Old Toronto Self Guided Walking Tour

Toronto, Canada
Duration1h 15m - 1h 45m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Step into the heart of Toronto and experience the city like never before on this self guided immersive walking tour that blends history, architecture, public art, and storytelling.

This tour isn’t just about landmarks—it’s about the stories behind them. From hidden symbols in sculptures to dramatic moments in Toronto’s past, you’ll uncover the people, events, and decisions that shaped Canada’s largest city.

What makes this tour truly special is its storytelling approach. Instead of overwhelming you with facts, each stop brings history to life through engaging narratives.

Along the way, you’ll explore iconic sites like the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, and Nathan Phillips Square, while also discovering lesser-known gems and meaningful public art that most visitors walk right past.

Perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike, this tour offers a deeper, more human look at Toronto—one story at a time.

What's included

  • Listen again later and keep the memories
  • Explore Old Toronto and see the sites and hear the stories
  • Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour never expires.
  • Fun narration and fun stories
  • Self Guided walking tour of Old Toronto on our Walking Tour app
  • No human guide, this is a self guided tour on our walking tour app
  • No Admission Hockey Hall of Fame or other buildings, the tour only stops outside.

What to expect

  1. Nathan Phillips Square
    5m
    You'll walk through Nathan Phillips Square, hear it's story and see the art and sculptures there.
  2. 5m
    Begin your journey at Toronto’s historic Old City Hall, standing before the solemn Cenotaph. Unveiled in 1925, this monument honors soldiers lost in World War I and later conflicts. Each year, it becomes the heart of Remembrance Day ceremonies. Behind it rises Old City Hall, a Romanesque Revival landmark completed in 1899 that once served as the center of Toronto’s government and still symbolizes the city’s early ambitions.
  3. Peace Through Valour
    5m
    This moving monument honors Italian-Canadian soldiers who fought in World War II while their families faced discrimination at home. Nearby, the Winston Churchill statue reflects a more traditional style of remembrance, symbolizing leadership and the Allied fight for freedom. Together, they show two sides of history—one personal, one global.
  4. 10m
    This powerful collection of sculptures explores justice and human rights. “Equal Before the Law” features a lion and lamb balanced together, symbolizing equality under the Canadian Charter. Nearby works like “Access to Justice” and the Frederick G. Gans Memorial reflect the ongoing evolution of fairness, accessibility, and human rights in Canada’s legal system.
  5. South African War Memorial
    5m
    Built in 1910, this monument commemorates Canada’s first overseas military involvement. Designed by Walter Allward, it reflects Canada’s early identity within the British Empire and evolving perspectives on war and remembrance.
  6. Statue Of Sir Adam Beck
    5m
    This statue honors the man who helped bring affordable public electricity to Ontario. His vision of “power at cost” transformed everyday life and helped fuel the province’s growth in the early 20th century.
  7. Canada’s Walk of Fame
    5m
    Canada’s Walk of Fame celebrates national icons from entertainment, sports, and beyond.
  8. David Pecaut Square
    5m
    This lively urban square blends public art and civic life. The whimsical “Remembered Sustenance” sculpture invites reflection on memory, nourishment, and community through playful, interactive forms.
  9. CN Tower
    Pass by
    You'll stand outside and look up at the CN Tower and hear it's story.
  10. 5m
    “The Audience” sculpture humorously celebrates spectators rather than performers.
  11. Monument to Multiculturalism
    5m
    This sculpture reflects Canada’s official embrace of multiculturalism. Located near the city’s main transit hub, it symbolizes the arrival and integration of diverse communities that shaped modern Toronto.
  12. 5m
    Installed in 2024, this charging bull represents Toronto’s rise as a global financial center. Inspired by New York’s Wall Street bull, it symbolizes economic strength and optimism.
  13. Hockey Hall of Fame
    Pass by
    Housed in a former bank building, this museum celebrates Canada’s national sport. Highlights include the Stanley Cup and interactive exhibits—plus rumored ghost sightings from its banking past.
  14. Berczy Park
    5m
    A charming urban park featuring a playful dog fountain and public art. It reflects Toronto’s modern approach to designing welcoming, community-focused public spaces.
  15. St. Lawrence Market
    5m
    A historic market dating back to the early 1800s, once home to Toronto’s city hall. Today it’s a vibrant food destination known for local specialties like the peameal bacon sandwich.
  16. The Cathedral Church Of St. James
    5m
    This stunning Gothic Revival cathedral has stood since the 1850s. Its towering spire, stained glass, and historic role as a hospital during crises make it a powerful final stop on your journey.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts infront of the Toronto Old City Hall, at teh Cenotaph, the big statue in front. You'll hear the history of it then be guided through Toronto.

End point

The tour ends at the The Cathedral Church of St. James, which is also very close to the market where you'll have a chance to explore.

Additional information

  • 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
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$9.75 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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