North York Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, things to do, and places to stay in North York, Toronto. Read on for a comprehensive North York travel guide.


Introduction to North York

Located in Greater Toronto Area, North York is a major suburban district that offers a diverse range of attractions, activities, and experiences to visitors. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its multiculturalism and boasts a lot of cultural and natural attractions. With plenty of restaurants and shops, hiking and biking trails, museums and galleries, and parks and gardens, North York is a great destination that has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do and see in North York, including its best eateries, accommodations, and more.

List of Places to Visit in North York

North York is a vast neighborhood with plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the must-see sights:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Aga Khan Museum: This world-class museum showcases Islamic arts and culture and features a striking architectural design.
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village: Step back in time and experience life in a 19th-century Ontario village with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and interactive exhibits.
  • Gibson House Museum: Built in 1851, this historic house museum offers a glimpse into the life of an early settler family in North York.
  • Toronto Centre for the Arts: This performing arts venue features a range of programs, from theater and dance to comedy and music.

Natural Attractions of North York: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Downsview Park: A sprawling green space that hosts festivals, concerts, and sports events with walking trails, a lake, and playgrounds.
  • Don Valley Trail: An expansive trail system that spans throughout Toronto, passes through many parks and conservation areas, and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
  • Edwards Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden with a rose garden, rock garden, and water features, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North York

North York has a lot of hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some notable ones:

  • Betty Sutherland Trail: A paved trail that runs alongside the East Don River through a natural ravine and features several access points.
  • Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve: A peaceful and scenic trail with a wetland area and birdwatching opportunities.
  • West Don Parkland: A multi-use trail that winds through wetlands, forests, and fields and connects to several other trails in the Don Valley.

Best Things to Do in North York: Activities and Tours

Looking for some top-notch things to do in North York? Check out these activities and tours:

  • Shop at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, home to some of the most high-end brands, creative outlets and fantastic eateries.
  • Take part in a golfing experience that would be unforgettable! Explore the Don Valley Golf Course.
  • Indoor skydiving at iFly Toronto: Experience the thrill of freefall without the risk at this indoor skydiving attraction.
  • Discovery Walks: A series of self-guided tours that explores different areas of Toronto, including North York.

Week-Long Itinerary for North York

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in North York:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Aga Khan Museum and explore the surrounding area. Dine at Me Va Me Mediterranean restaurant in the evening.
2 Spend the day exploring the North York Center and catch a performance at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Grab dinner at Kinton Ramen afterward.
3 Head over to Black Creek Pioneer Village for an immersive experience of Canada’s early history. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Cibo Wine Bar afterward.
4 Take a leisurely stroll through the colorful Edwards Gardens. Lunch at Graffiti Bar & Grill and head to Downsview Park for the afternoon.
5 Spend the day indulging in retail therapy at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Have dinner at the upscale Moxie’s Grill & Bar.
6 Explore the West Don Parklands trail in the morning and after lunch, visit Gibson House Museum afterward. Finish the day with dinner at the local favorite Burgers Park.
7 End your week-long stay in North York by experiencing the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFly Toronto before going out for dinner to one of the fancy restaurants like Ritz Caribbean Foods.

Food and Drink Scene of North York

North York offers a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Here are some recommended dishes and local beverages that you don’t want to miss:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian classic dish of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  • Shawarma: A Middle Eastern street food that consists of meat (usually chicken) wrapped in pita bread with condiments.
  • Sushi: North York has a lot of excellent sushi restaurants due to the desirably high Asian populations. You can quickly grab authentic and freshly rolled sushi from Sushi Moto or Sushi Bong.
  • Jollof rice: A traditional West African dish made with rice and tomato sauce, cooked with a blend of spices and herbs. You can find it at Ritz Caribbean Foods.

Local Beverages

  • Local breweries: Visit Duggan’s Brewery or Bandit Brewery for a taste of locally brewed beer.
  • Tim Hortons coffee: A Canadian staple, Tim Hortons, is a famous coffee and doughnut chain that you shouldn’t miss.
  • Fresh fruit juice: Stop by one of the many juice bars in North York to grab a refreshing concoction of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Where to Stay in North York: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North York has a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in North York:

  • The Westin Prince: A luxurious hotel with a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and two on-site restaurants.
  • Novotel Toronto North York: A modern hotel with a pool, fitness center, and a restaurant with international cuisine.
  • HI Toronto Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with a communal kitchen and lounge area, close to the subway.
  • Kaisar Guesthouse: A comfortable and affordable guest house, a short walk from Finch subway station.

What to Buy in North York: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for some unique gifts and souvenirs to bring home to your loved ones? Here are some North York specialty shops to visit:

  • The Cheese Boutique: A famous deli shop specializing in gourmet cheeses, meats, and fine wines.
  • Aga Khan Museum Shop: A museum gift shop offering jewelry, books, and other unique souvenirs reflecting Islamic arts and culture.
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre: This upscale mall offers a range of high-end and luxury merchandise and is perfect for buying fashionable clothes, wears, and gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of North York

North York has a multicultural population, so it’s essential to be respectful of its customs and cultures. One way to do this is to dress appropriately and keep your dialogue open and polite. Saying “please” and “thank you” are always pleasant actions.

Best Time to Visit North York

The best time to visit North York would be from March to May and from September to November when the temperatures are comfortable, and the crowds are few. The neighborhood also hosts several exciting events during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of North York

Do:

  • Take advantage of the excellent public transportation options.
  • Explore the local attractions and the scenic hiking and biking trails.
  • Try the local dishes and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural or historical attractions.
  • Ignore the multicultural aspect of North York’s culture & respect the local customs.
  • Walk alone in unlit areas during the night hours.

Safety and Health

Safety in North York

North York is generally a safe neighborhood, but visitors should take basic safety precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid showing large amounts of cash or expensive belongings, and take care at night or in deserted areas.

Health in North York

North York has plenty of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. It’s essential to travel with health insurance and to carry all necessary medication.

Getting to North York: Transportation Options and Logistics

North York is well-connected to Toronto’s public transportation system, which includes buses and subways. The neighborhood is accessible to motorists as it is located near several major highways. Additionally, it is just a few minutes from Union Station, which provides access to many regional and long-distance rail services.

Airports Near North York

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Bus Stations Near North York

  • Union Station Bus Terminal
  • Yorkdale Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Via Rail train stations
  • UP Express station (to Pearson International Airport)

How to Get Around in North York

Public transportation is an excellent option to get around North York. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates buses and subways that travel to North York’s key areas. The neighborhood also has numerous bike-friendly trails, bike rental shops, and round-the-clock bike-sharing programs powered by Bike Share Toronto.

Where to Go Next from North York: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North York is near several other exciting destinations and attractions that visitors should consider. Here are some recommendations:

  • Toronto’s city center: A major metro area with many cultural and commercial attractions.
  • Niagara Falls: An iconic and breathtaking natural wonder that is an hour and a half’s drive from North York.
  • The Blue Mountains: Visit this nearby alpine skiing resort that offers several winter sports activities.

Conclusion

North York is a fantastic destination that has something to offer every visitor. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the neighborhood’s top attractions, activities, and accommodations, providing visitors with everything they need to create a memorable and enjoyable visit to North York.

Yonge St in Downtown North York in 2015. Yonge St in Downtown North York in 2015. The world's largest hydraulophone at The Ontario Science Centre The world's largest hydraulophone at The Ontario Science Centre Scott Library, York University Scott Library, York University Fairview Mall Fairview Mall