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Downtown Toronto Highlights Walking Tour

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This 6 Kilometre self-guided walking tour will take you past and through some of Downtown Toronto's most interesting architecture, parks and attractions

We begin our Toronto Highlights walking tour at Union Station, but you can just as easily begin and finish this tour at either St. Andrew, Osgoode or Queen Subway Station as they are all located along the tour route. This also facilitates those who may wish to complete just a portion of this walking tour or to complete it in 2 sessions.

During this tour you will enjoy up close views of many Toronto landmarks, explore a number of small but interesting urban parks and green-space and you will see some amazing examples of modern and old architecture including some magnificent historic churches. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for some lunch or refreshments along the way.

Actual walking time is less that 90 minutes at a normal pace, but we recommend you allow at least 2 and preferably 3 hours to enjoy this tour at a leisurely pace.

For step-by-step directions just click on the Map & Directions Tab at the top of the page.

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How to get to Downtown Toronto Highlights Walking Tour by TTC Subway

No Bus required. Just refer to the map to start from Union, Osgoode Station or Queen Station

• Starting from Union Station exit via the SkyWalk to the CN Tower. At the base of the Tower you can explore 3 small parks; Olympic Park just to the east and Bobbie Rosenfeld Park and Roundhouse Park are just south of the CN Tower .
• From Bobie Rosenfeld Park walk north across the railway track overpass to Front Street and go right. Check out Simcoe Park on the north side of the road as you head down Front Street.
• Next go left on Simcoe Street then left again on Wellington Street West. Go to your right through the plaza that sits between the Roy Thomson Hall and Metro Hall. When you get to King Street go to your right.
• From King Street go left at University Avenue and walk all the way to Queen Street. Continue slightly past Queen Street and enter the pathway on your right that takes you across the front of Osgoode Hall.
• After passing in front of Osgoode Hall turn back to Queen Street and just east of there enter Nathan Phillips Square where you will see both of Toronto's spectacular City Halls ; the old and the new.
• Make your way north along Bay Street past the New City Hall and Eaton Centre then go right into Trinity Square (opposite Hagerman Street) where you can see the historic Church of the Holy Trinity.
• Exit Trinity Square to the south along James Street and then go left at Queen Street West. Head east for 3 blocks and look for the Metropolitan United Church on your left. After seeing it go right on Church Street.
• Walk south along Church Street for 3 blocks and go left on Adelaide Street East. Just past the Anglican Diocese Archives building head right into St. James Park.
• Exit St. James Park onto King Street East and enter the walkway leading into the Toronto Sculpture Garden (directly across from the Anglican Church).
• Check out the Sculpture Garden and exit it to the south onto Front Street East. Cross over Front Street and follow it west past the Flatiron Building and stroll through Berczy Park which sits just west of the Flatiron Building.
• Continue west along Front Street past the Hockey Hall of Fame and finally back to your starting point at Union Station. You are now done our Downtown Toronto Highlights Walking Tour!

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Four essential Toronto audio tours for your next walk

April 8, 2021 Richard Trapunski

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Walking In Place

Ashley McDonough started this audio walking tour podcast during the pandemic, when ambling around became a crucial mental health mechanism. You notice things more, wonder what’s up with that mural or that plaque on the wall of that unassuming house. In the calming Walking In Place, McDonough accompanies gives you history and hints on what to pay attention to. The most recent episode takes you around the AGO/Village By The Grange area and explains why so many things in the city are named after St. Patrick. walkinginplace.libsyn.com

Any Night Of The Week: A Walking History Of Toronto Music

To accompany his book on the history of live music in the city, Wavelength head Jonny Dovercourt recorded this five-part podcast series of musical walking tours for the Toronto International Festival of Authors in October. Music venues may be closed right now, but you can still walk through neighbourhoods where some of the most iconic shows went down – from the coffee house folk haunts of Yorkville to the Queen West and Yonge scenes to the art-punk emanating from OCAD – and learn about their impact through your earholes. festivalofauthors.ca

Jane’s Walks

The citizen-led series of urban walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs is fully virtual this year. But just because you can’t meet a big group of fellow nerdy pedestrians on the street doesn’t mean you can’t go on one of the festival’s signature “hmm”-inducing walks. The event runs May 7-9 and will feature three kinds of virtual walks: self-guided tours (with video/audio and text), live-streamed walks and 3D walks made with Google VR Tour Creator or Lapentor. The festival is soliciting walk-leaders, so you could even lead one of your own.

