[1] It is the main financial district in Toronto and is considered the heart of Canada's finance industry.

The vast majority of these stores are only open during weekdays during the business day when the financial district is populated.

The district's origins date back to the mid to late-19th century when several early banks had head offices located in Toronto.

With much business activity and demand, there are new residential and condominium/towers built inside and around the edges, many of them are connected to the PATH system.

In the southeast of the financial district, a new tunnel is under construction from Union Station to connect to Backstage Condo on Yonge and The-Esplanade.

Developments during the mid-20th century led to the demolition of several 19th and 20th Century buildings including: Facade elements recovered from the demolition of the Toronto Star and Bank of Toronto Buildings are found at Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough.