Things to Do in Yorkville [2022]

Things to Do in Yorkville

Yorkville is a vibrant and unique pocket of Toronto that’s filled to the brim with fun. Known for its luxury boutiques, Yorkville is retail heaven! But just because you’re all shopped out doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! 

In Yorkville, you can find everything from world-class museums and galleries, to delicious restaurants, beautiful naturescapes, abstract murals, and charming architecture. The neighbourhood is also home to a lot of interesting characters, making it perfect for people watching.

In Yorkville, there are businesses and hangouts that are unlike anything else in Toronto, making it a neighbourhood surely worth visiting. These are the 6 best things to do in Yorkville!

If you decide to visit Yorkville for yourself, you have to stop over at one of the best coffee shops and the best restaurants in Yorkville!

Summary

Top Things to Do in Yorkville

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Yorkville, whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon or a night on the town. Here are some of our top picks for things to do in Yorkville:

Shopping

The shopping at Yorkville is unlike any other mall in Toronto. With hundreds (and yes I mean hundreds) of shops to choose from, you will surely find something to satisfy your style. Yorkville is full of exclusive stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Holt Renfrew, and more.

Yorkville Village

Yorkville Village is the premier shopping mall in the neighbourhood! Formerly known as Hazelton Lanes, here you can curate your wardrobe, stop at their food court, or fill up your fridge at Whole Foods.

The mall hosts many small events. Recently, Yorkville Village hosted a beautiful flower showcase. Check out their website and socials for updates on their next event!

Food

Perhaps some of the best restaurants in the city can be found in Yorkville. Over 20 restaurants in Yorkville with the best food I’ve had in my life living in Toronto. I’m not alone in those feelings either, each and every one of those 20 restaurants has loads of reviews to back up my statement.

One of the best things about Yorkville is the variety they have, and I’m not talking McDonald vs Taco Bell kind of variety. These fine dining restaurants and patios serve food from all over the world.

Trattoria Nervosa is an authentic Italian restaurant worth trying out if you are craving an Italian vibe! Take a little trip down under to try some New Zealand food when you visit Hemmingway’s pub. There are so many options, and such variety I couldn’t possibly mention them all, but they’re all worth checking out!

Yorkville is also home to some of the nicest patios in Toronto! You might feel like you’re in another city entirely with the cobblestone streets, and the summer air, Yorkville truly takes you on a trip. Cap off your dinner with authentic Italian gelato from the gelato shop by coco espresso bar. After you have digested your food, why not head back for some spectacular nightlife!

Museums

Yorkville is not all about the shopping and food. It is also home to some of the best museums in the city! The Gardiner Museum is one of Yorkville’s gems and a must-see for any museum lover. The Royal Ontario Museum is also nearby if you want to explore natural history and world cultures.

Royal Ontario Museum

From its exterior alone, the Royal Ontario Museum is worth a visit! But inside, there are thousands of years of history all under one roof. With other 40 galleries, 13 million artworks, and real specimens from history, the museum covers almost all areas of interest.

Kids absolutely love the ROM. If you have children, they will learn and have fun here. The museum has a section called the CIBC Discovery Galley. There are period costumes the children are free to try on, a sandbox where you can dig up dinosaur bones, and stations to test out experiments. 

Now is the perfect time to go! This summer, the ROM has free admission for all the galleries on the first floor!

Gardiner Museum

Housing thousands of well-picked objects, the Gardiner Museum is one of the most acclaimed museums on the continent. The ceramics museum itself is also beautifully built. At this gallery, you can marvel at Canadian art and works from all around the world. Spend hours getting lost in the beautiful art and pondering its meanings. 

The Gardiner Museum also hosts many unique and niche exhibits, so make sure to check their website regularly for any updates. In addition to their wonderful exhibits, they host ceramics classes, lectures and tours, and have a small bistro, and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs of your favourite works.

The Gardiner Museum is also one of the more accessible of Toronto’s attractions. Children and students with valid student IDs have free admission. Adults pay no more than $15 for a ticket; seniors have discounted admission at $11. 