janeswalkfestivalto.com

Myseum Tours

Myseum, a Toronto city museum without a physical space , is running a series of virtual walking tours. These tours combine maps, audio and historical materials that focus on specific historical subjects: Black slavery in Toronto, the waterfront (narrated by former mayor David Crombie), and the evolution of the city’s movie theatres. Experience them while out and about or sitting at home. We prefer out and about. myseumoftoronto.com

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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.

• RELATED: The Best Parks In Calgary For A Casual & Relaxing Stroll

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.

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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.

• RELATED:  The Malahat Skywalk Is A Breathtaking Way To View The Natural Beauty Of BC

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.

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Experience Toronto like a local

Small group walking tours

Premium guides.

Buzz Tours has a 5-Star Rating on Tripadvisor, Airbnb, and Google. Our "Show me the City" tour is the  most reviewed Airbnb Experience in Canada. Our 2-3 hour walking tours of Toronto are led by our knowledgeable professional guides, who want you to see and experience this great city the way the locals do. Our tours have been crafted to let you see and experience the most during the time you are on one of our walks. Toronto is known for its incredible restaurants, nightlife, shopping, parks, and cultural activities. As long term residents of this city, our guides know that it’s the neighbourhoods of this city that make Toronto such a unique, vibrant and diverse walking experience. Our guided walking tours will explore many of these diverse areas which make up this, the world's most vibrant multicultural city. We're Looking for Part-Time Seasonal Guides! Are you, or someone you know, interested in being a tour guide for our group tours? We are looking of guides who are personable, engaging, safety-conscious and someone who really knows this city. If you, or someone you know, are interested in showing people from all corners of the world our great city, send us your resume and a note as to why you are interested in the position to: [email protected] We looking forward to hearing from you.

Experience Toronto with a Buzz Tour Experience

• Small groups of maximum 10 per tour, led by premium guides that are long-term Toronto residents, and trained for each curated tour. This is how we deliver a walking tour experience like being a local and get more of your questions answered.
• An enjoyable and smooth tour, with 15,000 guests since 2017, and guests from 60 countries in 2023 -we know how to treat you well.
• Top ratings on TripAdvisor, Airbnb Experiences and Google.

Group & Private Tours

• Group Tours start at $35 CAD/person, including taxes/fees
• Private Tours start at $295 CAD/per 8 person group, including taxes/fees $10 fee for each additional guest
• Tours offered 7 days a week
• As we are a “small group tours" company we keep our private tours to a manageable group size.

Toronto is a very modern, fast paced city with spectacular buildings, amazing parkland, great theatre, top notch sports teams and very friendly residents. Toronto prides itself on its cultural diversity. With this diversity, comes amazing restaurants, unique neighbourhoods, and a unique vibe that few other cities on this planet can match. We look forward to sharing our city’s story with you and showing you some of its great sites.

Current Tour Choices

Show Me The City

(our signature tour).

This 3-hour tour will take you through the city’s downtown core, stopping at many of the great sites and buildings. On this tour you will learn a bit about Toronto culture, history, architecture, transportation, city building, entertainment.

$48 CAD/person

Buzz Tours offers both PRIVATE and GUIDED GROUP walking tours. Guided Group Walking Tours are tours through some of Toronto's most memorable and vibrant neighbourhoods. These Walking Tours are operational 12 months a year and have a duration of between 2 to 3 hours, and typically have a maximum of 8 guests. With our small group size we ensure that you will not be just part of the walk, but an active participant in a walk and talk. Private/Corporate Walking Tours allow you the guest to determine the route, the time and the people you want to join you on the tour. Groups can choose to follow the route of one of our tours, or create a customize route of their own through the downtown core.

PATH: Toronto's Underground City

Toronto has an underground city (and in some cases above ground) called PATH. PATH connects more than 70 buildings in the city. It is 24km (16 miles) in length, has 900 shops and services and has over 500 food outlets. This is a GREAT tour for cold, or rainy days!

