What we’re about
The email has changed to
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
please use this new email for all transactions!
For public tours please select the events tab above.
For private tours please email me at torontohistorywalks@gmail.com for a quote.
Welcome to Toronto History Walks. We specialize in the history of Toronto. With well over 450 different historic routes to explore in Toronto, and approaching 2000 tours since inception back in 2019, we have covered the entire city, and brought our story to light.
When one thinks of Toronto, the CN Tower, Eaton Centre, Canada's Wonderland, and Kensington Market come to mind, and for good reason. These landmarks have made Toronto an international destination. And it's constantly renewing and growing. We have an amazing city, and a young city at that. It all dates to 1615 with the man known as Etienne Brule, and the French Regime in what would become the future Quebec and Ontario. The rest is history, as they say. And that's where I come in.
These tours are for visitors and residents interested in exploring local history, and understanding our place, not only in our beautiful Canada, but in the world in which we live and work. We have covered and explored ravines, streets, from Riverdale to Mimico, from North York Centre to Corktown. We have investigated ghosts, and the Don Jail, from Rogers Road to Spadina Road and Forest Hill, Garrison Creek to Rathnelly to the PATH. Our Christmas Lights tours will be back for a new season. And everything in between.
Our history does impact the world at large. Our walking tours are so needed in an age of misunderstanding. Let's tell our stories, and celebrate our city! Our motto is simple, let's bring history alive for all!
Harley Karulis
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- All About the Historic Beaches! (SPECIAL EXTENDED SUMMER EVENING TOUR)Toronto Public Library - Beaches Branch, Toronto, ONCA$15.00
**The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email
torontohistorywalks@gmail.com
for more information or for signing up!**** Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:
torontohistorywalks@gmail.comThe area was first settled in 1794 by the Ashbridges family, whose name is remembered by the nearby bay and park. Their homestead on Queen Street East was well to the west of the area currently identified as the Beaches. A later generation of the Ashbridges family rebuilt the family home in 1854 and can be seen on Queen Street East opposite the TTC barns near Kingston Road.
The Beaches remained a sparely settled community until the end of the 19th century when extension of the Grand Truck Railway, the draining of the northern parts of Ashbridges Bay, and the construction of street car tracks on Queen Street and Kingston Road, opened the area to settlement.
From Sunnyside Amusement Park built in 1922 to Scarboro Beach built in 1906, it seemed that Toronto cornered the market on summertime chills and thrills.
We had 5 major amusement parks along our waterfront, and two smaller parks, Victoria Park and Munro Park, virtually unknown to Torontonians today, but extremely popular summertime places, years ago as pleasure parks.
This walking tour is for all walking levels and fitness skills. Please dress for the season and bring water. And remember to bring your love of history.
It begins outside the Beaches Branch of the Toronto Public Library at Queen Street East, and Lee Avenue adjacent to Kew Gardens. The tour ends at the Neville Park Queen Street Streetcar Loop.
This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person.
** Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:
torontohistorywalks@gmail.com