Besides museums, you’ll also find one of Toronto’s nicest libraries in Yorkville.

Toronto Reference Library

The Toronto Reference Library is a marvel in Yorkville. This library houses more than 10 million books and special, non-circulating reference books. Like other Toronto libraries, the Reference Library has a ton of services readily available to the public. Here you can use a 3D printer, book a study room, and get a Museum + Arts Pass if you’re lucky!

Fun fact: Toronto artist, The Weeknd, shot the video for his song Secrets here!

If you have some work to catch up on or some studying to do, the Reference Library is a great spot. With its plush red carpets and cool interior, and more than 1,000 seats available, you’ll want to do your work here!

Nightlife

If you thought during the day Yorkville was active, just wait till the sun goes down. Make sure you dress nicely or you might have some difficulties fitting in. It’s on these summer nights that people dress up and hit Yorkville. Classy drinks are served at Cibo Wine Bar, but if that isn’t your speed, head back to Hemingways for some mixed drinks and pub fare.

Afterwards, take a walk around to admire all the beautiful lights in the area. This classy area isn’t necessarily the typical party scene but I have no doubt that you will have a blast in Yorkville.

Other great spots to check out are:

Village of Yorkville Park

In the heart of Downtown Toronto, you can take a break in the beautiful Village of Yorkville Park. In the small park, there are many seats to lounge in. Visitors are covered in the shade of trees and there are countless plants and flowers. This park offers a great view of the Yorkville neighbourhood; it’s a great spot for watching people go about their day.

In the winter, the park showcases several gorgeous ice sculptures that transform the location into a winter wonderland!

The Yorkville Rock in Cumberland Square

The Yorkville Rock definitely stands out in the upscale neighbourhood. After all, it’s a huge rock. 

In Yorkville, it can often feel like people are rushing from point A to point B. Take your time and take a seat on this rock to get away from it all. It’s a great spot to eat some delicious gelato and watch the comings and goings of the neighbourhood.

If you have young kids, the rock is a must-visit. Children seem to absolutely adore this rock. In Yorkville, it’s a common sight to see children running around and climbing up this rock.

Accommodation

Yorkville is a great neighbourhood to stay in when visiting Toronto. Yorkville is home to some of the fanciest hotels in Toronto, most notable are the Four Seasons, The Hazelton, the Intercontinental, and the Windsor Arms Hotel. Staying in one of the hotels can be a great way to end your luxury Toronto vacation or staycation.

While these hotels are extremely beautiful inside, they come with a price tag to match. If a cheap night’s stay is what you’re looking for, you might have to check out of the Yorkville area to find a hotel.

The lowest night costs $250, whereas the higher end can run you over $600. That being said, Toronto’s Yorkville Airbnb is definitely worth the mention. Airbnb rentals in Yorkville are much more affordable starting at $78 a night for the entire condo and capping off at around $250.

FAQs About Yorkville

Yes, it is considered an upscale neighbourhood so expect higher prices than other areas in Toronto.
It’s best to visit Yorkville in the spring or summer. It’s a neighbourhood that’s great to explore on foot. But in the fall and winter, Yorkville is just as beautiful and exciting.
Yorkville is in the heart of Toronto. Unofficially, it borders Yonge to the east, Avenue Road to the west, Davenport to the north, and Bloor to the south.
If you take the TTC, you’ll be happy to know Yorkville is by two subway lines, Line 1 and Line 2. You can get to Yorkville by car, though parking is scarce. Yorkville is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in Toronto, so if you’re within walking distance, walk on over to the neighbourhood!

Final Thoughts

Yorkville has a reputation for being a playground for the rich, but even if you’re on a budget, the neighbourhood has tons to offer! As busy as the area is, there are many places where you can take a break from it all. You can spend hours in the many galleries, the library, parks, or on a rock!

If you find yourself in the area, you have to check out these places in Yorkville!

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