$35 CAD/person

Market 2 Market

Toronto has 2 famous markets. Kensington Market (an entire neighbourhood) with great food and interesting shops, and the St. Lawrence Market, an indoor food market ranked one of the top markets in the world. The markets are on opposites sides of the city, which allows are tour to take you through many of the great areas of the city and see some of this city’s amazing architecture.

2 Villages & The Main Street

The northern part of downtown Toronto is sometimes overlooked by visitors to the city. This area has great character, awesome architecture, and loads of history and culture. Our 2.5 hour tour will take you through 2 villages: Yorkville, originally a village outside the city and now a high end fashionable area, and the Church/Wellesley village, home to Toronto’s huge LGBTQ2S+ community.  To get from one village do the other, we will walk down Yonge Street, Toronto’s main street.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Buzz Tours consistently receives excellent ratings from our guests for all of our tours. That’s something we have worked hard for and it's something we take great pride in. We do our best to ensure that every one of our guests has a great experience on a Buzz Tour. We will greet you at the beginning of the tour. We will engage you in a two-way conversation along the tour, and we will answer questions, you may have not just about the sites, but the history, culture, and life in the city. Our goal is  to raise the bar on your expectations for your next walking tour, wherever that may be.

Step It Up: The Best Urban Walks in Toronto

Here’s are some of the best urban walking routes in Toronto

Klaus Lang/Getty Images

One of the best things about Toronto is how walkable the city is. Not every area is conducive to getting around on foot, but much of the city offers the chance to get outside and explore unique neighbourhoods and scenic green spaces. No matter the season, there’s a good spot to walk in Toronto, encompassing anything from art and architecture, to parks, food and history. Spring and summer are obviously ideal for spending time outdoors, but as long as you dress in layers there’s no reason to bypass a walk during the colder months. Here are seven of the best urban walks in Toronto that you can undertake at any pace you like, spending longer if you want to shop, browse or stop for a coffee or something to eat. 

Roncesvalles Village to the Lake

Amanda Lynn/Getty Images

 A walk along Roncesvalles Avenue south to the lake is a great way to spend a couple of hours in Toronto, getting to know Roncesvalles Village and ending up by the water. Depending on the season and the weather, build in some time to walk along the lake . The boardwalk will take you all along the water and in the warmer months you can grab a spot on the waterfront patio at the Sunnyside Pavilion Café. As you walk along Roncesvalles, you’ll be able to stop in any number of cozy cafes, specialty foods stores, bars and restaurants if you have time to linger.

West Toronto Railpath

TripSavvy / Kristjan Veski

Soon to be extended, the current West Toronto Railpath is 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) long and was completed in 2009. It runs along the Kitchener GO train line from just north of Dupont Street to Dundas Street West and there’s lots to see along the way. The path features public art, as well as Henderson Brewing and the Drake Commissary at Sterling Road. Henderson’s tap room is open seven days a week and has become a popular rest stop along the Railpath for anyone craving a craft beer. Bonus: they're dog-friendly so feel free to bring any four-legged friends. The Drake Commissary offers food and drink all day in a relaxed but upscale setting.

Bloor West Village and High Park

TripSavvy / Kristjan Veski

Start your walk at Runnymede subway station and head west through charming Bloor West Village to High Park, one of the city’s most popular parks. Bloor West Village is filled with independent boutiques, cafes, pubs, gourmet food stores and green grocers making for a pleasant walk. Once you hit Keele Street there’s an entrance to High Park, offering numerous hiking trails as well as a pond, public swimming pool, playgrounds, a restaurant, paved walking trails and landscaped gardens. After your walk, have lunch or a drink in Bloor West Village for a full day of fun.

Union Station to the Distillery District

Making your way from Union Station to the Distillery District you’ll pass by the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Gooderham Building (Toronto’s answer to the Flatiron Building) and then make your way to the St. Lawrence Market (just keep in mind the market is closed on Mondays). Take some time to explore—it was voted the number one market in the world by National Geographic. Here you’ll find a plethora of food vendors selling everything from baked goods and artisan cheese, to produce, spices and prepared foods. You’ll eventually get to the historic Distillery District at Trinity St. with its Victorian-era architecture, specialty shops and restaurants - perfect for grabbing a post-walk meal.

