Yonge Street

Yonge Street, Toronto's mythic artery

The Toronto audio-guided tour lets you discover Yonge Street, the city's main thoroughfare, which divides it from north to south. Conceived by John Graves Simcoe, first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada and founder of Toronto, it was part of the planning of Ontario's concession roads.

The longest street in the world?

Yonge Street hosted Canada's first subway line, in 1954. But one anecdote mainly adds to its fame: set in the continuity of Highway 11, it was wrongly granted the title of longest street in the world. In reality, it stretches about fifty-seven kilometres from Lake Ontario, which still makes it one of the longest urban arteries.

What there is to see

In the heart of downtown, the Downtown Yonge area is known for its bright lights, its shops and its energy. To walk along Yonge Street is to follow the backbone of Toronto, from the shores of Lake Ontario northward. The street passes through several atmospheres, from the shopping district to more residential surroundings, and concentrates much of urban life.

Practical information

Yonge Street crosses Toronto from north to south, from Lake Ontario. Its central area, Downtown Yonge, is the liveliest. The street can be walked freely at all hours and on the level; the shops keep their own hours.

Is Yonge Street the longest in the world?

This title was wrongly attributed to it, through confusion with Highway 11 that extends it. In reality, Yonge Street stretches about fifty-seven kilometres from Lake Ontario.

Who conceived Yonge Street?

It was conceived by John Graves Simcoe, first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada and founder of Toronto, as part of the planning of Ontario's roads.