Last Saturday for the 2nd year in a row I attended PoutineFest (aka Smoke-A-Palooza) at Dundas Square. I first started attending Events at the Square in 2008, when I came with a social Group for the opening night of Luminato, an annual Event in Toronto. I attended opening night for the same Event the following two years, and all 3 featured great live entertainment (including Randy Bachman and Sass Jordan) which was very enjoyable to watch and listen to. Some other Events I've attended there were a flash mob Event in 2011 and the launch of a new beer in 2013. The Square has hosted a quite wide variety of Events over the years since it opened; obviously the location couldn't be better as it's so centrally located Downtown with a subway station literally underneath. read more

I went here after dinner around 8:53pm on a Tuesday and it was so lively! I also visited this place during the day too and it seems like it's a popular place. There's also a lot of businesses around this area too. This area is always so lively, but it seemed even more lively when I went there at night! I'm not really sure if it was lively because there was probably an event happening at night that day (they were putting up fences) OR because it's always lively at night. Anyways, when I went here during both day and night, there was always a lot of people. To me, it looked like what I think would be a mini Times Square, but the Canadian version of it. Another cool thing about this place is how they have water that randomly shoots out from the ground where the holes are at. Ok enough about how cool I think this place is, I also think it seems more dangerous at night. Reason why is because I saw a random group street fight break out that day, so I ended up leaving/ran away to avoid that area. I'd still recommend this place! Even though a random fight happened when I went there at night, it's still a fun place. I ended up finding other cool businesses nearby when I left the main part of the square. I was only at the square for 10 minutes before things happened, but I also visited this place during the daytime on a Saturday around 12:18pm and it was still just as lively. read more

Sankofa Square - Around 8:52pm on a Tuesday | IG: @nomwithelaine - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

A nice effort at giving downtown Toronto an even more vibrant, urban feel. There are plenty of dining options at Yonge-Dundas. The pedestrian area is nice, but with Toronto having so much to offer it's not somewhere you have to visit every time you're in the city. In fairness, this is not Times Square. It is lit up with the face of buildings covered with boards, promotional screens and an abundance of advertising excess. But if you want the Time Square feel (which never really excites me), make the trip to New York. read more

There's always something exciting happening here; specially during summertime when it's warmer. They hold poutine festivals, dance festivals, all sorts of cultural and sports events. It's easily accessible through Line 1 subway or PATH. One of the positive points is that it's very close to Eaton Centre and you can take advantage of the food court for dining purposes. read more

This is like the Canadian version of NYC Times Square except it is not that busy and it doesn't have that night life lively vibe where it showcases NYC a city that doesn't sleep. Yonge-Dundas Square is located right in front of Toronto Eaton Center. This square is surrounded by many many bright flashy TV screen on buildings. These screens shows ads non-stop. In the summer time there are free concerts or shows happening at the square. The square has many seating available and it also has a water cooling area. It is in the center of Toronto downtown. read more

See all

Love this part of the city! Always so much good people watching. The area is very clean and lively. read more

Sankofa Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Passing through the square on a weekday morning, lots of foot traffic but not much else going on. Maybe later. Bandshell stage at one end, busy traffic at another, a large fountain / water structure on one side and the entrance to the Dundas metro station fills out the square. A very large, blank, empty space that is clearly designed for public art performances. Surrounded by restaurants, offices and lots of retail shopping, this is likely a super busy spot in the warm summer. In early May, not so much. [Review 10950 overall, 722 of 2019.] read more

See all

I visit Yonge-Dundas Square a handful of times each year. I am mainly using the Green P lot to park. I end up either going to Massey Hall or shopping. I had no idea that I could check in on Yelp here. I recently blew through this area on my way to Little Portugal. I took a photo and then found out today that I could have checked in. I learn something new each day! I spent a ton of time along Yonge Street as a teenager. I remember the Coles bookstore where Yonge-Dundas Square currently is. I believe there was an arcade on the same block, but I preferred the one on the northeast side more. Yep, I'm dating myself. So be it. Pac-man rules! Okay, I'm good. These days, Yonge-Dundas Square is trying to mimic New York's Times Square, with lots of bright billboards, ads, and plenty of stores and eateries. You'll often find cool food events, free movie screenings, and more at the square when the weather is warmer. It's a cool meeting area. When it gets exceptionally hot in the summertime, there are small water fountains in the square. You'll see me run through them to cool off, just like a crazy young girl would. I'm just not a young girl anymore. The crazy can stay. It's fun being here. It's great remembering the past and feeling good about the present with what we have in this area now. Sure, it's more commercialized than ever, but it's enjoyable being a tourist in your hometown. (95) read more

