Destination Yonge North York
DESTINATION YONGE NORTH YORK
Where global flavours, cultural gems, and city energy meet!
Spanning from Highway 401 to Bishop Avenue and bordered by Beecroft Avenue to Doris Avenue, Destination Yonge North York is the vibrant heart of Toronto’s uptown. With three major TTC subway stations: Sheppard–Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch—plus seamless connections to Viva, GO Transit, and easy highway access, it’s one of the most transit-friendly and accessible neighbourhoods in the city.
From sizzling street eats and cultural festivals to global retail and everyday essentials, this thriving corridor offers an authentic local experience that rivals any shopping mall or big-box plaza. Whether you’re here to shop, dine, explore, or grow your business, Yonge North York welcomes you.
YONGE NORTH YORK SELF-GUIDED FOODIE TOURS NOW IN SESSION!
INTRODUCING THE YNY FOODIE TOURS
The Yonge North York Self-Guided Foodie Tour is a six-week culinary celebration inviting you to explore the diverse and delicious restaurants across our neighbourhood. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this is your chance to discover hidden gems, global flavours, and exclusive tasting experiences. all at your own pace.
EXPLORE FOUR UNIQUE TOURS!
We’ve curated 4 themed foodie trails, each highlighting a different flavour experience across Yonge North York. Think Persian favourites, handmade Chinese noodles, Korean & Japanese Fusion, authentic Italian gelato, and bubble tea gems: all steps away from TTC stations at Sheppard–Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch. Skip the reservations. Start the adventure.
EAT, SNAP & WIN AMAZING PRIZES!
With each restaurant visit, collect a stamp or artist-designed pin in your official Foodie Passport. Complete all 4 tours and submit your collection for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards to your favourite participating restaurant, or be one of the first 20 entries and receive a $25 gift card instantly!
There’s Always Something Happening in Yonge North York
Yonge North York is home to a vibrant calendar of events that reflect the energy, diversity, and creativity of our vibrant uptown community. From major festivals like the Yonge North York Canada Day Celebration, Dance On Yonge, and the Toronto Korean Festival, to beloved seasonal celebrations like the annual Willowdale Skate Party, Yonge North York Festive Tree Lighting Celebration & Neighbourlink North York Christmas Market.
We invite you to explore and experience the local culture, food, and community spirit that make Yonge North York a destination worth visiting year-round.
From neighborhood cuisines of all kinds to special events around the seasons Yonge North York has it all
ANNUAL CELEBRATION FOR ALL AGES
YONGE NORTH YORK CANADA DAY 2025
WINTER EVENT & EXPERIENCE
Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony
EXPLORE THE AREA
From sizzling street eats and cultural festivals to global retail and everyday essential services
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Tip: Use a PRESTO card or PRESTO One-Time Ticket to tap easily across streetcars, buses, and subways. You can also pay with cash on buses or buy tickets at most stations.
HOW TO GET HERE
Yonge North York is one of Toronto’s most accessible neighbourhoods.. Anchored by three major TTC subway stations (Sheppard–Yonge, North York Centre, and Finch) along Line 1, and connected to GO Transit, Viva, and major highways, it’s easy and convenient to get here by transit, car, or rideshare.
Visiting from Out of Town? Here’s how to reach us from both major airports:
From Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ):
Union Pearson Express + TTC (Fastest)
- Take the UP Express train from Pearson Airport to Union Station. Trains depart every 15 minutes and the trip takes about 25 minutes.
- At Union Station, transfer to TTC Line 1 (Yonge–University) subway northbound. Get off at either Sheppard–Yonge, North York Centre, or Finch Station.
Direct Bus (Best Value)
- Take the GO Transit Bus 94, or the TTC 900, 52, or 952 from Terminal 1 (Ground Level) toward Yonge St & Sheppard Ave.
- These buses offer a more direct, low-cost option depending on schedule and time of day.
TTC Express Bus + Subway
- Take the TTC 900 Airport Express to Kipling Station, or routes 52/952 to Lawrence West or Lawrence Station.
- Transfer to TTC Line 1 (Yonge–University) northbound and exit at Sheppard–Yonge.
Rideshare or Rental
From Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ):
Streetcar + Subway (Fastest)
- Take the free shuttle or walk through the tunnel to the ferry terminal.
- Board the 509 Harbourfront streetcar eastbound to Union Station.
- From Union, take TTC Line 1 (Yonge–University) northbound directly to Sheppard–Yonge Station.
Local Bus + Subway
- Take a northbound bus (e.g., from Bathurst St) and transfer to Line 1 at Eglinton or another midtown station.
- Alternatively, take a direct bus route like the 320/21B during early morning/late night hours.
