City with sole: Guided walking tours in Toronto
In Tolkien’s words, not all those who wander are lost. Through guided walking tours, you can explore the historical, multicultural and culinary diversity that makes Toronto a city all its own. From spooky ghost tours to culinary adventures, here’s a guide to seeing TO on foot. [Image credit: iStock.com/Francesco Cantone]
The Culinary Adventure Company
A feast for any foodie, these small-group walking tours let you taste your way through Toronto’s culturally diverse neighbourhoods and embrace cuisines from all over the world. Try authentic Greek eats on the Danforth Food Tour, stroll and sample South Asian delicacies on the Little India tour, chow down on comfort foods on the Little Italy Food Tour, or explore an eclectic mix of fresh, local fare on the St. Lawrence & Old Town Food Tour. With nine tours to choose from, there are plenty of ways to whet your appetite.
Tasty Tours
178B Baldwin St, Toronto ON M5T 1L8Got a sweet tooth? Rejoice! This yummy tour will walk you through some of the tastiest bakeries, patisseries and chocolate shops in town. You’ll indulge in all kinds of gourmet goodies while learning about the history of local sweets on one of two award-winning treat tours. Get a taste of the world and sample cultural diversity and multiethnic treats on the Kensington Market Sweets Tour, or indulge in delectable chocolate as you learn about its history from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. Good thing you’re burning off all those calories along the way!
Haunted Walks
30 Gristmill Lane, Toronto ON M5A 3C4Jeepers, who knew Toronto had such a dark past? These 90-minute guided walks by lamplight explore the rich history, chilling ghost stories and urban legends surrounding our mysterious metropolis. Step back in time as you walk past many of Toronto’s most storied buildings, including Mackenzie House, and hear about ghosts, graveyards, hangings and hauntings. Take the spine-tingling Ghosts and Spirits of the Distillery tour; the eerie, original Haunted Walk of Toronto; or the interactive Time Travel Trail Adventure that unveils hidden secrets of Toronto’s past.
Muddy York Walking Tours
Toronto ONHigh school history class should be this much fun! These guided tours explore Toronto’s storied past and bring the dusty history books to life. You’ll be strangely surprised by how little you know about your hometown. With 17 tours available and entertaining themes like Toronto Noir: Gangsters & Gallows, Bloody York: Crime & Punishment, Cinema & Scandal and University Ghosts, you’ll look at the city in a whole new light.
Toronto Urban Adventures
615-25 Cole St, Toronto ON M5A 4M3If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, note this tour outfitter takes small groups on guided treks led by knowledgeable urban experts. They’ll amaze you with their stories about the city you call home. A sampling of their tour titles includes Graffiti in Toronto, When Pigs Fry (Hogtown history), the Beer Makes History Better Tour and the Holiday Walking Tour, offered during the Christmas season.
ROMWalks
100 Queen's Pk, Toronto ON M5S 2C6Culture vultures can get their fix of art and architecture on one of the Royal Ontario Museum’s free walking tours. If you’re looking for a cheap date night, you can’t beat these guided walks, where you can explore architecture, history and Toronto’s best-kept secrets while strolling through 10 of its best-loved neighbourhoods. Led by ROM volunteers, they’re perfect for visitors and residents alike.
