Brianna HarrisonNorth York is a vibrant and diverse district of Toronto known for its mix of residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas, and cultural attractions. It’s home to over 800,000 people and a wide variety of cultures and communities.
Visiting North York soon? Keep reading to find everything you need to know about Toronto’s charming and unique district.
Time Zone
Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
Best Time to Go
If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities, summer is the best time to go. The atmosphere is more lively with outdoor patios and fun festivals.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, spring or fall are good options. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy beautiful foliage wherever you go.
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere and winter sports, winter is the perfect time to visit. It’s the coldest time of the year and the area is bustling with people getting ready to celebrate the holidays.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
(Check the current exchange rate)
Languages: English
Calling Code: +1
Where is North York?
North York is located in the northern part of Toronto, around Yonge Street and north of Ontario Highway 401. The district is bordered by Scarborough, Thornhill, and downtown Toronto.
How to Get There
By public transit:
The TTC’s Line 1 Yonge-University-Spadina subway runs through North York, with stations at Bloor-Yonge, Sheppard-Yonge, Finch, and North York Centre. This is the fastest and most direct way to get to North York from downtown Toronto.
The TTC also operates a vast network of bus and streetcar routes throughout North York, connecting various neighbourhoods and attractions.
By car:
The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) runs east-west through North York, connecting it to Toronto’s downtown core and the suburbs to the west. Highway 400 connects North York to the suburbs to the north, including Vaughan and Markham.
You can also take Highway 407 East which provides access to North York from the east, bypassing traffic congestion on Highway 401. Parking can be limited in certain areas so be sure to check parking regulations first.
Where to go in North York
Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1
Phone: +1 416-646-4677
The Aga Khan Museum is a centre for the study and promotion of Islamic art and culture. It’s housed in a stunning building designed by the architect Fumihiko Maki, taking inspiration from traditional Islamic design with a focus on harmony and balance.
The museum was founded in 1961 by His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. The museum’s mission is to foster cross-cultural understanding and dialogue through the arts and humanities.
Edwards Gardens
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2
Phone: +1 416-392-8188
Edwards Gardens is a hidden gem that’s home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Aside from being a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, it’s also a popular spot for weddings, photography, and other special events.
People flock to the gardens to admire its lush greenery and have a picnic under the sun. If you’re looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to escape from the city, admission to Edwards Gardens is free and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.
Gibson House Museum
Address: 5172 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N 5P6
Phone: +1 416-395-7432
Gibson House Museum is a historic house museum operated by the City of and is open to the public for tours and events. It’s furnished with period pieces and contains many original features, such as stained glass windows and decorative plasterwork.
We recommend taking a tour of the house and exploring its many rooms, including the parlour, dining room, and bedrooms. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events that explore different aspects of Victorian life.
Ontario Science Centre
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3
Phone: +1 416-696-1000
The Ontario Science Centre is one of the largest science museums in Canada and is home to a variety of interactive exhibits, shows, and programs. It was founded in 1969, and it’s been a popular destination for families and school groups ever since.
Its interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about science through hands-on experiences. They also offer live demonstrations of science experiments, which are a great way to learn about scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Centre
Address: 4169 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3P8
Phone: +1 416-395-7931
Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Centre is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the Toronto area. The centre offers a variety of lessons and programs for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the centre also offers snow tubing, which is a fun and affordable way to enjoy winter activities. It’s also home to other facilities, including a rental shop and a lodge with a restaurant and snack bar.
Parc Downsview Park
Address: 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C5
Phone: +1 416-634-2559
Downsview Park is a large urban park located in the Downsview neighbourhood of Toronto. It has a multi-purpose sports centre that was formerly an aircraft hangar for the de Havilland Aircraft Company and later the Canadian Forces.
The park is also a popular spot for Canada Day celebrations, with live music, food trucks, and fireworks. It has something to offer everyone, from sports enthusiasts to art lovers.
Where to stay in North York
The Willowdale Hotel Toronto North York
Address: 170 Willowdale Ave, North York, ON M2N 4Y6
Phone: +1 416-221-7236
Pricing: $
The Willowdale Hotel is a triple-diamond-rated boutique hotel located near Yonge & Sheppard on Willowdale Avenue. It has a variety of room types to choose from, including studios, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites.
The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Guests have consistently rated the hotel highly, praising its cleanliness, staff, and location.
Novotel Toronto North York
Address: 3 Park Home Ave, Toronto, ON M2N 6L3
Phone: +1 416-733-2929
Pricing: $
Novotel is a 3-star contemporary hotel located in the heart of North York, offering easy access to major highways, direct indoor access to the subway and shopping mall, and great modern amenities.