Sankofa Square - At Yonge-Dundas Square, looking at Toronto Eaton Centre - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Most of the time there isn't too much happening here. It feels more like a meeting spot across from the Eaton Centre that everyone in the city is familiar with. There are big flashy signs everywhere (mainly ads) and street performers in the area. It is easy to get to because it's so close to the Dundas subway station. The seasonal decorations are nice. read more

See all

Reminds me of Times Square in NewYork with lot of bill boards and corporate ad boards on all the buildings and space in middle of the roads to have small concerts/gatherings. It is a shopping district and close to eaton centre and city tv building and some theatre. Lot of regular chain Food options but I did try a place consisting of few food trucks giving different options and best part is they have place to sit . read more

See all

I've never been to Times Square in NY so I don't have much of a comparison lol. This was my whole take at this square: "Oh wow this is pretty cool *snaps pictures* oh okay gotta cross the street now to get to my next destination. Okay I'm over it." LOL To elaborate, I mean I guess you can go out of your way to see it, but don't expect to be wow'ed for more than 10 minutes. Not many people stay for a long period of time taking pictures here. It's pretty much just a bunch of large screens of advertisements in one intersection. (Off-topic: I see so many ads already about the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime show; seeing John Krasinski's face on a large screen advertising the show at the square doesn't help at all. He'll always be Jim to me anyways, take it or leave it.) read more

Sankofa Square - Panoramic view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Kept hearing that this is basically the Times Square of Toronto. It definitely has that feel for sure and as a native New Yorker I found many similarities. Yonge Dundas Square is much smaller though in comparison though to TS. There are some cool shops and lots of places to eat. I also noticed a cool spot where they have local concerts outside. It's a pretty neat place to check out. Definitely not as grand as a TS but still worth a visit. At night the vibe changes completely and lots of people were out to party it seemed. Beware that there are many pandhandlers and homeless here as well unfortunately. read more

See all

This reminds me of Times Square in NYC and Piccadilly Square in London. The shops are great and the atmosphere is great. The mixture of love music, street performers and various restaurants was exciting. If you love to shop make this one of your stops! read more

Sankofa Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

My family always brings me here. CF Toronto Eaton Centre is located in Yonge-Dundas Square as well. There are lots of good eats around this area. If you're in Toronto, it's a nice place to check out at least once. They have festivals and concerts going on at different times too. read more

See all

Super fun place. I imagine that Time Square would be like this. Full of lights and life and fun. People and artists. And bustling with activity. A Toronto bucket list item for sure. read more

Sankofa Square - Lots to look at . Fun street performances. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Modelled after my native city of New York which the renowned Times Square originated, Toronto emulates the same liveliness of the active nightlife with gargantuan billboards and animated advertising screens. Why does a lot of metropolitans literally copy NY's Times Square (i.e. Hong Kong and Toronto)? Dudes, create your own unique individualism to highlight your city's own flair! After a one hour and four minute flight from New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport on an empty stomach from morning to mid-afternoon, I was immensely famished. My party and I walked from our nearby hotel to Yonge-Dundas Square (Times Square) in search for a decent restaurant. There are many Chinese restaurant in this area as well as shops. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonge-Dundas_Square read more

Sankofa Square - Toronto's Times Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Hmm, what to say about Yonge and Dundas? Is it "Ain't no love in the heart of the city" or is it "Electric Avenue"? I don't mind the square. I work fairly close to here so I usually go by on my commute. So far I've been the recipient of free coffee, free poutine and seen all kinds of weird and interesting spectacles. I went to see Ludacris and some other fathers of hip-hop. As a concert venue it is okay , but the acoustics are of course bouncy and o hate the layout of the stage. The other common use for the Square is as a corporate advertising venue. At least once a week , some large brand will set up here and handout whatever product they are trying to sample. My favourite example from the summer was the BMO picnic in the city where they brought in fake grass and free ice cream. What is very annoying is the notices saying that if you enter the square you are giving your consent to be filmed. Can't wait to see myself grabbing free things and chortling on film. The actual layout of the square is a bit confusing. Sandwiched by the ticket booth on the left and the Toronto information on the right and with the stage in am awkward triangle point at the end of the square , the square really doesn't allow public access the way that Nathan Philips square at cityhall does. It is Garish and big city like so if you want to awe visitors (not from NY or London) it might be the place to go. read more

