What Is A Walking Tour?
Walking tours are an amazing way to see a city and learn about a whole lot of culture and history… while also getting some exercise. The Toronto walking tours we’ve put together for you in this post are both fascinating and active.
Why not combine your exercise with your education, and go on a Toronto history walk?
Why Toronto Is A City Made For Amazing Walking Tours
Toronto, while being a relatively new city, has a fascinating and extensive history to explore. In addition to the historical and cultural significance of The Six, there are also tours you can take for dining, beers, and art!
Both self-guided walking tours in Toronto, and guided tours are a great way to get out, get some fresh air, and enrich your knowledge of our beautiful spot on the planet.
Best Seasons For Walking Tours In Toronto
You can of course do a walking tour any time you would normally walk. However, the best seasons for walking tours in Toronto are spring and fall.
If you’re a fan of walking in the heat, or you want to time your walking tour of Toronto during a more busy, active time, then definitely go on one of these walking tours in the summer. It totally depends on your preference.
However, keep in mind that some of these can take a few hours. Regardless of the season, bring water and snacks… or make sure to pass by one of the amazing restaurants included in some of the tours.
6 Amazing Toronto Walking Tours To Fully Immerse Yourself In The City
1) The Annex
The Annex is one of the most architecturally fascinating neighbourhoods in Toronto. The buildings along this walk share so much about Toronto’s rich history. The Victoria-Edwardian era homes are so common in the area. You can even see a Regency-revival style home from 1902!
Near the end of this walk, you’ll also get to see a remodelled 1960s apartment building which perfectly demonstrates the shift to modern style buildings. This is really the perfect Toronto walking tour for the architecture nerd.
2) Kingston Market & China Town
Toronto is celebrated as being one of the most multi-cultural cities in Canada. Historic Chinatown in Toronto is so popular with visitors and locals. People love walking tours through Chinatown and Kingston Market partly because of the ethnic shops and restaurants, but also because of the eclectic signage.
Kensington Market and Chinatown are two of Toronto’s most colourful neighbourhoods. They’re also so rich in culture, it’s well worth the three hours to go on this small-group walking tour.
With locally-owned eateries, lanes, and alleyways with tons of art, you won’t be the same person after completing this walking tour.
3) Distillery District
One of the best parts about a walking tour of the Distillery District is that you can bring your dog. There are so many dog-friendly restaurants and bars here, your pooch will feel right at home.
The guided walking tour of the Distillery District is one of the best walking tours Toronto has to offer. Not only is it affordable at around $20 CAD, but the tour is also loaded with Victorian Industrial architecture viewing and history.
You’ll learn a lot about the local businesses, and also the evolution of the entire area. There’s also an anecdote about the company that became the largest distillery in the world… now that’s an accomplishment!
4) Toronto Islands Walking Tour
The Toronto Islands are a chain of various-sized islands on Lake Ontario. They’re made up of three larger islands, and several smaller ones too.
This walking tour offers an amazing recreational experience in a peaceful environment. You’ve got incredible views of Toronto, as well as a wealth of attractions to explore.
The walking tour of the Toronto Islands is one of the best self-guided walking tours Toronto has available.
5) The Village of Islington Murals
Walking through streets and buildings decorated with murals can be one of the most enriching ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a city.
The Village of Islington has so many murals to view and explore. Your walking tour through this area of Toronto might take you a lot of extra time as you stop and contemplate all of the artwork.
You can book a guided tour through one of Toronto’s most spectacular art treasures for free. That way, you have an experienced guide filling you in on little-known facts about the artwork. Bonus!
6) University of Toronto Ghost Tours
This 90-minute tour follows a cloaked, lantern-carrying guide through the history of haunting at the University of Toronto. The campus has such beautiful architecture and tree-lined paths. They’re beautiful to explore after dark.
Plus, if you’re a ghost lover or fan of the paranormal, there are plenty of stories to be told about these allegedly haunted grounds.
We hope you enjoy your walking tours of Toronto, whether they’re guided or self-directed.
Related: Check out these day trips you can take from Toronto and get a break from the city.