The hotel has an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar, and meeting rooms. It’s great for its price and is an ideal choice for travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Toronto.
Pan Pacific Toronto
Address: 900 York Mills Rd, North York, ON M3B 3H2
Phone: +1 416-444-2511
Pricing: $
Pan Pacific is a 4-diamond luxury hotel nestled amidst 6 hectares of scenic parkland and is just a short drive from downtown Toronto and Toronto Pearson International Airport. It’s known for its elegant design and well-appointed suites.
The hotel has plenty of amenities for guests, including an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, restaurants, bars, and lounges. They also offer business services, including meeting rooms and a business centre.
Where to eat in North York
Eggsmart
Address: 4695 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N 5M3
Phone: +1 647-748-5584
Pricing: $
Eggsmart is a Canadian breakfast restaurant chain that serves a variety of breakfast and brunch items, including eggs, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and more.
Their famous Skyscraper Pancakes is a towering stack of pancakes filled with Nutella, fresh blueberries, bananas, and strawberries. They also serve a 6-ounce New York striploin steak paired with three eggs cooked to your liking.
Vietnoms Go
Address: 243 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2N 3A8
Phone: +1 647-352-5886
Pricing: $
Vietnoms Go is a Vietnamese restaurant chain with two locations in Toronto that offer a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls. Their restaurants are typically small and casual, with a focus on takeout and delivery.
Their pho is made with a rich and flavourful beef broth and is topped with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and herbs. Vietnoms Go is a great option for people who are looking for a quick, affordable, and delicious Vietnamese meal.
PHO OK
Address: 4664 Yonge St Unit 21, North York, ON M2N 5M1
Phone: +1 416-222-2668
Pricing: $$
PHO OK is a Vietnamese restaurant that specialises in hearty beef noodle soups and also serves other traditional Vietnamese fare such as vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, and rice dishes.
The restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic Vietnamese dishes and is known for its fresh ingredients, flavourful dishes, and friendly service. They also serve various vegetarian and vegan options.
Auberge du Pommier
Address: 4150 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 2C6
Phone: +1 416-222-2220
Pricing: $$$
Auberge du Pommier is a French fine dining restaurant housed in a charming 1860s woodcutters’ cottage, providing a unique and inviting atmosphere. Operating since 1987, it has earned a reputation for its refined cuisine and impeccable service.
Their menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist. In addition to its excellent food, the restaurant is also known for its extensive wine list, with a wine cellar that features over 1,000 bottles of wine from around the world.
Konjiki Ramen
Address: 5051 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5P2
Phone: +1 647-350-7766
Pricing: $$
Founded in 2006, Konjiki Ramen is a popular Japanese ramen restaurant chain that quickly gained a loyal following for its authentic and delicious ramen. The menu features a variety of ramen bowls, each made with a different type of broth and toppings.
Their broths are made in-house and are simmered for hours to develop their rich and flavourful taste. In addition to its ramen bowls, the restaurant also offers a variety of other Japanese dishes, such as gyoza dumplings, rice bowls, and Japanese desserts.
Michi Sushi
Address: 126 Willowdale Ave, North York, ON M2N 4Y2
Phone: +1 416-224-8881
Pricing: $$
Michi Sushi is a family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and donburi. They use fresh ingredients to make sure that their flavours are always bold and authentic.
The restaurant’s chefs are skilled in the art of Japanese cuisine and their dishes are always cooked to perfection. They’re also friendly and helpful, always happy to answer questions and make recommendations.
Paisano’s
Address: 116 Willowdale Ave, North York, ON M2N 4X9
Phone: +1 416-613-5487
Pricing: $$
Paisano’s Italian Garden Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving up delicious Italian cuisine for over 50 years. The menu features a wide variety of classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, veal, chicken, and seafood.
The restaurant is a great place to go for a special occasion or a romantic evening out. Its elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and refined cuisine make it a truly memorable dining experience.
Shamshiri Restaurant
Address: 280 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2N 3B1
Phone: +1 416-578-4000
Pricing: $$
Shamshiri Restaurant is an authentic Persian restaurant that serves traditional Persian dishes, including kebabs, stews, rice dishes, and salads. The restaurant’s flavourful meals and friendly service make it a popular choice for Torontonians.
Their famous koobideh is a ground beef kebab that is seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. They also serve ghormeh sabzi which is a stew made with red kidney beans, dried limes, fresh herbs, and meat.