There is always something going on in the square and it's a great place to people watch. My husband and I always grab a paper and head to the square each and every visit to Toronto regardless of the weather. It's a very busy space with lots of cameras flashing, people smiling, families enjoying, etc.. We have visited on numerous occasions and there were vendors there giving away things from ice cream, jerky, samples or detergent, etc.. Our most recent trip July 2017 we discovered the newly added water falls that shoot from the ground. There are several and a toddlers paradise, our son didn't have any extra clothes however he ran a muck through those sprinklers while we looked on smiling. H & M is conveniently located across the streets and we scooped up some dry socks as we were not ready to head back to our hotel to change his clothes :-) There is seating in the square on a first come first served basis and set up around the perimeter of the square, some in the shade and some not. I especially enjoy the ALL WAYS street crossing at corner where everyone crosses at the same time via going diagonal or horizontal it's a 6 way crossing at the same time which is unique to Toronto. Great place to go as a tourist you can see a great deal of stores from the square and restaurants and pull up Yelp to see where you will head after leaving the square. read more

There are a lot of events and performances that happen here, and today they had the Poutine Festival. They had about 10 food truck type stalls and the lines were really long. It was still a fun experience! read more

Sankofa Square - Poutine fest - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I'm a New Yorker who recently visited Toronto. Every travel book that I looked at prior to my trip said that Yonge-Dundas Square is one of Toronto's best attractions. Nothing could've been further from the truth. First of all, Yonge-Dundas Square is about 1/4 the size of Times Square. There's no comparison between the two. Second, Yonge-Dundas Square was full of junkies, panhandlers, and nutjobs. One night during my vacation, I worked out at the nearby Good Life gym. I then passed by Yonge-Dundas Square on the way to a restaurant. The next morning, I was looking at the news when I saw a story that said that there was a stabbing at Yonge-Dundas Square. The scary part was that the stabbing occurred at 9 PM. I was in Yonge-Dundas Square at 10 PM. By the grace of God, I wasn't the person who was attacked (not that I can't defend myself). Toronto has many great tourist attractions. Yonge-Dundas Square isn't one of them. read more

As a tourist I really liked it. I think if I lived here I would never ever go to Yonge-Dundas Square. Essentially it's a mini Times Square. They have street performers; I saw a guy breathing fire. One of the nights I passed by they also were playing a movie with rows of chairs lined up for you to sit and relax- all free which is nice. Surrounding the area are tons of shops. The neighborhood is pretty vibrant so there is plenty to do nearby. I liked it as a good meeting point since it's not difficult to miss. Since I've been there I don't know if I need to go back, but I liked it a lot when I was there. I would recommend it to others for sure. read more

Yongue-Dundas Square was a very cool place. It reminded me of a smaller version of Time Square in NYC. They have large TVs with advertisements although I didn't see very much news. Youngue-Dundas Square is the place to be on the weekend. They have free concerts on Fridays sponsored by Chevy (at least for the summer) and they have acts such as magicians and daredevils throughout the week some days. Its a hit or miss during the week though. We saw some pretty cool acts on Monday and Tuesday, but there was nothing Wednesday or Thursday. Overall, stopping by Yonge-Dundas Square is a must if you are visiting. We were lucky Yonge-Dundas Square. On top of the cool ambiance there is a plethora of shopping and a movie theater is close by. read more

This place is one the reasons I love Toronto so much, there is always some kind of event going on here. Of course among my favorites are all the Christmas themed events here, but the concerts, and free movie nights are always nice. I work in Marketing so I appreciate all the colourful ads I feel is really makes this place seem a little more alive. Plus some of these ads are really creative. There is no short list of events happening here, there are also quite a bit of street performers and busker going on a regular basis. All this activity makes this square really come alive! I love all the summer activities that happen here like the music concerts or the outdoor movies. Then during the winter time my favorite thins is the Christmas choirs that come perform here, Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love to explore what this great city has to offer. While the Dundas Square can be quite touristy during the summer month and it can get really full of people, it still a nice place to visit. My favorite time to come here is during the winter as the night time starts earlier so the bright light stay on longer. Just remember that there is always traffic and underground parking is a must. read more

