Yonge Street, and its continuation, Highway 11, serves as one of the main commercial areas for several cities and towns in the country. Spanning across Canada, Yonge Street starts at the foot of the city, at Queens Quay, and runs straight north then northwest. Several condos, such as Minto Midtown and Aura, are located on this busy artery.

Recognized as the longest street in the world, Yonge Street’s originally purpose was as a military route to the city for British troops posted in the Upper Great Lakes area. They were protecting the country against the American threat.

Lieutenant Governor Simcoe initiated construction, and named the street after Sir George Yonge, his friend. Ironically, Sir George Yonge never visited the town of York (the original name of Toronto).

The first stretch of Yonge Street, ending at Lake Simcoe, was completed in 1796 by a team led by Augustus James.

Here’s a little history for all of us, Torontonians or not.

Spadina Avenue extends from Harbourfront at Queens Quay to Bloor Street West. It is the main artery passing through vibrant Chinatown, the area encompassing the University of Toronto, and cuts through the Fashion District.

It was back in 1836 that Dr. William Warren Baldwin named this highly traveled street. It was named after his two-storey house built in 1818, which was located near Casa Loma. While the original pronunciation was actually Spadeena, nobody pronounces it that way anymore. I wonder why?

Spadina Avenue remains as one of the busiest arteries in downtown Toronto and the house after which the street was named still exists, though extravagantly renovated into a Victorian mansion after it burned down in 1835.

Stretching from Roncesvalles in the west end all the way out to the DVP in the east, King Street is one of the most traveled arteries in the city of Toronto. Popular neighbourhoods like King West Village, the Entertainment District, and the Financial District all call King Street home.

As one of the oldest streets in the city, laid back when Toronto was still called the town of York, King Street was named after King George III. King George III ruled at that time (from the mid 1700s-the early 1800s). Although considered mad, he was held with great esteem by his people because of his love and respect for them.