Rideshare or Rental
Driving or Traveling from the GTA?
Yonge North York is conveniently located just off Highway 401, and easily accessible via Yonge Street, Bayview Avenue, Bathurst Street, and other major roads. There are many underground and surface parking locations throughout the area.
For detailed driving directions and public transit options from other parts of the GTA, click on the button below
WHERE TO STAY
Novotel Toronto North York (3 Park Home Avenue) is located in the vibrant heart of North York, just off Yonge Street. The hotel offers direct indoor access to the North York Centre subway stop.. Surround yourself with a dynamic array of dining and entertainment options right at your doorstep. Whether you’re visiting for pleasure or business, Novotel Toronto North York provides a variety of services to enhance your stay. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, indulge in delicious cuisine at the hotel restaurant and bar, let your kids have fun in the dedicated kid’s corner, and take advantage of convenient underground parking.
YONGE NORTH YORK IN ACTION!
🍽️ Yonge North York Self-Guided Foodie Tours: On Now Until February 15!
Explore 4 unique foodie trails featuring 16 local restaurants offering exclusive dishes and experiences, all while collecting beautifully designed artist button pins along the way.
This 6-week event runs from January 12 to February 15, 2026
➡️ 4 themed tours
➡️ 16 participating restaurants
➡️ 4 collectible button pins design by local artist @kelseachatburnart
➡️ Chance to WIN 1 of 5 $100 Gift Cards To Your Favourite BIA Restaurant
Curated Tours That Will Satisfy Your Palate:
1️⃣ Taste of Yonge: A perfect intro for first-time visitors featuring the best of the district (@petitpotatotoronto @tehranto_restaurant @555boatnoodles @gelato_north)
2️⃣ North of Ordinary: Comfort food and hidden gems near Finch Station (@yongepotato @menamitoronto @thebasilbox @dontyellatme.on)
3️⃣ Munch in the Middle: Bold bites and crowd-pleasers around Mel Lastman Square (@cafelandwercanada @yongecafe @twilightboardgamecafe @marbleslabempresswalk)
4️⃣ Savour the South: Global flavours and brunch vibes near Yonge & Sheppard (@allstarwingsandribsnorthyork @dennyscanada @soulmadeca @fiftylancanad
Note: It is your responsibility to check the operating hours of each participating restaurant before your visit
Start your foodie adventure at destinationyny.com/foodie-tours or link in bio! ⬅️
Funded by the @cityofto`s Transit Construction Mitigation Fund & Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (@feddevontario)
#DestinationYNY #FoodieTourTO #YongeNorthYork #TorontoEats #SupportLocalTO
The most magical night of the year in Yonge North York is almost here! ✨
Join us Saturday, November 29 at Mel Lastman Square as we kick off the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive performances, cozy treats, and the lighting of our 3rd Annual Festive Tree starting at 6:30PM 🎄💫 Make sure to stay for a community sing-along led by @switchbeatmusic from 7-8PM! 🎤 🎶
Stroll the We ❤️ Willowdale Christmas Market organized by @neighbourlinkny from 2-8PM, shop 50+ local vendors, sip hot chocolate and more!
Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and let’s welcome the holidays together. ❤️
Full details ➝ yongenorthyork.com/festiveseason (or link in bio)
#YongeNorthYork #DestinationYNY #WeLoveWillowdale #MelLastmanSquare #MLSquare #ChristmasMarket #TreeLighting #NorthYorkEvents #HolidaySeason
#Repost from @tt_supermarket | YONGE NORTH YORK, we know you`ve seen the headlines and the buzz 👀
We are so excited to announce that the BIGGEST, the LARGEST, T&T in Ontario is coming to RIOCAN EMPRES! 🥳🙌
At 66,000 sq. ft., this store will be located at RioCan Empress Shopping Centre (on Yonge & Empress) and steps away from North York Centre subway station and Mel Lastman Square. The team is bringing a HUGE selection of your favourite snacks and prepared food options!
While we wait for the store to open, check out the shops and eats around the area!
Stay tuned for more updates!
📅 OPENING FALL 2026
📍5095 Yonge St, North York, ON
#YongeNorthYork #TandTSuperMarket #NewBusiness #RioCanEmpress #EmpressWalk #DestinationYNY
New Mural Unveiled at 4844 Yonge Street: “Petals of Flight” 🌸🌺🌼
We’re thrilled to announce that the Yonge North York BIA Mural Project has come to life at the corner of Yonge & Harlandale Avenue, on the south-facing wall beside Pizza Pizza!
Titled “Petals of Flight”, this stunning new mural by Toronto-based artist Alexandar Lazich (@vizsla_bacon) brings a touch of nature and imagination to the heart of our district.