Kensington Market and Chinatown

Suwannee.payne/Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Toronto’s Kensington Market and Chinatown are two of its most interesting neighborhoods and can easily be combined into one of the best walks in the city. Starting at St. Patrick subway station you can walk along Spadina Ave., taking in the Asian markets, dim sum spots, and herbal shops. Continue heading north until you reach Baldwin Ave. at which point you’ll be at Kensington Market. Take your time exploring the many vintage stores, coffee shops and a mind-boggling array of food from around the world (from empanadas to fish tacos).  

Eastern Beaches Boardwalk

Chuck Kahn/EyeEm/Getty Images

The city’s east end is where you’ll find this 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) boardwalk that winds along the city’s eastern beaches from Silver Birch Avenue to Ashbridge's Bay Park, west of Woodbine Avenue. Spend some time walking along the boardwalk, and then just one block away on Queen Street East you change things up by exploring the vibrant east Toronto neighborhood with a small town feel and abundance of shops and eateries should you feel like browsing. 

Lower Don Trail and Corktown Common

BriYYZ/Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0

Recently reopened following a lengthy closure, the lower Don Trail is one of the most popular trails in the city, used by pedestrians and cyclists alike. The 2.9-mile (4.7-kilometer) section of multi-use trail runs along the Don River from Pottery Road to Corktown Common and whether strolling or moving at a faster pace, is a serene and scenic way to spend time in the city. Corktown Common is an 18-acre park located at the foot of Lower River Street and Bayview Avenue and weather-permitting, the green space and largest park in the area, is well worth adding to your walk. 

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The top 10 walking tours in Toronto

Latest Videos

Walking tours in Toronto take you through all the twists and turns of Toronto's past and present. Journey by foot through your neighbourhoods of choice on guided expeditions where even those born-and-raised Torontonians will learn something new. 

Here are my picks for the top walking tours in Toronto.

Toronto history tours by Muddy York Walking Tour

Explore Old Town Toronto—better known these days as the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood—and let Muddy York's guide immerse you through some 19th century history. Scheduled and private tours runs for ninety minutes $15 to $25 per person.

Beer Makes Better History by Urban Adventures

What better way to learn the back story of a city than through its relationship with booze? Over four hours you'll visit three classic Toronto watering holes in St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District—just keep in mind drinks aren't included in your fee of $48.

Walk Ward's Island

Tourists and locals alike know that Ward's Island is like a city of its own, so what better way to explore the area than with Linda and Susan, a pair of longtime Island residents. Take the ferry across the lake and pay $30 for 90 minutes of walking through this tightly-knit community.

Downtown Toronto Tour by Tour Guys

Tourists will see the essential attractions of the downtown core on this free 1.5-hour-long tour. Both city halls, the skyscrapers of the Financial District, Union Station, and of course, the Toronto sign are must-visits, though even locals might benefit from the tour of the PATH.   

Kensington Market tour by Chopsticks+Forks

A journey best embarked on by lovers of food from around the world, this tour is pricey at $79 but comes with samples from six restaurants in the market. By the end of three hours, you'll have eaten food from eight different countries, while learning about T.O.'s most eclectic area.

Ultimate Chocolate Tour by Tasty Tours

For anyone who likes chocolate, this walk is for you. This three-hour tour runs every weekend, looping around Trinity Bellwoods to hit a bunch of chocolatiers along King West, Queen West, and Dundas West. Your $49 includes a chocolate-making demo and samples galore.

Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District where you can get to know the history of the Gooderham and Worts distillery within an hour. It runs year-long, and $21 gets you tastings at Soma , Mill St. Brewery and hot chocolate vouchers.

Graffiti Tour by Tour Guys

A popular stop for out-of-towners, Graffiti Alley  is one of Toronto's must colourful attractions. This 1.5-hour tour is completely free (though tipping your guide is highly encouraged) and takes followers through 2-kilometres of graffiti history, rain or shine. 

Sweet Sensation by Savour Toronto

This tour through Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Queen West is all about the sweet tooth. For $60 you'll visit a bunch of different food destinations serving up a hodgepodge of six sweets like chocolate Belgian waffles, Asian-inspired gelato, and macarons. 

