St James Park: Imagining Toronto’s Past- SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – 1:30 PM
In his novel Consolation, author Michael Redhill imagined the lives of immigrant Jem Hallam in 1850s Toronto and David Hollis, a professor of “forensic geology” in the city of the 1990s. Visit some of the sites from 1856, then forward to the present as the author explores our attitudes towards preservation of the past and what lies beneath our city.
Leader: Michael Redhill
Start Point: St James Park, just W of King and Jarvis Streets, across from St Lawrence Hall
Finish Point: Harbour Square Park, south of Bay St and Queen’s Quay W
Length: Approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Average walk on sidewalks, some slopes
Focus: Historical
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Fort York and the Garrison Commons: Battlefields, Graves and Urban Development -SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – 1:00 PM
Explore the evolution of Fort York’s ‘Garrison Common,’ land outside the Fort which was originally set aside for military purposes. Through the years, the Commons has witnessed some of Toronto’s most dramatic events and changes. Free admission to Historic Fort York and free parking.
Leader: Historic Fort York
Start Point: Main (west) entrance of Historic Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd just N of Fort York Blvd. Meet outside of the canteen (gift shop)
Finish Point: Inside Fort York
Length: Approx. 1 1/2 hours
Walk Difficulty: stairs, slopes and rough ground
Focus: Historical, natural, architectural
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Atop the Davenport Hill in the 1920s-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – 1:30 PM
Explore Davenport Hill during one of its times of transition; from a neighbourhood of grand estates to an era of suburban development. In the 1920s, Lady Eaton moved out of Ardwold, her city home, an orchestra played at the Casa Loma Hotel, the Austins of Spadina helped lead Toronto’s New Symphony Orchestra and Ernest Hemingway typed articles for The Toronto Star at his home nearby.
Leader: Spadina Museum
Start Point: Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd (just east of Casa Loma)
Finish Point: Winston Churchill Park, Spadina Rd and St Clair Ave W
Length: Approx. 1 1/2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Walk on pavement, some slopes
Focus: Historical
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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 from the Toronto Archives (fortyork1_400.jpg)
