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Heritage Toronto walking tours this weekend: Toronto’s railway heritage, Winchester Street and the Necropolis, and the Howard’s High Park

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This weekend’s Heritage Toronto walks (free + no reservation required):

Saturday, May 10 — 11:00 AM
Toronto’s Railway Heritage

On May 16, 1853, the first passenger train steamed out of Toronto from a wooden depot located close to the eastern entrance of the present Union Station. Over the course of the next century, the railways were to have a profound impact on the city. This walk explores the railways’ influence on downtown Toronto, with an emphasis on the Railway Lands and the old CPR John Street roundhouse.

LEADER: Derek Boles, Toronto Railway Historical Association
START POINT: Courtyard on N side of King St, just E of Yonge St
FINISH POINT: John Street Roundhouse, Rees St and Bremner Blvd
LENGTH: Approx. 2 – 2 1/2 hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Long walk on sidewalks, some stairs

 

 

Saturday, May 10 — 1:30 PM
Winchester Street and the Necropolis

Take a different look at Cabbagetown. We’ll visit the Necropolis, one of Toronto‘s oldest cemeteries and the final resting place for several famous Canadians, ranging from politicians George Brown and William Lyon Mackenzie to Thornton Blackburn, a former slave who started the first cab company in Toronto. We’ll also hear about the architecture of the area and those who farmed the land before it became a 19th century suburb.

LEADERS: Cabbagetown Preservation Association
START POINT: NE corner of Parliament and Winchester Streets
FINISH POINT: Toronto Necropolis Cemetery, Winchester and Sumach Streets
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on sidewalks and paved paths, some rough ground, slopes

 

 

Sunday, May 11 — 1:30 PM
The Howards’ High Park

Explore the lives of architect John Howard and his wife Jemima, who deeded Colborne Lodge and High Park to the City. Learn about the re-creation of the gardens around their Regency Style cottage, then stroll to the Farm Cottage and hear how their legacy continues to affect us today.

LEADER: Catherine Raven, Colborne Lodge Museum
START POINT: Colborne Lodge, Colborne Lodge Dr, N of the Queensway. Meet at Lodge entrance sign by the parking lot.
FINISH POINT: Hillside Gardens, Colborne Lodge Dr
LENGTH: Approx. 1 ½ to 2 hours
FOCUS: Historical, natural, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Rough park ground, stairs, and slopes

Spacing is pleased to be the promoting sponsor of Heritage Toronto walks.

photo by Grant Hollingworth

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2 comments

  1. I did a couple London Walks while there a few weeks ago and they were fantastic, but you can tell that it very much depends on the guide. I don’t know if Heritage Toronto has been in contact with London Walks to get some tips/pointers, but even if they’re half as good, they should be interesting.

  2. Is it ok to bring our dog’s along on such a walk?
    I mean it is a walk after all, and that’s what dog’s do…
    Just curious…