York Mills Subway Station

 

Welcome to York Mills Subway Station – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Toronto

Nestled at the bustling intersection of York Mills Avenue and Yonge Street, York Mills Subway Station is a key stop along the Yonge-University-Spadina line of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Since its opening in March 1973, the station has been a hub for commuters, welcoming over 26,000 riders each day.

Originally planned as an above-ground rail, local residents voiced concerns, leading to its transformation into an underground station. The result? A unique and dynamic design—thanks to its valley location, the subway approaches the station on a steep slope at impressive speeds from both directions.

Directly connected to the station is York Mills Centre, an elegant complex located on the northeast corner of Yonge and York Mills. Inside, you’ll find a stylish food court, medical offices, boutique shops, a fitness club, four interconnected office towers, and even a private daycare. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and comfort—all just steps from the subway platform.

York Mills Station sits at the edge of Hoggs Hollow, one of Toronto’s most historic and affluent neighbourhoods. Named after James Hogg, a Scottish settler who arrived in 1824, the area was once home to his successful whiskey distillery and grist mill. Today, Hoggs Hollow retains much of its natural charm, with the Don River meandering through preserved parkland and mature trees, just as it did centuries ago.

This tranquil enclave is home to some of Toronto’s most exclusive residences, ranging from $1.2 million to over $7 million. The neighbourhood is surrounded by lush green space, including Winfield’s Park, generously donated by philanthropist E.P. Taylor.

Back in the 1920s, the Hogg family subdivided their estate to make way for homes, a church, a school, and a tavern—the now iconic Jolly Miller Tavern, originally built in 1857. Today, it lives on as the Miller Tavern, a beloved local landmark with a rich history.

I have a personal connection to this area. I attended junior high nearby, not far from the apartment I grew up in. Many of my classmates lived in the upscale York Mills/Yonge corridor. They took spring break trips to Fort Lauderdale or Myrtle Beach, while I spent mine swimming in the indoor pool across the park. As a kid, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.

But with time—and hopefully a little wisdom—I’ve come to see things differently. As someone once said, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” In the end, that’s what really matters. And in that way, we’re all the same.