Sankofa Square - It's a Coca-Cola Christmas - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Back in the day this was essentially our go to place for times of truancy. Today it's not anything like it was when we were young(er) and (less) foolish. This open space is for me best described as the poor man's Time's Square. On a commercialized level you have your larger than life bill boards with special designs some unique to the area. They change all the time right? In this big and open space you have a more open area than Times Sq though IMO. It's not as tight or verticle and more sunny than shady. The YD Square is your south east corner of Yonge and Dundas. City TV is visible from the near Victoria street and Dundas area. The live studio has been in this area for years now since moving from the building at Queen and John. The open area is a place for concerts for the public or smaller events where food is cooked. There are some tickets to venues being sold closer to the Dundas northern part of the square mirroring the somewhat TKTS stand in Times Square. There are however not any photo panderers like in Times Square I've seen. There are no Wolverine or Spider-man or Batman superheros. There are no Silver Man or Naked Cowboys playing guitar seeking gratuities for photos being taken. Yonge and Dundas Square for the most part is just a big open concrete piece of prime real estate. Only a few times have I seen something of significance going on here but then again I don't go to the city very often. It's nice to have an open space in the city but some green would have been nice... today it's still a poor man's Times Square and there's even a theater or two nearby. Anything that's big and needs a large city square is at Nathan Phillips Square in front of city hall instead of this place. Still this place has a lot of memories for me but mostly before it was what it is now when the coin op arcades were still on Yonge and the corner was that jean store. YDQ has changed so much just like 42nd street in NYC but it is much more cleaner and touristy now than before because Yonge and Dundas is a very lively part of town. read more

See all

The square plays host to so many things throughout the warm weather months, it's a staple for those living right downtown. My favourite thing about it is the fountains in the summer and the free movie nights at sunset (BYOChair). But sometimes the square is best when there is nothing going on and instead it's a big empty space available for a time out away from the crowds right across the way at the Eaton Centre. read more

See all

A great place for all kind of events. Cultural, food, cinema, sporting, holidays etc. Always a cool place to chill even when nothing is going on. Whatchu waiting for? Don't be square, head to Dundas square haha! read more

Sankofa Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The Time Square of Toronto. There's always something going on here. Shopping. Free concerts. Sexy Toronto firefighters standing in front of their firetruck posing for pictures with anyone passing by. Sat on the steps once and discovered that the square has free wifi. Water fountain spurts for kids to run around in. Plenty of subway/streetcar/bus stops. read more

Sankofa Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Big hype not much here unless there is a festival going on. Most of the fun is on weekend ends but usually its quite dead other wise. If you like seeing giant advertising then this is the place. The good thing is that there are lot of restaurants and the Eaton centre beside it. read more

See all

Came here to see Matthew Good about a month ago...and let me tell you it was Effin packed! All of the Matt Good Fans of Toronto united in one place, one square...hot and humid weather, sticky! But since I'v been a fan since the 90's, I can't just not come see them here. Once they started playing it was awesome, I came with my 2 bro's and a friend, and managed not to get lost in the crowd. I know this was only one event held at Yonge-Dundas square....out of hundreds more. Especially in the summer, there's always something going down, here in the Toronto Version of Times square. read more

Sankofa Square - Matthew Good! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

Toronto's smaller and less impressive version of Times Square. There were bright digital billboard screens, street performers, and Toronto Eaton Centre is nearby for shopping. The square also holds events. read more

great place to hang out, catch a free concert, watch some ball hockey, pick up concert tickets, take a city tour, see a protest, watch a free movie. indeed, something for everyone at the square, considered the center of Toronto, truly is the heart and soul of Toronto read more

See all

My old man drives by Yonge-Dundas Square every time he's in Toronto. For him, it's not just the flashing lights and crowds, it's the fact that this intersection represents Toronto's psychological centre. Like Times Square in New York or Market Street in San Francisco, it's our city's blinking eye: the light on the locomotive. Although people often talk about the intersection, Yonge-Dundas Square is properly the public open space at the Southeast corner. Almost an acre in size, it's often used as an event venue. In warmer weather, the square features many concerts and community events -- which for some reason always results in the sale of beaded necklaces in tents. Designed by Brown + Storey, the construction of this square was originally met with some hostility when it was unveiled in 2003. Yes, it's a green-less expanse of granite slabs that doesn't really 'do' anything, but I think that's the point. It's a blank slate that really compels organizers to throw any kind of event. It's central location makes it a focal point during tourist season, and there is almost always something happening there on summer weekends. Sadly, what happens here is rarely interesting to me. Usually highly commercial agglomeration of tents OR it's a concert. Nothing terrible, but just once I'd like to see someone turn that place out, with something creative, compelling and fun. I'm of course talking about breakdancing. Obligatory Title Pun: This SQUARE is not hip. Menu Readability: Nein. Need to mention: The square is home to T.O. TIX where you can buy rush tickets to theatre performances in the city. What this place teaches me about myself: God, I wish I could helicopter. read more

