This weekend’s Heritage Toronto walking tours are a great way to get out and explore the city (free + no reservations required):
NEW! Marlborough to Summerhill
Saturday, June 14 – 1:30 pm
Leader: Derek Boles, Ed Freeman
Start point: Parkette on SE corner of Avenue Rd and MacPherson Ave
Finish point: Summerhill Subway Station, Yonge St and Shaftesbury Ave
Length: Approx. 2 hours
Walk difficulty: stairs, slopes and rough ground
The Marlborough – Summerhill area is one of Toronto’s most diverse districts. At various times it has included grand estates and workers’ cottages, industries and a city reservoir, hotels and high-end shops. Much of it was shaped by the Canadian Pacific Railway line, built in 1884. This busy freight line, along with the beautifully restored North Toronto Station, continues to dominate the area.
The Mansions of Jarvis Street
Sunday, June 15 – 1:30 pm
Leader: David Parry
Start point: SE corner of Jarvis and Isabella Streets
Finish point: Jarvis and Gerrard Streets
Length: Approx. 2 – 2 ½ hours
Walk difficulty: long walk on sidewalks
By the 1880s, Jarvis Street had become one of the most fashionable streets in Toronto. We’ll explore the architecture of these grand homes and hear about some of the prominent Torontonians connected to the street, such as E.J. Lennox, the designer of Old City Hall; the Massey family, owners of the farm equipment empire; and Oliver Mowat, a Father of Confederation.
Photo by Steven de Sousa
