Heritage Toronto walking tours this weekend: The Toronto Islands and Willowdale

Hanlan’s Point and the Lighthouse – SATURDAY, MAY 30 @ 10:00 AM

Explore the western portion of Toronto Island from Hanlan’s Point to Gibraltar Point and hear how the landscape and use of the Island has changed dramatically over the years. Tours will be offered in English and French.

LEADER: Société d’histoire de Toronto and Heritage Toronto
START POINT: Hanlan’s Point Ferry Dock ON THE ISLAND
FINISH POINT: Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, Toronto Island
LENGTH: Approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours
FOCUS: Historical, natural
DIFFICULTY: Long walk (about 2.5 km) on Park grounds and paths, rough ground
Note: Participants must pay own fare for the ferry (Adults $6.50; Students/Seniors $4.00; Juniors under 14 $3.00. Cash only). Visit www.toronto.ca/parks/island or call 416-392-8193 for more details.

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Exploring Rural “Willow Dale” – SUNDAY, MAY 31 @ 1:30 PM

Before the suburban lawns and high-rises sprouted in North York, there was ‘rural Willow Dale.’ Walk the former farmland of residents like David Gibson, a 19th century farmer, surveyor and one of the leaders of the 1837 Rebellion. See some of the buildings and sites of this one-time village, as well as the public
art that commemorates an earlier era.

LEADERS: North York Historical Society
START POINT: Gibson Park, NW corner of Yonge St and Park Home Ave (north of North York Centre Subway Station)
FINISH POINT: Yonge St and Empress Ave (near North York Centre Subway Station)
LENGTH: Approx. 1 1/2 hours
FOCUS: Historical
DIFFICULTY: Average walk on pavement, parkland

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Spacing is pleased to be the promoting sponsor of the Heritage Toronto walking tours. All walks are free, and no reservations are required.

Photo by Toronto Archives (Fonds 1244, File 1244, Item 6035)