Yorkville Overview
While it’s famous as one of the best luxury brand shopping areas in North America, Yorkville is also a vibrant mix of locally owned galleries, boutiques and cafes. It is the intersection of the city’s wealth and taste: its residences are mainly high end condos located right in the middle of the action or discreet Victorian townhomes tucked amongst the galleries on quiet tree lined streets.
Yorkville is bordered by Bloor Street to the south, Avenue Road to the west, Davenport to the north, and Yonge Street to the east. The relatively small area is so densely packed with the finest shops and restaurants, it is without question Toronto’s ‘destination’ neighbourhood for tourists and locals alike.
Current Properties for sale in Yorkville:
Yorkville History
Much of Yorkville’s significant charm can be attributed to its storied past, including an era as the city’s unofficial bohemian headquarters. In the tradition of New York City’s SoHo district, Yorkville gained notoriety in the 1960’s and 1970’s as an artist colony of sorts, and became associated with some of Canada’s most recognized artists and writers. As the city grew and rents increased, Toronto’s ‘hippie’ culture moved west – but the neighbourhood retained its artistic allure, growing into the retail mecca that it is today.
Yorkville Parks
Even in this shop focused district, green spaces abound. The Yorkville Village Park is nestled right in the heart of Yorkville and features architectural fountains and giant rocks imported from Georgian Bay.
For a more traditional park experience, Ramsden Park is just up the road off of Yonge Street and has a playground, splash pad, tennis courts and grass for dog walking or frisbee throwing.
Yorkville Schools
Yorkville’s public school options include Jesse Kethcum Junior and Senior Public School and Jarvis Collegiate Institute high school.
Nearby private schools include Branksome Hall, located next door in Rosedale. Branksome, one of the top girls’ schools in Toronto, is an International Bachelaureate accredited girls school for kindergarden through grade 12.
For the more artistically inclined child, starting in daycare and continuing through the 8th grade, The Alan Howard Waldorf School offers an alternative education in the tradition of Rudolf Steiner. The AHWS is just north of Davenport, at the corner of Dupont and Madison.
And located right on Bloor Street, the University of Toronto School is an extension of the University of Toronto and is known for its academic rigor and tough acceptance standards.
Yorkville Local Business and Attractions
The density of Yorkville’s boutique population makes it almost impossible to list all of the many unique shopping opportunities, from local luxe retailers like David’s shoes and Kumaris’s accessories to some of the most expensive brands in the world, including Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Ferrari, Mont Blanc, Bulgari and Hermes.
Yorkville is also home to the flagship location of Holt Renfrew, Canada’s only luxury department store. Holts, as it is affectionately known, showcases the leading fashion designers in the world as well many of up and coming trend setters. Its recent renovation makes it a truly delightful fashion experience.
Yorkville Restaurants
Yorkville has with dozens of fine restaurants, bistros and clubs. Both the Four Seasons and Hazelton Hotels are great places to enjoy a gourmet dinner, brunch or special celebration. The quality and service in both are unparalleled.
With exceptional fine dining on one side and a lively martini bar on the other, Sassafraz (100 Cumberland)is the neighbourhood’s go to spot for celebrity sightings and name dropping.
Affordable and delicious Italian food in the heart of Yorkville make Trattoria Nervosa (75 Yorkville Ave) a popular lunch spot and a favourite for girls’ night out.
Yorkville Other Businesses
Anthropologie (80 Yorkville Ave). A long time destination south of the border, this US store has just arrived in Toronto with a 7000 square foot store offering womenswear, accessories and home decor in its trademark boho-chic style.
Over The Rainbow (101 Yorkville Ave). This denim destination has been outfitting Torontonians for 2 generations, a local staple, it carries dozens and dozens of designer jean labels.