After locating a desired walking tour, you can download and print the map and walk details.

Image of Old City Hall
Photo Credit: G. Bailey, 2010

Interest: Architecture, history

Estimated time: One hour to less than two hours.

Architecture is very revealing of a city’s history. A look at a building’s architecture can reveal important details about the period in which it was built, the materials that were available at the time of its construction, as well as the purpose of the building.

Take a walk around Toronto’s historic neighbourhoods and delight in viewing the some of the city’s architectural jewels that are considered outstanding national examples and have been designated as National Historic Sites. If only these building walls could talk…

View the Urban Walk: A Hundred Years of Architecture route map and additional walk details.

Nearest TTC Station: College bus/streetcar, 506

Image of Court House in Toronto
Photo Credit: G. Bailey, 2010

Interest: Architecture, history

Estimated time: One hour to less than two hours.

University Avenue is no doubt one of Toronto’s most distinguished streets. Its wide lanes stretch all the way from Union Station, past Queen’s Park and up to Bloor Street. Take a walk along University Avenue and discover some of Toronto’s historic landmarks, many of which are now National Historic Sites. Many of the sites, such as Union Station, University College and the Royal Conservatory of Music, continue to play an active role in the city today.

View the Urban Walk: Along University Avenue route map and additional walk details.

Nearest TTC Station: Union

Image of St. Lawrence Hall

Interest: Architecture, history, culture

Estimated time: One hour to less than two hours.

Toronto is a creative city – and an important place for music, theatre, film, and visual arts. The city’s rich history and diversity have no doubt provided Canadian artists with much inspiration.

Take a walk and get to know National Historic Sites that are culturally significant to Canadians. Stops include the city’s first purpose-built concert hall, Massey Hall, the Studio Building in which members of the Group of Seven revolutionized Canadian painting in the thirties, the Royal Conservatory of Music from which pianist Glenn Gould graduated and many more! These sites have contributed to putting Toronto and Canada on the cultural map.

View the Urban Walk: Cultural Toronto route map and additional walk details.

Nearest TTC Station: College bus/streetcar, 506

Image of Massy Hall Building
Photo Credit: G. Bailey, 2010.

Interest: Architecture, History

Estimated time: Two hours or longer.

Think that historic sites are boring? Think again. Toronto is filled with National Historic Sites that are still hip and happening! Many of the sites, have been carefully restored while integrating creative architectural design and adaptive re-uses. Finding new uses for heritage sites is not only trendy, it’s also part of an eco-friendly approach to re-using existing materials and buildings.

Plan your weekend around Toronto’s hip and happening National Historic Sites! Visit these hip historic sites and find out which one is now an upscale dance club, which Art Deco Auditorium now hosts exclusive VIP events, which theatre’s ceiling is covered with beech tree branches, and which historic site now produces beer!

View the Urban Walk: Still Hip – National Historic Sites route map and additional walk details.

Nearest TTC Station: Union bus/streetcar: 509