The club's name refers to the town of York in Upper Canada, which became the city of Toronto in 1834.

The club's building was originally constructed between 1889 and 1892 as a residence for businessman George Gooderham Sr. (1830–1905) and his large family.

After Gooderham died in May 1905, at the age of 75, his widow Harriet Gooderham (née Dean) sold the house and moved to a smaller home nearby at 224 St. George Street.

The initial class of female members numbered five accomplished candidates, and the club rapidly introduced them onto its committees and Board of Directors.

Six years after that initial decision, the Toronto Ladies' Club (founded in 1904) amalgamated with The York Club, further strengthening the latter's female membership.