Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour
This Tour Guys original 90-minute walk from the War Memorial in front of Old City Hall to the St Lawrence Market will cover some of the dark history of the city. Murders, hangings, duels to the death, disease epidemics, and other horrible events led to much of the progress and advances we enjoy today. Your tour guide will connect the dots and share some of the best stories Toronto has to offer.
Please note that the meeting point is by the War Memorial on the steps in front of Toronto's Old City Hall (a big brown building with a clock tower) and the address given is not an actual address but will put a pin on the location of the meeting point in Google Maps or other mapping software. Please also note that this is on Queen Street West in Toronto, not in Brampton.
Be sure to tip your guide at the end of the tour. By charging only a booking fee, we leave it up to our guests to pay the guide what they feel the tour is worth. The average tip is $10 per person, some pay much more.
Options
Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour
What's included in Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Old City Hall
Our meeting point for this tour. Old City Hall was built to reflect both the needs of the city for a larger administration building but also Toronto's aspirations as a growing Victorian metropolis in the late 19th century. Learn about the architect and his conflict with city councillors and how he had the last word. We won't be entering this building as it is an active courthouse and requires security screening, but the exterior is stunning and Instagram-worthy!
Holy Trinity To
Completed in 1847 (it's 20 years older than Canada!) this church was built to serve the poor residents of St John's Ward, a slum that the city of Toronto grew around, and was later demolished piece by piece over the next century. Here you will learn about the church and its unique beginnings, and how the city grew up around it. If the church is open to the public, a peek inside may be possible.
Dundas SquarerenamedPass-by Only
The "Times Square" of Toronto, this is the commercial heart of the city with giant LED screens and billboards galore. This is also a hotspot for buskers, believers peddling their faith, and all manner of hawkers, gawkers, and walkers moving between shops. The modern lights and sounds leave little trace of the old Toronto to be seen, which is why we don't linger long here, but move through the square to our next stop.
Inclusions
- English-speaking Tour Guide
- Gratuities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour leaves on time. If you are late, the guide cannot wait.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet your guide on the front steps of Old City Hall by the war memorial. Please note this is not the address of a building, but the location of a monument in front of Old City hall.
End Points
- This famous food market is considered one of the best in the world and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays. If you wish to visit the St Lawrence Market after the tour, check to make sure it is open on the day of the tour.