The Original Haunted Walk

This group has been guiding ghost-enthusiasts on their spooky walk through the city for over 20 years. Start at the Hockey Hall of Fame and embark on a 90-minute tour of the city's historical hauntings (and the paranormal activities at Mackenzie House) for $23.75. 

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WELCOME TO STEP BY STEP TOURS!

We are a walking tour company based out of Toronto, Canada with a passion for creating community based experiences. Our team members are enthusiastic and welcoming and love sharing the history and culture of our city with you! We specialize in historical guided walking tours of downtown Toronto but we also offer step-on guide services for larger groups, custom tour routes, private tours, audio tours, and fun SEASONAL tours.  

Free walking tour near Toronto

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Toronto Walking Tours

This post provides several different free walking tours you can take in Toronto, covering a wide variety of subjects and locations in the city.

Despite the fact that the city of Toronto has only been around for a few hundred years, there’s still a pretty extensive and intriguing history behind this city.

There are a plethora of tours you can take that cover multiple interesting topics.

The most common tours focus on the history of either the oldest part of the city or the downtown area, including a focus on architectural style and some of the more notable events which took place in each neighbourhood.

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Here Are Additional Tours

• Old Town History
• Ghost Tours

There are also a few street art tours you might want to consider which provide a look at some of the best graffiti in Toronto while discussing some of the controversy surrounding this type of artwork.

Finally, you might also want to consider a ghost tour to learn about the darker side of history in Toronto!

Each of these services is either a self-guided tour or a pay-what-you-wish guided walking tour, which means they are essentially tip-based and you can pay your tour guide however much you feel the tour was worth.

Most guests feel comfortable tipping $10-$15, but it’s entirely up to you to decide how much you would like to offer for these free walking tours.

Most of these walking tours don’t have limits on the size of the groups and can sometimes get quite large.

If you’d rather avoid large groups, there are several paid small-group tours you can choose from instead.

Is Toronto walkable?

Yes, Toronto is walkable. The city's core is dense with attractions, public transit is readily available, and many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly.

The best time for a Toronto walking tour is from late spring to early fall, particularly between May and September, when the weather is mild and the city is bustling with activities.

TORONTO OLD TOWN HISTORY TOURS

Learn about the history of Toronto by taking a free walking tour through the old town neighbourhood to see some of the most notable landmarks in the area.

Toronto might be a relatively young city, but there are still a lot of interesting and historic structures and locations to see, and these tours also cover a lot of important events in the city.

While walking through Old Town Toronto, you can expect to see some of these sites:

• Metropolitan United Church
• York County Courthouse
• St. Lawrence Market
• Courthouse Square
• St. James Cathedral
• Sculpture Garden

Explore the oldest part of the city and learn about the locations listed above on one of the following free walking tours.

Toonie Tours

This 3-hour Toronto Free Walking Tour will connect you to the city through the eyes of a local guide.

See the most exciting and historic areas of Toronto. Learn about the city, the province, and, above all, Canada. You will hear tales of local legends and discover many notable establishments along the way.

The tour is filled with recommendations & tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Toronto!

Your Free Walking Tour of Toronto starts in the heart of Old Toronto – Berczy Park, near the Dog Fountain.

This service is available daily at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm.

Book this tour or learn more .

Over the course of 1 ½ hours, this old town Toronto tour will provide a breakdown of the most notable events in the history of the city, including massive fires, duels to the death, and more.

This pay-what-you-wish tour is available Tuesday - Sunday at 10 am, the route is approximately 2 km long, and it is offered rain or shine.

Book the tour or find out more .

Old Town Toronto Self-Guided Tours

If you’d rather explore the city at your own pace and you’re not interested in joining a tour group, there are a few self-guided tours of old town Toronto that are offered by the city of Toronto.

You can either download these tours onto your smartphone or print them out to use at your discretion, and each one includes a map you can use to find your way around the city with ease.

• Old Town Toronto West
• Old Town Toronto East
• St. Lawrence Neighbourhood
• A Hundred Years of Architecture

Paid Old Town Toronto Tours

Although there aren’t a lot of paid tours that cover the history of old town Toronto, there are some outings that visit the St. Lawrence neighbourhood.

Thanks to the market in the area, there are several food tours and beer tours you might want to consider, as well as a few walking tours you might enjoy.

Check this list of Old Town Toronto tours to find a service that fits your itinerary. 