A big thank-you to the artist Alexandar Bacon for this incredible contribution to our community. Thank you to all who joined us at this celebration on Monday, November 3rd: Councillor @lilychengto, the owners of 4844 Yonge Street, the @northyorkarts team, student from Visual Arts Council and Yearbook Team at Claude Watson Arts Program, @earlhaigsecondaryschool - the future of our city’s public art scene, whose creativity and passion will help shape Toronto’s cultural landscape for years to come.
Come by, take a photo at our new #PetalsOfFlight mural, and experience the vibrant art that continues to make Yonge North York a destination to live, work, and play.
This project was made possible thanks to the partnership between the Yonge North York BIA, the owners of 4844 Yonge Street, and the @cityofto.
#YongeNorthYork #PublicArt #TorontoMurals #CommunityArt #DestinationYNY
#Repost @fwc26toronto 🎨⚽
The Official Match Ball of the FIFA World Cup 26™, TRIONDA, was a masterpiece in motion as it rolled through @nuitblancheto at @mlsquare.ca in Yonge North York. 💫
Who`s excited for the World Cup? 🏆 🌎
#YongeNorthYork #MLSquare #mellastmansquare #WC2026 #WorldCup #WeAre26 #DestinationYNY
Missed Nuit Blanche Toronto? You can still catch the magic! 🌙
A selection of Nuit Blanche art projects will remain on display across Mel Lastman Square until Sunday, October 12, giving you more time to experience creativity under the stars (and sunshine ☀️).
🎨 Extended Viewing Includes:
• Future Perfect: Mel Lastman Square
• We Change Each Other: Mel Lastman Square Reflection Pond
• Lamination 1.0: North York Centre Atrium (5150 Yonge St.)
• 100% City: North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge Street)
Take a stroll through the Square and explore these thought-provoking works that continue the conversation beyond the night.
#NuitBlancheTO #YongeNorthYork #MelLastmanSquare #TorontoArt #PublicArt #NorthYork #CultureTO #TorontoEvents #DestinationYNY
☀️ Patio season isn’t over just yet! #CaféTO wraps up on Sept 26, so grab your friends, sip something refreshing, and enjoy one last summer hangout on the patio. 🍹🍜🍦
With 70+ patios across Yonge North York, you’ll find everything from sizzling Korean BBQ and bubble tea to cocktails and sweet scoops.
And the best part? You could WIN a $150 gift card!
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Snap a photo at a CaféTO patio with your food
2️⃣ Post it on Instagram
3️⃣ Tag @YongeNorthYork
👉 Visit our link in bio for full list of patios + contest details
Don’t miss your chance to dine, snap, and win this summer! 🌇✨
#YongeNorthYork #CafeTO #PatioSeason #TorontoPatios #DestinationYNY #SupportLocalTO
🎶 What a Sunday! 🎶
Last Sunday, Mel Lastman Square was alive with music and energy as crowds gathered for the Summer Live Music Festival and Sunday Serenades. From global rhythms and jazz fusion to big band swing, the atmosphere was electric, with people dancing by the stage, lounging by the fountain, and enjoying every moment under the sun. 💃🕺🎷
Thank you to everyone who came out and made the day so special!
📢 The music continues TONIGHT!
Come back to Mel Lastman Square from 7 to 8:30 PM for Sunday Serenades: a beloved, free outdoor concert series hosted by the Willowdale Arts Collective and Toronto All Star Big Bands. Enjoy a summer evening filled with timeless swing, big band, and jazz performances that bring the square to life.
📍Mel Lastman Square
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free & family-friendly!
#YongeNorthYork #MLSquare #SummerLiveMusicFestival #SundaySerenades #MelLastmanSquare #NorthYorkEvents #TorontoMusic #LiveMusicTO #DestinationYNY
#TBT | 🇨🇦 A Canada Day to remember in Yonge North York!
We’re excited to share our official sizzle reel from this year’s Canada Day Celebration at Mel Lastman Square, a vibrant day filled with music, culture, family fun, and community spirit.
From the free Kids Zone to the evening performances, from roaming entertainers to the return of fireworks lighting up the North York sky, this video captures the energy and heart of the day.
A huge thank you to @cityofto for their partnership, and to all our Members, performers, vendors, partners, and volunteers who helped make this celebration so special.
🎥 Watch, relive the moments, and share with your community! Video shot and edited by @tsotographer
The Yonge North York BIA is the proud presenter of the Yonge North York Canada Day Celebration. We are grateful that a portion of the event’s festivities were funded by the Government of Canada. Over 35,000 attendees enjoyed our festivities.