This area is Toronto's version of Times Square. Meaning there are going to be street performers, giant TV displays on buildings, and shopping. Just be careful as it gets really congested, don't be a victim of being pick pocketed. read more

Toronto is not NYC and it never will be, so the pathetic attempt to create something like "Toronto's Times Square" is just plain embarrassing. This entire concept seems as unimaginative and commercially straightforward as it gets: put up big ads, send in some bands now and then, and make people buy stuff. That being said, Times Square itself is the lest interesting part of NYC; if you're going to imitate something, at least raise the bar and aim high! There is nothing about this entire area that seems to represent Toronto; you could easily transplant the whole deal quite easily into any major American city. BORING. This venue is easy to get to by TTC but I find all the billboards and ads too distracting. It's hard to be moved by profound music or lyrics when the blinking ads for vitamin water shine brighter than the center stage. Honestly I'd rather pay for a ticket in a venue without the ads! read more

People from Toronto told me how I needed to check out Dundas Square because it was their version of Time Square....... I was confused because they said they wanted me to check it out and I'd have fun. Not run away, screaming "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE" and suffer from PTSD. But after I calmed down and got to experience it, I assure you Dundas Square is nothing like Times Square. And that's a good thing. You can actually walk around with a smile in your face while not walking into tourists. Yes I know I was a tourist here but I don't do touristy things as a tourist. The two times I came here I saw some fun events. An old school hip hop battle was the first. The second was some break dancing contest. In the end it was alright and something to check out. Nothing amazing. read more

Our Lyft driver that was like a tour guide told us the history of how a previous mayor wanted Toronto to look more like New York so Yonge-Dundas Square was built. It did have the same feel as Time Square. It was really nice and had great stores. However, it made me feel a bit bummed that Toronto's mayor tried to make this beautiful city like another one. read more

I actually wanted to write about the crosswalk on Yonge and Dundas. I will just assume it is part of the square. This crosswalk is cool. It is the only crosswalk in Toronto where you can cross the street diagonally. Can give you a rush when there is a lot of people crossing. Very similar to the famous Shibuya crosswalk in Japan!! read more

I really don't care for this area of the city. I guess it's a lot nicer than it used to be, and it's fostering some sense of "community" (although most of the attendees are usually tourists), but I just don't care about it. To me, it just makes it more difficult for me to get to Victoria and cut through to Ryerson because I have to walk through the crowds. The only thing that has improved drastically is access to the subway, and that affects my life on a daily basis, so I approve of the staircases. I also approve of the T.O. Tix centre, which I used just recently to pick up tickets, and it was SO convenient and fast. Seems like a great place to get information about what's going on in the city when you're visiting. Not to get totally down on Dundas Square, I do love the movie nights they have in the summer, and the fountain things are kinda fun sometimes. It is difficult to have an open outdoor space in a city that gets so damn cold all the time. But it is good that Dundas Square has a bunch of events going on throughout the year. If they didn't, the "Square" would literally just be a slab of concrete with some chairs that homeless people use to sleep on. read more

As much as I hate the Yonge and Dundas area and all the lights and billboards, the Square is a pretty nice and cool concept. Think of it as putting a chillax area in the middle of Time Square and that's what the Yonge-Dundas Square essentially is. The great thing about the square is that there's always (or almost always) something happening there. Whether it be the Artisan Market, free concerts or free film showings (yes, a free outdoor film), it's a cool place to be. There are tables and chairs to sit on, and an inground sprinkler system that kids like to run through. I've been here for John Mayer concert, food festival, artisan market, and movie night (it was Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which happens to be one of my fav movies of all times). A great thing about the square and the area in general is that it's always bustling. Eaton Centre is right across the street and the subway is a short walk away. They recently introduced the "scramble" at the intersection of Yonge & Dundas, where the traffic lights are red in both directions and walkers can walk diagonally across the intersection. It may sound weird or not interesting, but if you go and try it out, you'll see it's a lot of fun! I did the scramble two times in a row the day after it was released. And I look forward to doing it again soon in the near future! read more

I used to like Yonge-Dundas square. Now it's just a sad imitation of Times Square. Lots of lame and flashy billboards, a few religious fanatics with loud speakers, and the occasional street performer are all you're likely to see. I absolutely HATE the all way pedestrian crossing. It slows traffic down so much. Not just cars, all vehicles. The streetcar takes at least an extra 3-4 minutes going through there. Do we need to copy Tokyo? It all reeks of desperation. Except for the occasional festival / free concert, Yonge-Dundas square is a poor representation of the city. read more