Dundas Square

Are you ready to be transported to a world of endless excitement and adventure? Then come and explore Yonge-Dundas Square, the pulsing heart of downtown Toronto. This lively hub can be found where the vibrant Yonge and Dundas streets intersect. Gracing the entrance of the lively Toronto Eaton Centre, this flourishing square is enveloped by an eclectic mix of shopping, entertainment, and dining options. Its towering billboards, reminiscent of New York's iconic Times Square, make it a landmark destination.

With a wide range of activities, from community celebrations to concerts, and a vibrant energy that is contagious, there is no better place to be. So why wait? Take that first step and come immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of Yonge-Dundas Square. The memories and experiences you'll create here will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit Yonge-Dundas Square today!

What to Know

Dundas Square – A Vibrant Public Landmark in the Heart of Toronto

Located at the crossroads of Yonge Street and Dundas Street East in downtown Toronto, Yonge-Dundas Square, also known as Dundas Square, is a bustling public square that has become a defining landmark in the city. Conceived in 1997 as part of a revitalization project, the square was designed by the renowned architecture firm Brown and Storey Architects.

Since its completion in 2002, Dundas Square has been a hub of activity, playing host to numerous public events, performances, and art displays. The square is central to the bustling Downtown Yonge entertainment and shopping district and has become a must-visit tourist attraction in Toronto.

What sets Dundas Square apart is its unique ownership structure - it's the first public square in Canada to be maintained through a public-private partnership, with the city owning the square. This has allowed the space to thrive and become a vibrant gathering place for people from all walks of life.

The intersection at Yonge and Dundas is one of the busiest in the country, with over 100,000 people, locals and tourists alike, traversing the city's first pedestrian scramble each day. It's no wonder that Dundas Square has become a destination in its own right, offering a dynamic mix of art, entertainment, and commerce in the heart of Toronto.

Best Time to Visit 

Dundas Square is open 24/7 for you to see, so the best time to visit this buzzing space is definitely at a time of your choosing! Do plan your visit in pleasant weather as the square tends to get crowded and hot in summer.

How to Get There 

You can easily reach Yonge-Dundas Square, located at 1 Dundas St E conveniently connected to the PATH, mere steps away from the bustling Dundas station on the Toronto subway. But the best way to get to Toronto's Times Square is by booking the Best of Toronto Tour which will save you the hassle of navigating your way through the city to get there!

This guided tour will take care of everything for you from pick-up and drop-off to admission fees and skip-the-ticket-line entrance! Bonus point: you'll get to see other hotspots of Toronto from the iconic CN Tower to the buzzing St. Lawrence Market as well as hop on the Toronto Harbour Cruise! So what are you waiting for? Get here in a jiffy and start experiencing all that the square has to offer!

Highlights

Want to feel what a booming metropolis feels like? Come down to Dundas Square and soak up its addictive energy! This lively heart of Toronto is a must-visit for sightseers who are into tourist attractions with dazzling lights & sounds, and a lot of life. Every bustling metropolis boasts a central hub of activity and excitement, and in Toronto, that place is none other than Yonge-Dundas Square.

Here, the energy is palpable, with crowds of people bustling about, street performers captivating onlookers, vendors hawking their wares, bars, restaurants pulsing with life, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee and exotic spices filling the air. 

It is a place where anything and everything is possible, where the senses are constantly stimulated, and where memories are made. From joyous community celebrations to spellbinding theatrical performances, scintillating concerts to elegant receptions, and thrilling promotions to showcase local businesses, there is something for everyone in this bustling public space.

Whether you're a resident or a tourist, Yonge-Dundas Square promises to captivate and enthrall you with its diverse range of activities. Come and see for yourself what all the buzz is about!

Features

Nestled at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas in the heart of downtown Toronto, Yonge-Dundas Square stands as a beacon of community and commerce. This one-acre public event space is a buzzing hub of activity, offering an array of events and experiences that appeal to both residents and visitors alike. From community celebrations and theatrical performances to concerts, product launches, and international festivities, Yonge-Dundas Square never fails to captivate and inspire.

The Yonge-Dundas Square Board of Management is dedicated to responsibly managing this bustling destination and elevating the downtown experience. Their mission is to promote the Square as a thriving commercial space, fueled by community spirit and commercial participation. To achieve this, the Board places a strong emphasis on security, cleanliness, and exciting events that leave a lasting impression.

With its prime location and unparalleled event capabilities, Yonge-Dundas Square is a strategic choice for businesses and organizations looking to showcase their brand. Whether you're planning a large-scale festival or a small, intimate gathering, the square's team of expert event coordinators will work with you every step of the way to ensure the successful execution of your event. Come see for yourself what makes Yonge-Dundas Square a one-of-a-kind destination that draws visitors from near and far!

Photography and Film Shoots

Dundas Square invites visitors to capture memories and moments through personal photography and videography. However, for those seeking to utilize the Square for commercial photography or film shoots, an event permit is required.

From elaborate sets to smaller-scale setups, any activities that could potentially obstruct or hinder other events must be authorized through the proper channels. Regrettably, the Square does not currently offer special rates for film shoots.

Street Performance

Amid the bustling energy of downtown Toronto, Yonge-Dundas Square beckons to the talented street performers of the city to take the stage and share their art. On days with no scheduled events, the Square transforms into a platform for the city's most gifted musicians, magicians, and other performers to showcase their talents. However, all busker performances must abide by the district's strict performance policy.

Throughout the year, the Square welcomes submissions from those eager to take advantage of this unique opportunity. For those selected, the permit fee is a modest $175 + HST, valid from May 2022 to April 2023. Be sure to check out the official website for the performance policy and application form. So, if you're an artist with a passion for performing, come be a part of the magic at Yonge-Dundas Square!

History

The lively center of Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto emerged as the centerpiece of the city's vision for a dynamic and livable downtown, realized through the Yonge Street Regeneration Project which was approved by Toronto City Council. This decision entailed the expropriation and demolition of the existing structures on the site. In 1996, the city joined forces with the Yonge Street Business and Residents Association to breathe new life into the area surrounding Yonge and Dundas. The project aimed to enhance the area's appeal, attract more retail and entertainment, and improve its overall safety and appearance.

To design the new public space, the City of Toronto hosted a competition, ultimately selecting the talented team at Brown + Storey Architects. Conceived by the visionary minds at this architectural agency, Yonge-Dundas Square was destined to become a landmark public space in the heart of Toronto. Heralded as a modern-day counterpart to Nathan Phillips Square, designed by the esteemed Viljo Revell for the iconic New City Hall, Yonge-Dundas Square represents the pinnacle of urban design. 

In 1998, this metropolitan design for Yonge-Dundas Square was unveiled, and in 2001, the city established a Board of Management to oversee the square as a business venture. The square made its public debut in November 2002 with a dazzling preview of its 20 fountains and officially opened its doors in 2003.

In 2017, Yonge-Dundas Square took a step forward, partnering with OUTFRONT Media to install new digital signage and technologies. This marked the first major capital investment in the space since its construction and established the square as the first public-private partnership of its kind in Canada.

Today, Yonge-Dundas Square continues to be a bustling hub, attracting over 56 million visitors annually and serving as the stage for various public events and cultural festivals, including NXNE, TIFF, and Pride Week. The space is owned by the city and regulated by the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 636, with smoking strictly prohibited on the property.