Updated: 2026-06-17 | For real-time information, please refer to official announcements.
Many people coming to downtown Toronto for the first time still have “Yonge-Dundas Square” set as the destination on their navigation app, only to arrive and find the signage now reads Sankofa Square, leaving them confused. To get the conclusion out of the way: it is the same place, right at the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street, the square with the large advertising screens across from the Eaton Centre. In 2024 Toronto City Council officially approved renaming it to Sankofa Square, the new name took effect in August 2025, the location has not moved, and the subway station and address remain the same.
It is often compared to New York’s Times Square, but honestly it is much smaller in scale, more like a downtown “meeting point” and event venue than a major attraction where you would spend a whole day. My own habit is to slot it into the middle of a route to pass through on the way, rather than making a special trip just for it.
Let me give a bit of the background to the renaming; knowing this context means the new on-site signage will not feel jarring, and it also gives you common ground when chatting with locals. The Dundas in the old name comes from the 18th-century Scottish politician Henry Dundas, who was criticized for his role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. After lengthy community consultation and a petition signed by more than ten thousand people, the city decided to change the name. The new name “Sankofa” originates from Ghana, roughly meaning “look back at the past and move forward carrying its lessons.”
This place suits people who are visiting downtown Toronto for the first time and want to quickly get a feel for a lively street area and transit hub, or travelers who happen to be heading to the Eaton Centre to shop and want to take a look on the way; if what you are expecting is in-depth historical landmarks or grand natural scenery, this place may disappoint you. Here is how I would gauge how long to stay: just passing through and taking a street photo 15 minutes is enough; if you happen to catch an on-site event or performance you may want to stay for over an hour; combined with shopping at the Eaton Centre treat the square as an entry/exit point and rest stop, and you can easily fill half a day.
How to get there, address and transit
The square is located downtown; taking the TTC is the most cost-effective way, and driving into downtown is usually not really worth it.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8 |
| Nearest subway station | TTC Line 1 (Yonge-University line) Dundas station, right at the exit |
| Parking | There is a Toronto Parking Authority parking garage with about 250 spaces beneath the square, with entrances around Victoria St and Dundas St |
| Map | Searching for “Sankofa Square” or the old name “Yonge-Dundas Square” on Google Maps will both find the same spot |
A reminder: during peak hours (weekday rush hours, weekend evenings) this intersection and Dundas station get extremely busy, the subway exits have heavy foot traffic, so be prepared if you are carrying large luggage or pushing a stroller. If your navigation cannot find the new name, just enter the address 1 Dundas St E or the old name Yonge-Dundas Square.
What can you do once you are there? This is a public square operated by the city, with all kinds of cultural events, performances, art exhibitions and community festivals scheduled throughout the year. On site there is usually a large stage, seasonal fountains and free Wi-Fi, and in summer kids love playing in the water by the fountains. Whether there is an event, and on which day, varies by season, so before you set out it is best to check the official events calendar rather than simply relying on old articles or third-party screenshots. The square itself is free to enter and exit, but individual events may have their own rules or ticketing; whether parts of the area are closed off and whether tickets are required can change with the season or official adjustments, so please refer to the organizer or official announcements. When there is no event going on, it is more like a place to sit down for a coffee while shopping, wait for someone, or watch street performances, with the surrounding dining and shopping being the main expense.
Its greatest value is really its good location and easy connection to other spots; I would treat it as a waypoint on a downtown walking route, which is far more worthwhile than rushing over to it on its own. The route I suggest is: the Eaton Centre is right across the street, convenient for shopping, eating at the food court, or sheltering from rain or cold; a short walk west brings you to Nathan Phillips Square and Toronto City Hall, where that three-dimensional “TORONTO” sign is, which is more photogenic than this square; continuing further west you can connect to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and art lovers can make it a half-day. One final reminder: with the crowds and street activities, please keep your personal belongings safe, and at night also watch out for your return transit and the surrounding environment.
People often ask whether Sankofa Square and Yonge-Dundas Square are the same place—yes, it is exactly the same square, located at the corner of Yonge Street and Dundas Street, across from the Eaton Centre. After Toronto City Council approved the renaming, the new name Sankofa Square officially took effect in August 2025; the address and transit access have not changed, only the signage and official documents now use the new name, and some maps and third-party websites will still note “(formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)” for easy identification.
To keep planning your downtown Toronto itinerary, you can refer to our Toronto guide, or check out the complete roundup of Canadian attractions to pick out other places you want to visit and string together a route.
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