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Hi Ho High Parkers,
Dust off your walking shoes and prepare your minds, because we have a very special event just for you. We are officially stepping into our imaginary DeLorean and heading back to 1793.
Yes, we’re taking a stroll through the streets east of the original Town of York, established by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe back when Toronto was just the freshly minted capital of Upper Canada (and arguably had fewer potholes).
Along the way, we’ll pass some of Toronto’s oldest homes, churches, and historic buildings. We’ll also track the city’s original shoreline and the old wharves that used to define it—before we paved over it all in the name of progress.
What’s on the itinerary?

  • The Gritty & The Grand: We’ll uncover the lives of early immigrants—their homes, workplaces, and places of worship.
  • Industrial Giants: We'll check out the remnants of a massive gas plant that powered one of North America’s first street lighting systems, alongside the site of what was once the world’s largest distillery. (Sadly, no free samples from 1793 are left).
  • Juicy History: We’ll hear tales of the notable local figures who built industries, championed free education, cared for the needy, and—best of all—absolute scandalized early York. 18th-century drama hits different.

The logistics (The "Why is this hike so short?" Section): The walk is under 2 hours and covers a grand total of about 2.5 km. Why the leisurely pace? Because this time, you have a certified, professional guide... which means it's not me running the show.
It promises to be fun, fascinating, and highly educational. In fact, we are confident you might actually grow a few new brain cells on this tour.

  • Date: Sunday, September 27th
  • Start Time: 14:00 sharp! (History waits for no one).
  • Meeting Spot: St. Paul’s Basilica at Queen St. E. and Power St. (83 Power St.) https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNUSRmX4akusPLPg9
  • End Spot: 11 Trinity St. (A manageable 6 blocks south of the start). Short, sweet, and perfectly low impact.

The Best Part? This event is part of the completely FREE ROM Walks program. Just look for the official ROM guide holding the distinctive blue umbrella—and then look right next to them to find me.
RSVP right now to lock in your spot for a genuinely fantastic afternoon. See you in the past.

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