North York is one of the largest areas of Toronto. Prior to 1998 when it was merged into the city of Toronto, North York was the region’s second largest municipality.

As one of the most diverse areas in Toronto, North York is a collection of multicultural neighbourhoods with large Asian, West Indies, African, Middle Eastern, Jewish, Latin American, and European communities. The region is also home to some of Toronto’s most affluent sections including the York Mills, Hogg’s Hollow, Bridle Path, and Willowdale neighbourhoods.

In addition, the region is home to a growing central business district on Yonge Street between Sheppard and Finch Avenues. Once considered a suburb of Toronto, North York has developed into an urban centre in recent years with numerous corporations building office towers and establishing their Canadian headquarters in the area.
 

From site seeing and shopping to fine dining and sports events, you’ll find a lot to do in North York.  
 

Historical Attractions and Museums

If you’re interested in history, head to Black Creek Pioneer Village, an authentic nineteenth century village. With more than 40 recreated historic buildings, a range of interpreters, craftspeople, and historical reenactments, you’ll get a genuine glimpse of what life was like in rural Ontario before the 1860s.

Want to learn more about Canada’s aviation heritage? Visit the Canadian Air and Space Museum. Originally a factory belonging to de Havilland Aircraft of Canada, the museum is now home to numerous engines, flight simulators, and aircrafts including a replica of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow.

Those more interested in science can visit the Ontario Science Centre, home to several hundred displays devoted to geology, nature, astronomy, anatomy, communication, technology, and more.
 

Parks and Recreation

Want to spend some time outdoors? There are numerous city parks and greenbelts in North York where you can find an open space to relax in. Take a few minutes out of the hustle of busy Yonge Street to enjoy the tranquillity of Mel Lastman Square.

If you’re looking for more vigorous recreational activities, stop by Downsview Park. Along with a massive green space suited to all sorts of outdoor pursuits, you’ll also find the Downsview Park Sports Centre, which offers everything from weight training and beach volleyball courts to circus arts training facilities and indoor soccer.

The park has also hosted several big name rock concerts including the Edgefest music festival and the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto concert featuring the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Rush, Justin Timberlake, Blue Rodeo, and others.
 

Shopping

North York is also a great place to shop. Yorkdale Shopping Centre has over 250 stores and is one of the largest and busiest shopping malls in Canada, drawing approximately 400,000 customers weekly.

If you want some help with your personal style, check out the shops at Fairview Mall and take advantage of a range of services such as image consultations and personal shopping for a fee. And, you don’t want to miss out on the Shops at Don Mills, an open-air shopping centre with more than 70 exceptional shops and services.

Want to give back to your community and gain valuable experience you can add to your resume? Volunteer at a local non-profit or community organization. Volunteering is also a great way to network with people, meet new friends or use some of your hidden talents.

If you’re looking to put some of your skills to good use, consider helping out one of the agencies on the list below.  
 

• ALS Society of Ontario
• Better Living Health and Community Services
• Canadian Film Centre
• CHRY Community Radio Incorporated
• Crime Prevention Association of Toronto
• EOH Meta Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled
• JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) Toronto
• Lumacare
• North York General Hospital Foundation
• North York Seniors Centre
• North York Women’s Resource Centre
• Pace Independent Living
• Smiles Foundation
• Special Olympics Ontario, Inc.
• The Baycrest Centre Foundation
• The Hincks-Dellcrest Foundation