TORONTO DOWNTOWN TOURS 

If you want to discover the downtown area, there are a few different free walking tours in Toronto you may want to consider.

Downtown tours focus on the most notable skyscrapers, architecture, and public spaces in the city, providing details about the history of these structures.

Here are a few of the more significant sites you can expect to see on these tours:

• Union Station
• The Toronto Sign
• Old & New City Hall
• The Financial District
• Underground PATH Walkway

To see or learn more about any of these locations, consider one of the pay-what-you-wish walking tours listed below.

Downtown Toronto Walking Tour Yonge St

Explore the heartbeat of Toronto on this immersive tour.

Discover the iconic Yonge Street, a focal point of Canada's history, leading up to the bustling Yonge-Dundas Square.

Get to experience Toronto's attractions, including sightseeing at the Financial District, and a possible stop at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Along the way, take in the charm of Old Toronto and the elegance of the Ontario Legislative Building.

Jose, your guide, provides a blend of education and entertainment, making this tour an award-winning winery of knowledge.

With each step on this scenic drive, you'll understand why September is the most popular month to visit.

Book Your Tour or Learn More .

Downtown Toronto Walking Tour St. Lawrence

Embark on a fascinating walk through downtown Toronto, from the historic St. Lawrence district to Toronto Harbour and the Toronto Islands.

Admire the majestic American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and experience the thrill of a Hornblower Niagara Cruise.

Unearth the hidden gems of the city as you journey through a myriad of attractions, including the impressive Rogers Centre and Harbourfront.

The tour also offers a chance to experience the allure of the Floral Clock, making it one of the city's best tours.

A stroll through the vibrant streets of St. Lawrence encapsulates the spirit of Toronto in every stride.

This company offers a downtown tour and they have received a lot of positive reviews for their service.

As a matter of fact, they have a 5 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor!

You can take this 1 ½ hour free walking tour daily at 10 am and 2 pm. You can expect to walk at least 2 km throughout the city and make at least 6-8 stops.

Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Tours

In addition to the pay-what-you-wish tour listed above, there are also some interesting self-guided tours provided by the city of Toronto themselves.

Each of these services is easily accessible via their website , and they all include a route map you can use to find your way around the city with ease.

• Downtown Toronto Discovery Walk
• The Green Podium Roof Walk
• Downtown Complete Streets Walk

Paid Downtown Toronto Tours

If you’re more interested in seeing this part of the city from another perspective, there are some great paid tours of downtown Toronto you might want to consider.

While there are some other walking tours available, you may also enjoy a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, bike tour, helicopter tour, or even airplane tour.

Ticket prices range from $20-$120 on average.

Here is a list of well-reviewed paid downtown Toronto tours you can take.

TORONTO STREET ART TOURS

Discover another side of the city when you learn about the best street art and graffiti in Toronto on a free pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

While on a street art tour, you’ll see a variety of interesting artwork and visit locations such as “Graffiti Alley.”

Your guide will discuss the controversy around this form of artwork in Toronto.

There are also some tours that cover some of the more traditionally artistic sites in the city, including stops in Toronto’s “Village of Murals.”

Aside from their historic tours of the city, this company also offers a service that covers the subculture of graffiti art in Toronto over the course of 1 ½ hours.

Most reviews for this tour are very positive, and it has received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars .

You can take the street art/graffiti tour daily at 4 pm, and it’s approximately 2 km in length.

Book the tour or learn more .

TIP: If you're interested in art, consider their paid tour of Kensington Market & Chinatown . This outing includes coverage of street art, comic book stores, coffee houses, and vintage shops.

Self-Guided Toronto Art Tours

If you’re more interested in traditional artwork, there are also some nice self-guided walking tours provided by the city of Toronto.

One option is their Art Walk , which visits the Village of Islington to explore more than 15,000 feet of murals spread across 5 blocks of the neighbourhood. This tour includes a route map to help you find each stop.

Alternatively, you may also enjoy the NHS Urban Walk which covers Cultural Toronto.

This self-guided tour provides a look at the most notable locations for music, theatre, film, and visual arts.

Visitors who are interested in seeing more greenery might enjoy discovering the beautiful parks in this city on a self-guided tour of Uptown Toronto .

Once again, a route map will help you locate each site.

