Yorkville stands out as a neighbourhood in Toronto offering a blend of condo buildings, office towers, top rated hotels, theatres, fine dining options, a high end shopping area and charming Victorian houses. The bustling commercial centre of Yorkville can be found along Yorkville Avenue and Cumberland Street. The shift from the area to the serene residential section of Yorkville is smooth and gradual with Victorian homes seamlessly transitioning to residential use—a characteristic unique to Yorkville.
History Of Yorkville, Toronto
Yorkville got its name from the Town of York which was a precursor to Toronto. The village of Yorkville was officially established in 1853. The names and professions of the council members are showcased on the Village coat of arms now mounted on the tower of the Yorkville Fire Hall situated at 34 Yorkville Avenue.
In 1883 Yorkville made history by becoming the village to be annexed by Toronto. Despite being part of a city Yorkville has always retained its character. It rose to fame initially as a haven for hippies in the 1960s. Later transformed into a shopping destination, in the 1980s and 1990s.
Lifestyle
Bloor Yorkville is widely recognized as one of the shopping areas in Canada. Its diverse range of specialty stores, fashion boutiques, jewelry shops, antique stores and art galleries attract both tourists and locals from all corners of Toronto. The shops and dining spots in Yorkville are housed in buildings along Yorkville Avenue, Hazelton Avenue, Cumberland Street and Scollard Street. Additionally the Hazelton Lanes shopping centre at 55 Avenue Road offers a selection of over 100 shops and eateries.
Yorkville, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The Village of Yorkville Park, at 115 Cumberland Street has received design accolades for its landscaping inspired by Yorkvilles history and the Canadian landscape. The central rock in the park originates from the Canadian Shield weighing 650 tonnes and dating back a billion years. Ramsden Park, located at the tip of Yorkville near Yonge Street offers amenities like four tennis courts, an ice rink, a children’s playground and a wading pool.
The cozy Yorkville Public Library on 22 Yorkville Avenue focuses on serving the community with programs for both kids and adults. The Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library on 789 Yonge Street stands as Canada’s reference library.
Nearby attractions include the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Royal Ontario Museum and McLaughlin Planetarium—all within walking distance in this neighbourhood. At the Manulife Centre, on the corner of Bay and Bloor you’ll find 12 cutting edge movie theatres.
Yorkville, Toronto Transit
Yorkville is conveniently situated within a walking distance of the Bloor/Yonge subway station, on the Yonge University Spadina subway line and the Bay station on the Bloor Danforth subway line. For those who prefer to drive, the Don Valley Parkway is a five minute drive from Yorkville.
The charming shops and eateries in Yorkville are housed in buildings along Yorkville Avenue, Hazelton Avenue, Cumberland Street and Scollard Street. If you’re looking for a variety of shopping options check out Hazelton Lanes shopping centre at 55 Avenue Road, which boasts an array of, then 100 shops and restaurants.
Yorkville, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Yorkville is one of Toronto’s most iconic and upscale neighbourhoods, located in the heart of the city. Known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and vibrant cultural scene, Yorkville is a bustling area that attracts both locals and tourists. The neighbourhood is characterized by a mix of historic Victorian homes, modern condominiums, and high-end boutiques. Despite its urban atmosphere, Yorkville offers pockets of green space, including the Village of Yorkville Park and Ramsden Park, providing a balance of city living and natural beauty. The area is well-served by public transit, making it easy for residents to navigate the city. Yorkville is also home to a number of prestigious educational institutions from elementary and secondary high school, including public, Catholic, and private schools.
Yorkville, Toronto, offers a variety of high-quality educational options for families, with a mix of public, Catholic, and private schools. Whether through the vibrant public school system, faith-based Catholic education, or prestigious private schools, children in Yorkville have access to a well-rounded education in one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 4
Public Schools:
- Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
- Huron Street Junior Public School
- Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute/ Northern Secondary School
Catholic Schools:
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s College School
- Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School
- De La Salle College
Private Schools:
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- Upper Canada College
- De La Salle College
Yorkville, Toronto Homes
Yorkville’s charming Victorian homes, constructed from 1870, to 1895 showcase a variety of design elements such as decorative brick patterns, elegant gingerbread gables, ornate cast iron fences and beautifully landscaped gardens. Many of these residences in Yorkville are included in the Toronto Historical Boards list of Heritage Properties. Known as Toronto’s neighbourhood Yorkville appeals to a wide range of homebuyers from the local Greater Toronto Area to those hailing from across Canada and abroad. Situated in a midtown location Yorkville offers both prestige and convenience being a stone’s throw away from the vibrant energy of downtown Toronto.