening wear to household goods are an easy find. If hunger strikes and you are in need of a quick bite, there are plenty of fast food eateries along the way. Not just your regular hamburger joints – pizza, falafels, bubble tea, and sushi rolls embody Toronto’s multiculturalism, and are all available within a minute or two’s walk.

Keep going and you will come across the trademark flashing lights of Sam the Record Man whose extensive collection is certain to entice music enthusiasts. It is followed by the Toronto Eaton Centre, the city’s premier shopping mall with a selection of more than 200 stores to please shopaholics and tourists alike. Across the street sits Dundas Square, venue to a multitude of city events throughout the year and which serves as a lovely patio in the summertime. Enjoy a show at the Canon (Pantages) Theatre further down the street or visit the Bay’s flagship downtown store which is linked to the Eaton Centre by bridge.

High rise office buildings personify the landscape from Queen through to King streets. Take a break to wander through the Hockey Hall of Fame or enjoy the unique indoor marketplace/eatery of the Le Marche Movenpick. Union Station, a historic building serving as the main hub for commuter trains, one of the TTC’s main transfer points and embarkation point for the country’s VIA train routes deserves a stroll-through as well. It also connects to the Rogers Centre and Toronto Convention Centre.

One last block south and you will find yourself at the foot of Yonge Street, clearly marked by the offices of the Toronto Star. The shimmering water of Lake Ontario in the backdrop tells us that we’ve come to the end of our journey. What better way to discover the city than to take a tour of its main artery? Yonge Street offers a snapshot of the cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse city that is Toronto. With landmarks, shops and restaurants galore, this is an excursion that will not disappoint.

By Amanda Wong