Paid Toronto Street Art Tours

Although there aren’t a lot of other tours that cover this subject, there are a few Toronto street art tours you can pay to take which might be of interest.

Some of these outings include food and drink samples as well, essentially making them food tours.

• Kensington Market and Chinatown Tour
• Afternoon Arts Walking Tour + Food & Drink
• Arts, Food & Culture Tour

TORONTO GHOST TOURS

If you want to discover the spookier side of Toronto, there are also some free ghost tours you can take which provide information about the darker stories from throughout this city’s history.

Discover some of the most infamous and potentially haunted sites in the city, and learn about some of the myths that continue to persist to this day.

Here are a few of the locations you can expect to see on these tours:

• Old City Hall
• Stewart Building
• Queen’s Park
• Trinity College
• Soldier’s Tower

Learn more about the darker side of these sites on one of the free walking tours listed below.

In addition to covering the more disturbing aspects of Toronto’s history, this tour also attempts to do a bit of myth-busting and questions whether or not the stories of the past were accurate.

Much like their other free tours, this company has also received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars for their pay-what-you-wish ghost tour as well. 

This outing is available every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and it is approximately 2 km in length.

NOTE: This outing isn't available as of April 2022, but it appears it will return in the fall.

Find out more or book this tour .

Self-Guided Toronto Ghost Tour

If you’d rather discover the spookiest locations in this city at your own pace, the city of Toronto actually offers a free self-guided tour with a route map you can use to find each stop.

This outing can be enjoyed either from South to North or from North to South, and it is estimated to take around 2 hours total to see every site included.

Download this self-guided Toronto ghost tour .

Paid Toronto Ghost Tours

While there aren’t any other free ghost tours available in Toronto, there are a lot of really affordable paid tours you can take that cover specific locations in the city such as the Distillery District, the University of Toronto, and more.

• Original Haunted Walk of Toronto
• Ghosts and Spirits of the Distillery District
• University of Toronto Ghost Tour

TORONTO PUB CRAWLS

In addition to all the other outings available in Toronto, there are also pub crawls which will cover some of the best bars in the city. You'll also learn all about the most popular drinks in the area!

Toronto Pub Crawl

Join Toronto Pub Crawl and discover the city's vibrant nightlife.

Experience some of Canada's best tours, including a visit to the iconic CN Tower and other great attractions like Duke's Refreshers and Score on King.

Enjoy a thrilling cruise through the pulsating streets, enriched with the taste of local brews. Uncover hidden gems along Queen West, while making sure your comfort is paramount.

Remember, this crawl operates on a "Free payment" model, so pay what you feel is fair.

With its scenic drive through Toronto's best-kept secrets, the tour showcases the thrilling side of the city after sundown.

Local Craft Beer, History and Culture Tour

Our Local Craft Beer, History and Culture Tour takes you on a journey to taste the best of Toronto's craft beer scene.

From well-established pubs to the Distillery District, this tour offers a taste of Canadian heritage.

Alongside your beer tasting, you'll explore Toronto's history, taking in the sights of the city's attractions, such as Casa Loma and the Skylon Tower.

The thrill of city tours combined with a shopping tour through the vibrant districts enhances your journey.

At the end of this tour, you'll have savored great food, great brews, and the true spirit of Toronto.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Glass Animals Will Embark on ‘Tour of Earth’ With 2024 Live Shows

• By Larisha Paul

Larisha Paul

Later this year, Glass Animals will bring their forthcoming studio album I Love You So F***ing Much on an international tour fittingly titled Glass Animals: Tour of Earth.

The record, which features the newly released single “Creatures in Heaven,” will arrive on July 19, while the tour is scheduled to kick off just under a month later. The band will be joined on the road by Kevin Abstract, Eyedress, Blondshell, and The Big Moon on select dates.

Tour of Earth begins on Aug. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will close out its North American run on Sept. 22 in Austin, Texas. Glass Animals will make stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Inglewood’s Kia Forum, in addition to performances in Philadelphia, Toronto, Cincinnati, Nashville, Phoenix, Raleigh, and more. The tour also includes two back-to-back shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado.

General sale for North America and Europe will begin on Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. local time via the official Glass Animals website. Presales will begin on Tuesday, April 9.

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