#YongeNorthYork #CanadaDay2025 #MLSquare #MelLastmanSquare #CommunityCelebration #CanadaDay #TorontoEvents #NorthYorkPride #DestinationYNY
A Fresh Look For Yonge North York! ✨🎉
We are excited to unveil our new custom pole wraps and branded street signs - a vibrant addition that enhances our streetscape and brings the Yonge North York Public Realm Master Plan one step closer to reality.
These signs beautifully complement our existing BIA street banners and help reinforce a unique sense of place and identity for the district.
It is all part of building a stronger, more connected streetscape that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our district’s offer — one of North Toronto’s best places to live, work, and play.
Thank you to our community, partners at the City of Toronto and our Public Realm Committee volunteers for continuing to support the evolution of Yonge North York.
➡️ Learn more about the master plan: https://www.yongenorthyork.com/masterplan
#YongeNorthYork #PublicRealm #StreetscapeDesign #UrbanVibrancy #Beautification #MainStreetMomentum #BIAInitiatives #TorontoUrbanDesign #PlaceMaking #YNYMasterPlan #DestinationYNY
🎆 What a Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square! 🇨🇦
We celebrated in true Yonge North York style with a full day of live music, family fun, amazing eats, and a fireworks finale that lit up the sky!
From face painting and bouncy castles to roaming performers, a fire show, and over 20 local food vendors, the energy was incredible from start to finish.
Huge thanks to the City of Toronto and our amazing community partners for helping make this free public celebration such a success:
✨ @cityofto – Fireworks Co-host
🎨 @menkeslife – Face Painting & Glitter Station
🍽️ @beanfieldcanada – Foodie Seating Lounge
🖌️ Gibson House Museum (@tohistorymuseums) – Arts & Crafts
🎶 @willowdaleartscollective – Main Stage Entertainment
A special thank you to @mayoroliviachow, Councillor @lilychengto, MPP @stanchompp, and MP @ali.ehsassi for your presence and continued support.
#YongeNorthYork #CanadaDay2025 #MelLastmanSquare #TorontoEvents #CommunityCelebration #DestinationYNY
Yesterday, Yonge North York BIA had the pleasure of hosting @torontoglobal for a tour of office buildings and mixed-use hubs across our district, one of North Toronto’s most vibrant places to live, work, and play.
✨ Stops included:
🏆 5000 Yonge (@crowncrp): BOMA award-winning
💼 Madison Centre (@europrospaces): 445K sq ft, modern amenities
🏢 Yonge Sheppard Centre (@riocanliving): 50+ retailers, BOMA Best Certified
🌇 North American Centre (@jllcanada): LEED Gold, city views, rooftop garden
This tour highlighted the diversity, connectivity, and growth potential of our business district, and we’re proud to collaborate with Toronto Global in showcasing Yonge North York as the perfect destination for investment, innovation, and community.
Thank you to the team at Toronto Global for exploring Yonge North York with us, and to Councillor @lilychengto for joining us and supporting our work to strengthen the district’s business ecosystem.
Special thanks to @yongecafe and @thepeachy_official for providing special treats for our guests.
#YongeNorthYork #TorontoGlobal #LiveWorkPlay #NorthYork #BIAEvents #UrbanGrowth #OfficeTour #DestinationYNY
ABOUT YONGE NORTH YORK BIA
MEL LASTMAN SQUARE
PARTNER WITH US
Showcase your business. Host your events. Be part of the Yonge North York experience.
Are you a local business or event organizer looking to reach new audiences in one of Toronto’s most vibrant uptown communities?
We invite you to partner with us and make your mark in Yonge North York. Whether you’re planning a cultural festival, pop-up market, cultural/music performance, or community initiative, the Yonge North York BIA offers high-visibility public spaces and promotional support through our robust marketing platforms.
THE YONGE NORTH YORK BIA
The Yonge North York BIA is formed by a group of volunteer Board of Directors who own or operate businesses in the Willowdale area. Our main area of focus is improving the local economy within the BIA area.
The BIA Board of Directors acts as a liaison between local businesses and government, to express the interests of businesses and have an impact on policies made with respect to the Willowdale area.
WHAT IS A BIA?
The Yonge North York BIA is formed by a group of volunteer Board of Directors who own or operate businesses in the Willowdale area. Our main area of focus is improving the local economy within the BIA area.
The BIA Board of Directors acts as a liaison between local businesses and government, to express the interests of businesses and have an impact on policies made with respect to the Willowdale area.
01
WHY JOIN US?
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
02
REPRESENT & ATTRACT
STRENGTHEN LOCAL BUSINESS
03
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
ADVOCATING
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Funded by the City of Toronto’s Transit Construction Mitigation Fund and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.