Five Fun Activities and Places to Visit in Downtown Toronto (Yonge St, Eaton Centre, Old Town)
Introduction
As a lifelong resident of Toronto, there are some places that are classics that you just can’t miss if you are in the heart of the city – the Yonge Street corridor. In this article I will discuss some of my favourites both old and new.
Starting off the list is the family and kids of all ages favourite “Little Canada,” offering miniature takes on many of the special cities and regions of Canada, from east to west, including Golden Horseshoe, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Toronto. Along with local sights they feature Little West and Little North (Montreal and the East Coast are part of future expansion).
Near Little Canada you will find sights such as Sankofa (formerly Yonge Dundas) Square and two other stops on our list: Cineplex Cinema movie theatre and the massive Eaton Centre. I recall going to the movies and shopping at Yonge and Dundas area when I was growing up, two around the year activities that never fail to amuse and entertain. Read about these spots in this article.
Also included are two nearby locations that will be fun for the whole family, including the Hockey Hall of Fame (also known as HHOF) and the St. Lawrence Market. These are east of Yonge St in the famous historical Old Town Toronto neighbourhood. Visit them and the easily wander back to the central part of the city.
All spots on the list have easy access to subway stations like Union, King, Queen and Dundas. There are plenty of bus routes in the area along with Go Transit connections if you are traveling outward into the GTA.
Here is our list:
- Little Canada
- Eaton Centre
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- St. Lawrence Market
- Cineplex Cinema
Note: strictly speaking these spots are not all exclusively located on Yonge St. as the Hockey Hall of Fame and St. Lawrence Market are both a 5-10 minute walk from the intersection of Yonge St. and Front St.
Welcome to Toronto! It’s a fun city for visitors and local alike!
Here are a few exciting attractions to check out during your visit:
Little Canada 🇨🇦
Imagine experiencing all the wonders of Canada in a single day! Little Canada offers just that.
This miniature marvel brings together iconic landmarks and landscapes from across the country, all under one roof. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details and the sheer scale of this tiny world.
Look for cultural details, such as a red panda from the film Turning Red in the Chinatown section of the exhibit
- Website: https://little-canada.ca/
- Phone: (416) 562-8242
- Address: 10 Dundas St. East, Toronto, ON M5B 2G9
Mini GTA – “Little Toronto” includes the downtown skyline, CN Tower and Rogers Centre and the Marilyn Monroe Towers in Mississauga.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre:
Shopaholics rejoice! The Eaton Centre is a haven for retail therapy. With hundreds of stores, from high-end brands to popular favourites, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the Eaton Centre is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
The centre is also an architectural wonder and features a public art installation of flying Canada Geese by renowned artist Michael Snow.
- Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-toronto-eaton-centre
- Phone: (416) 598-8560
- Address: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1
You will be amazed by the sights within the mall. Be sure to walk through the length of the mall from Dundas to Queen Streets whether you are in the mood for shopping or not. It’s especially sweet during winter as a north south warm-up (like the rest of PATH, aka underground plazas).
Hockey Hall of Fame 🏒
Calling all hockey fans! This is your chance to immerse yourself in the history of Canada’s national sport. Explore exhibits dedicated to legendary players, iconic teams, and memorable moments. You can even try your hand at shooting a puck on a replica NHL goal!
- Website: https://www.hhof.com/
- Phone: (416) 360-7765
- Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8
The HHOF occupies 50,600 sq ft in the beautiful former Bank of Montreal building in downtown Toronto.
St. Lawrence Market 🍲🫒🥕
Foodies, this one’s for you! The St. Lawrence Market is a historic marketplace offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or stock up on local delicacies.
Note special hours: The Farmer’s Market is early Saturday and on Monday the market is closed.
- Website: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
- Phone: (416) 392-7219
- Address: 92-95 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
The St. Lawrence Market is a feast for the eyes and the palate, as it offers meat, seafood, vegetables fruits, coffee and a wide variety of food products from dozens of vendors.
Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas 📽
Catch the latest blockbusters at this state-of-the-art cinema. With multiple screens, comfortable seating, and a range of concessions, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
- Website: https://www.cineplex.com/
- Phone: (800) 333-3456
- Address: 10 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2G9
The Tenor is the building that houses the Cineplex Cinemas along with other retail and restaurants. It sits on the edge of Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge and Dundas Square).
In summary, Toronto offers a diverse range of attractions to suit all tastes. From miniature worlds to bustling markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Toronto adventure today!
We look forward to featuring full reviews of these attractions in a future post. If you are the owner or manager of the venues please get in touch with us via our contact page. Thank you.
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