One of the longest and most populated avenues in North America, Yonge Street in Toronto begins at Lake Ontario and stretches as far North to Lake Simcoe, occupying a nearly 2,000 kilometer stretch of Southern Ontario. It in the downtown core, however, that Yonge Street is the most exciting and notable.

The neighbourhood known as Downtown Yonge has emerged as one of the most populated and entertaining areas of the city, with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment. 

It has developed considerably over the last decade, with new high rises, stores, and public spaces popping up to attract residents and tourists alike. 

Shopping

In terms of shopping, no neighbourhood in the city offers as much as does Downtown Yonge, and that is almost entirely due to the Eaton Centre. 

By far the largest mall in the city, the Toronto Eaton Centre features more than 230 retailers, restaurants, and services. Located on the west side of Yonge Street, running from Queen Street West to the South up to Dundas West, the Eaton Centre is truly an iconic Toronto landmark, with  high domed ceiling, vast façade at Dundas Square, and a Canadian namesake. 

In the 1970's, the Eaton's department store that had occupied Yonge and Dundas for over 10 years, expanded and became the Toronto Eaton Centre. Over the course of three years the centre was constructed, featuring not only a myriad outlets, but unique office space as well. 

The Eaton Centre is naturally the focal point of the neighbourhood and has seen new developments arise to complement the vast Canadian mall. 

Dundas Square has been renovated to resemble a piazza; it is a place where residents and tourists alike can seen and drink coffee, chat, and relax amid fountains and downtown urban scenery. 

The space has been the setting for many free concerts, live entertainment, and other exciting events over the course of the year.

In addition, the northeast side of Dundas Square has seen renovations over the last decade as well. 10 Yonge Street is a smaller centre for activity and entertainment, with a 24-theatre cinema, food court, electronics shops, and many places to eat. 

Two of the restaurants, Jack Astor's and Milestones, feature two of the best patios in the city as they are high up on the building and overlook Yonge Street and Dundas Square. 

The area has been embraced as the core of the city, as City TV, one of Toronto's main stations, has come to occupy a newly renovated building just east of the Square. 

With live newscasts and sports shows that broadcast with the Square in the background, City TV is claiming their spot in the middle of Toronto and promoting it as the centre of news and entertainment.

Naturally, a majority of the residences in the area are high rises and occupy space above retail outlets and just nearby major areas of interest. 

It is the perfect to reside in for those who seek the fun and excitement of the city. Dedicated professionals such as lawyers and bankers who work in the nearby financial district find their home in this area that is continually in the heart of the action. 

While mostly condominiums, there are a few apartment complexes that cater to younger professionals and graduate students studying at the nearby University of Toronto. 

It is of course an area that attracts a lot of people, so if one is interested in living in the area, they would be inclined to be very social and embrace the non-stop hustle and bustle.

Dining 

Still, there are ea few escapes in the area. Just north of Dundas are several side streets that escape into quiet settings, with tree-lined avenues that features fine dining restaurants and pubs. 

What's more, there is more than just shopping and eating along downtown Yonge Street. The Canon Theatre, directly across from the Eaton Centre, is one of the best places in the city to catch a musical, featuring great stage performances throughout the year.

Theatres

Meanwhile, just down the street is another theatre, The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres are a pair of stacked theatres in the heart of the city, a building that was designated a national historic site in 1982. 

With a famous façade outside, and recent state-of-the-art renovations inside, the two theatres are home to some of the most coveted occasions in the city, including movie premieres and live concerts. 

The Downtown Yonge neighbourhood is clearly one of the most exciting and densely packed areas of the city, with a never-ending supply of places to go and things to do. 

Whether you are living or just passing through, Downtown Yonge is synonymous with the Toronto core and city life.