Bad Toronto: Brothels to the Blue Laws! (RETURN FOR 2026)

**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 price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:
torontohistorywalks@gmail.com

On May 28, 1961 the celebrated entertainer Cupcake Cassidy appeared on stage at the Lux Theatre on College Street West at Brunswick Avenue to an adoring public.

But it wasn't a happy situation for all. Just the thought of this type of activity in good old Toronto on a Sunday was disconcerting. What was the world coming to? People asked in the "City of Churches." Toronto wasn't into this type of entertainment, or was it?

From the circus riot of 1855, to the "east end of downtown," brothels, and the Yonge Street Sin Strip of the 1960s and 1970s, Toronto wasn't exactly the type of city you would bring home to mother, or anyone for that matter.

It was a city of exotic entertainment with an underground life, flair and danger. In 1968 two young men disappeared from two well known cafes on Yorkville avenue, their remains were found decades later and more cases are coming to light. Murder in old Toronto, how and why, was becoming the catch phrase!

Drugs and crime haunted the streets of Yorkville and migrated south on Yonge Street to set up shop between Gerrard and Dundas Street known as The Strip! And we were called boring!!!!!!!

With the tragic and heartbreaking murder of a 12 year old shoeshine boy the fun and danger loving city decided enough was enough, and the raids and closings started.

But Toronto has a long history of underground activity, activity that one wouldn't even dream was circulating in the city of churches and Toronto the good. You could say it was Toronto the bad or even Toronto, the downright wicked.

Sodom and Gomorrah of the north, well maybe that's a stretch. Or is it? hummmmmm! Points to Ponder indeed!

With over 4 months of research this tour will open your eyes as to the real Toronto. A fascinating walk into the real dark side of this city.

Please be advised this tour is not for children.

Our walk begins at the dog fountain in Berczy Park at 35 Wellington Street East. We end at College and Yonge Street!

This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person.

** Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:
torontohistorywalks@gmail.com